Course Descriptions

Major
Minor
Computing Science
Statistics

PROGRAM COORDINATOR: DAVID K. RUCH

FACULTY: Coleman, Davis, Foley, Goad, Hallum, Hart, Hebert, Kirk, Klespis, Konen, Luning, Mattingly, Miller, O’Brien, Ruch, So, Sanders, R. Stoltenberg, Van Fleet

Curriculum outlines below are typical, although modifications may be made to meet individual student needs. In particular, while study plans usually begin with MTH 142, other courses such as MTH 163 or 170 may sometimes be more suitable. Moreover, students who have completed extensive high school mathematics may be eligible for advanced placement.

Minors in mathematics must include MTH 142, 143 and one of the following: MTH 244 and 6 semester hours of advanced mathematics, or 10 semester hours of advanced mathematics. Prerequisites should be carefully noted.

A student’s major program of study may also impose requirements on a minor in mathematics. Thus, the selection of courses for a mathematics minor should be made with the counsel of both the major advisor and a mathematics advisor.

Plans must include MTH 184, 185, 284, 285, 383, 384, 386 and 387 or approved substitutes. This program is accepted as a minor in mathematics.

For Secondary Level Certificates

Plans must include MTH 142, 143, 363, 364, 377, 379, 484, 485 and CS 164 or approved substitutes.

Mathematics 031D, 032D, 184, 185 and 186 may not be applied to meet either course requirement described in Criterion II. However, students obtaining elementary teacher certification may satisfy the first core curriculum course requirement in Criterion II by completing both MTH 184 and MTH 185.

MATHEMATICS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

MTH 031D DEVELOPMENTAL MATHEMATICS I. This course deals with fundamental operations involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percents, ratio and proportion, interpretation of graphs, geometry, and introductory algebra including axioms and properties of the real number system, fundamental operations involving algebraic expressions, first and second degree equations and inequalities in one unknown. Credit in this course may not be applied toward graduation, computation of grade point averages or classification of students by hours completed.

MTH 032D DEVELOPMENTAL MATHEMATICS II. This course covers products and factoring of polynomials, algebraic fractions, exponents and radicals, quadratic equations, functions and graphs, applications and systems of equations. Credit in this course may not be applied toward graduation, computation of grade point averages or classification of students by hours completed.

MTH 142, 143, 244 This sequence of courses is a unified introduction to the fundamental concepts, skills, and applications of calculus and analytic geometry.

MTH 142 CALCULUS I. [MATH 2413] Topics include limits and continuity, the derivative, techniques for differentiation of algebraic, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions, applications of the derivative, anti-differentiation and the definite integral. Prerequisite: MTH 163 or high school equivalent. Credit 4.

MTH 143 CALCULUS II. [MATH 2414] Topics include applications of the definite integral, techniques of integration, improper integrals, Taylor’s formula, infinite series, and an introduction to differential equations.

Prerequisite: MTH 142 with a grade of C or better. Credit 4.

MTH 163 PLANE TRIGONOMETRY. [MATH 1316] Topics include coordinate systems, circular functions, solutions of triangles, identities, trigonometric equations, and inverse functions. Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and high school geometry. Credit 3.

MTH 164 COLLEGE MATHEMATICS. [MATH 1332] This course is designed to meet the objectives of Criterion II for non-business and non-science related majors. Topics may include sets, counting principles, probability, logic, linear algebra, linear programming, and mathematics of finance. Applications are emphasized. Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and high school geometry. Credit 3.

MTH 166 ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS OF FINANCE. [MATH 1321] Mathematical principles and techniques are applied to problems which arise in finance. Topics include simple interest, compound interest, installment buying, annuities, and perpetuities. Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra. Credit 3.

*MTH 169 ELEMENTARY STATISTICS. [MATH 1342] This is a survey course in elementary statistics designed to acquaint students with the role of statistics in society. Coverage includes graphical descriptive methods, measures of central tendency and variation, the basic concepts of statistical inference, the notion of estimators, confidence intervals, and tests of hypotheses. Also offered as STA 169. Prerequisite: Two years of high school algebra. Credit 3.

MTH 170 PRE CALCULUS ALGEBRA. [MATH 2312] Topics include a brief review of introductory algebra, variation, elementary theory of equations, functions (including exponential and logarithmic), inequalities, systems of equations, and other related topics. Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and high school geometry. Credit 3.

