Mathematics

This course is designed to be a logical foundation for both the classical instance of algebra in MATH 115 College Algebra and the alternative general education course, MATH 110 Reasoning and Problem Solving. Emphasis is on the logical and computational elements: operators, operands, expressions. Exercises address interpretation and use of math language and notation, algebra of sets, algebra of numbers, and processes utilized in solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities. Scientific calculators are permitted in this course, but graphing calculators are not. Prerequisite: Math ACT of 19 or higher, or Math SAT 510 or higher, or a grade of C- or higher in MATH-099. Fall/Spring.

Real-valued functions are investigated including: evaluation, graphing, composition, and inverse relations; properties and applications of the exponential and logarithmic functions; solution methods for systems of equations, including matrix algebra are covered as time allows. Scientific calculators are required in this course; graphing calculators are permitted, but not required. A student receiving credit for MATH 115 cannot receive credit for MATH 110. Prerequisite: Mathematics ACT subscore of 21 or higher, OR SAT score of 530 or higher, OR a grade of C- or better in MATH 105. Fall/Spring.

Topics include: Boolean algebra and logic; sets, functions, and relations; iteration, recursion, and induction; basic combinatorics; graphs and trees; divisibility and modular arithmetic; and other selected topics from discrete mathematics as applicable to computer science. Pre-requisite: Successful completion of Math 115 with a grade of C- or better, OR Mathematics ACT sub-score of 23 or higher, OR Mathematics SAT score of 560 or better. As needed.

A first course in differential equations emphasizing solution techniques. Includes first-order equations and applications, theory of linear equations, basic second-order equations and applications, Laplace transforms, and series solutions. Prerequisite: successful completion MATH 250 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or better. Fall as needed.

An introduction to linear algebra. Systems of equations, matrices and matrix algebra, determinants, linear independence, an introduction to eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and applications in linear programming and Markov Chains. Pre-requisite: Successful completion of MATH 150 with a grade of C- or better. As needed.

Gateway course to theoretical mathematics courses. An introduction to methods of mathematical proof using primarily the topics of logic, set theory, functions and relations, number theory, and simple axiomatic systems such as the real numbers and matrices. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MATH 255 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or better. Fall.

A course designed to give the student sufficient background in mathematical methods required for completion of the analytical, physical, and inorganic chemistry sequences. Course discussion will include review of transcendental functions, differential and integral calculus, numerical methods, linear algebra, differential equations and functions of several variables. (This course also may be taken as CHEM 310). Prerequisite: MATH 250 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or better. Highly recommended: MATH 255. May not be taken to fulfill requirements for the Math major or minor. Spring as needed.

Topics include: elementary combinatorics; sequences, recursion, and iteration; and graph theory. Other topics from discrete mathematics may be included at the instructor's discretion. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MATH 255 with a grade of C- or better or permission of the instructor. As needed.

Ordinary Differential Equations with emphasis on the theory of linear differential equations. Some existence and uniqueness theorems proved, and special methods or types of equations with applications treated as time allows. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MATH 250 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or better. Fall, as needed.

This is the Junior-level Sequential Enhancement of Writing Skills (SEWS) requirement for the undergraduate degree in mathematics. It is designed to give the student sufficient background in writing and information literacy to satisfy the university’s SEWS requirement at the junior level. Specifically, the project is an introduction to the conventions of reading, writing, and research within the mathematics discipline. Research-based writing using correct formatting and documentation is emphasized. Writing intensive. Requires a college-level research paper of significant length, which must involve use of scholarly literature. This is offered independent of any MATH prefixed course. Pre-requisite: Successful completion of Sophomore-level SEWS requirement through the Department of Language and Literature. Graded Pass/Fail. As needed.

A calculus-based approach to probability and statistics. Topics include: fundamentals of probability; discrete and continuous random variables; distributions such as binomial, uniform, Poisson, hypergeometric, normal, and gamma; joint, marginal, and conditional distributions; central limit theorem; and estimation. Hypothesis testing and statistical inference methods may be included as time permits. A student may not receive credit for both MATH 270 and MATH 370. Pre-requisite: MATH 250 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or better. As needed.

Plane geometry from an advanced viewpoint, including finite geometries. Includes a survey of projective geometry and non-Euclidean geometries. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MATH 300 with a grade of C- or better. As needed.

A study of mathematics and those who contributed to its development, from the mathematics of ancient times, through the development of calculus, to topics from modern mathematics. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MATH 300 with a grade of C- or better. As needed.

Emphasis on the rigorous processes of analysis: proofs of limit theorems, properties of continuous functions, existence of integrals, and uniform convergence. Topics include completeness, Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem, sequences, and derivatives. Topics from among the theory of Riemann integration, infinite series, partial differentiation, and the implicit function theorem covered as time allows. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MATH 300 with a grade of C- or better. As needed.

Elements of modern algebra are addressed with a focus on rings, fields, and integral domains. Groups and other topics covered as time permits. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MATH 300 with a grade of C- or better. As needed.

This is the Senior-level Sequential Enhancement of Writing Skills (SEWS) requirement for the undergraduate degree in mathematics. It is designed to give the student sufficient background in writing and information literacy to satisfy the university’s SEWS requirement at the senior level.  Specifically, the project is an introduction to the conventions of reading, writing, and research within the mathematics discipline. Research-based writing using correct formatting and documentation is emphasized. Writing intensive.  Requires a college-level research paper of significant length, which must involve use of scholarly literature. This is offered independent of MATH 460 and any other MATH prefixed course. Pre-requisites: Successful completion of Sophomore-level SEWS requirement through the Department of Language and Literature and Junior-level SEWS. Graded Pass/Fail. As needed.

Presentation and discussion of the content of the secondary school mathematics classroom from an advanced viewpoint. This viewpoint addresses the many interconnections among secondary school mathematics topics as well as their relationship to college-level mathematics. Topics will be drawn from those of central importance in the secondary school mathematics curriculum: functions, polynomials, trigonometry, exponential and logarithmic functions, numbers and operations, and geometry and measurement. Relevant articles from mathematical publications also may be incorporated into the course. Prerequisites: Successful completion of MATH 300 with a grade of C- or better and acceptance into the School of Education's Initial Teacher Licensure program. Fall, as needed.