MTH 184:185:186 INTRODUCTION TO THE FOUNDATIONS OF MATHEMATICS I, II & III These courses satisfy certification requirements for elementary education. Credit in these courses is applicable only toward elementary teacher certification.

MTH 184 INTRODUCTION TO THE FOUNDATIONS OF MATHEMATICS I. [MATH 1335] Topics include a study of sets, systems of numeration, natural numbers, integers, number theory and rational numbers. Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and high school geometry. Credit 3.

MTH 185 INTRODUCTION TO THE FOUNDATIONS OF MATHEMATICS II. [MATH 1336] Topics include basic notions of Euclidian Geometry in 2 and 3 dimensions, concepts of congruence and similarity, transformational geometry and measurement. Prerequisites: MTH 184 with a grade of C or better. Credit 3.

MTH 186 INTRODUCTION TO THE FOUNDATIONS OF MATHEMATICS III. Topics include ratio and proportion, percent, real numbers, and probability and statistics. Prerequisite: MTH 184 with a grade of C or better. Credit 3.

MTH 199:299 This sequence of courses consists of a study of special concepts and techniques of mathematics which are of particular importance in the fields of business and economics.

MTH 199 MATHEMATICS FOR MANAGERIAL DECISION MAKING I. [MATH 1324] Topics include a review of introductory algebra, equations, relations, functions, graphs, linear programming, systems of equations and matrices, and mathematics of finance. Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and high school geometry. Credit 3.

MTH 244 CALCULUS III. [MATH 2415] This course includes the study of the calculus of functions of several variables and topics in vector calculus including line and surface integrals, Green’s Theorem, Divergence Theorem, and Stoke’s Theorem. Prerequisite: MTH 143 with a grade of C or better. Credit 4

MTH 284 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS. The emphasis of this course is on functions and their graphs. Topics include linear, polynomial, logarithmic, and exponential functions. Prerequisite: MTH 185 with grade of C or better. This course may be applied only toward elementary school teacher certification. Credit 3.

MTH 285 FUNDAMENTALS OF CALCULUS. This course provides an introduction to the concepts and applications of calculus. This course may be applied only toward elementary school teacher certification. Prerequisite: MTH 284. Credit 3.

MTH 299 MATHEMATICS FOR MANAGERIAL DECISION MAKING II. [MATH 1325] Topics include differential and integral calculus with applications in business and economics. Prerequisite: MTH 170 or 199. Credit 3.

MTH 363 EUCLIDEAN GEOMETRY. This course consists of a modern development of Euclidean geometry and a limited introduction to non-Euclidean geometry. Prerequisite: MTH 364. Normally offered in the Fall Semester and in Summer Session II. Credit 3.

MTH 364 INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICAL THOUGHT. This course includes an introduction to sets, logic, the axiomatic method and proof. Prerequisite: MTH 143 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.

MTH 376 DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS. This course, in conjunction with MTH 476, is intended to develop a basic competence in areas of mathematics that are used in solving problems from the physical sciences. This first course emphasizes the general solution of ordinary differential equations, including the Laplace transform and infinite series methods. Prerequisite: MTH 244 or consent of the instructor. Normally offered in the Fall Semester. Credit 3.

MTH 377 INTRODUCTION TO LINEAR ALGEBRA AND MATRICES. Topics include systems of linear equations, vector spaces, matrix operations, and linear transformations and their matrices. Prerequisite: MTH 143. Normally offered in the Spring Semester and in Summer Session II. Credit 3.

MTH 379 STATISTICAL METHODS IN PRACTICE. Topics include organization and presentation of data, measures of central tendency, dispersion, and position, probability distributions for discrete and continuous random variables, sampling techniques, parameter estimation, and hypothesis testing. Emphasis will be given to the use of the MINITAB statistics package. Also offered as STA 379. Prerequisites: 3 semester hours of mathematics and consent of instructor. Credit 3.

MTH 383 GEOMETRIC MEASURE AND TRANSFORMATIONS. Topics included in this course are measurement in one, two, and three dimensions, the metric system, transformation geometry, congruencies, similarities, geometric constructions, and coordinate systems. This course may be applied only toward elementary school teacher certification. Prerequisite: MTH 285 or MTH 143. Credit 3.

MTH 384 FOUNDATIONS OF MATHEMATICS. This course includes the study of the development of the real number system, algebraic concepts and structures, elementary number theory, and an introduction to logic. It may be applied only toward elementary school teacher certification. Prerequisite: MTH 285 or MTH 143. Credit 3.

MTH 385 USING TECHNOLOGY IN MATHEMATICS. The basic fundamental model of a computer is introduced and used as a basis for explaining the terminology associated with using computer systems. Binary and machine representation of information are discussed and elementary programming concepts are introduced. Software applicable to teaching elementary school mathematics is examined. Various microcomputers are used to provide hands-on experience. This course may be applied only toward elementary school certification. Prerequisites: MTH 285 or MTH 143. Credit 3.

MTH 386 FUNDAMENTALS OF PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS. This course provides an introduction to probability and descriptive statistics, including the construction and interpretation of tables, graphs, and charts. Calculator techniques related to the above topics will be incorporated into the course. This course may be applied only toward elementary school teacher certification. Prerequisite: MTH 285 or MTH 143. Credit 3.

MTH 387 FOUNDATIONS OF MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHEMATICS. Topics and projects in mathematical problem-solving appropriate for the middle or junior high school mathematics specialist designed to meet individual student needs and interests. The course may be applied only toward elementary or secondary certification. Prerequisite: 6 hrs. advanced mathematics. Credit 3.

MTH 394 NUMERICAL METHODS. Topics include interpolation, approximations, solutions of equations, and the solution of both linear and nonlinear systems of equations. Also offered as CS 394. Prerequisites: CS 164 and MTH 143 or consent of the instructor. Normally offered in the Spring Semester only. Credit 3.

MTH 396 OPERATIONS RESEARCH I. Techniques for the application of the scientific method to decision making in business and government are presented through the formulation and interpretation of mathematical models for various specific real life problems. Prerequisite: MTH 299 or 143. Credit 3.

MTH 461 INTRODUCTORY ANALYSIS. This course consists of a more thorough treatment of the material traditionally considered in elementary calculus. Topics include sets, functions, properties of the real number system and sequences. Prerequisite: MTH 364 or consent of the instructor. Normally offered in the Fall Semester only. Credit 3.

MTH 466 ELEMENTARY ANALYSIS. Topics include limits, continuity, differentiation, Riemann integration, infinite series and sequences and series of functions. Prerequisite: MTH 461 or consent of instructor. Normally offered in the Spring Semester only. Credit 3.

MTH 467 THE EVOLUTION OF MATHEMATICS. An introduction to the historical development of fundamental mathematical ideas from antiquity to the present. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Normally offered in Spring and Summer Session II. Credit 3.

MTH 470 SPECIAL TOPICS IN MATHEMATICS. Normally, this course consists of readings and individual research appropriate for the undergraduate level with subject matter for study selected by mutual agreement of student and supervisor. However, special classes may be organized when there is sufficient student interest in a particular project. Prerequisites: 6 semester hours of advanced Mathematics. This course may be taken for Academic Distinction credit. See Academic Distinction Program in this catalogue. Credit 3.

MTH 471 THEORY AND APPLICATIONS OF PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS I. Topics include basic concepts and properties of probability, random variables, statistical distributions, measures of central tendency, variance, covariance, correlation, functions of random variables, sampling distributions, and the Central Limit Theorem. Also offered as STA 471. Prerequisite: MTH 143. Credit 3.

MTH 476 TOPICS IN APPLIED MATHEMATICS I. This course, in conjunction with MTH 376, is intended to develop a basic competence in areas of mathematics that are used in solving problems from the physical sciences. Topics will be selected from partial differential equations, multivariable and vector calculus, and complex analysis. Prerequisite: MTH 376 or consent of the instructor. Normally offered in the Spring Semester only. Credit 3.

MTH 477 ALGEBRAIC STRUCTURES. Topics include groups, rings, fields, finite groups and abelian groups. Prerequisite: MTH 364 or consent of the instructor. Normally offered in the Fall Semester only. Credit 3.

MTH 484 A SURVEY OF MATHEMATICAL IDEAS. This course is designed to bring together and supplement the technical material of other mathematics courses in the mathematics teacher-education program and relate it to the mathematics curriculum of the secondary school. This course may be applied only toward teacher certification. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Normally offered in the Fall Semester only. Credit 3.

MTH 485 MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM SOLVING. This is an introduction to elementary techniques for obtaining numerical solutions to mathematical problems. Topics will include problems from number theory, consumer mathematics, geometry, algebra and probability and statistics. This course may be applied only toward teacher certification. Prerequisite: Advanced standing in mathematics. Normally offered in the Spring Semester only. Credit 3.

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