Mathematics Courses

Mathematics

Mathematics, more than any other human endeavor, relies on deductive reasoning to
produce new knowledge from the investigation of natural events, whether they occur in
our immediate environment or in the immensity of space. It serves as a universal
language which represents, interprets, and integrates all such knowledge. The subject of
mathematics is divided into algebra, geometry, analysis, and probability. Some of the
concepts of each of these subdivisions are particularly useful in helping to discuss or
solve problems in other fields. These concepts are frequently called Applied
Mathematics.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MATHEMATICS MAJOR – 38 hours, including the following:

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MATHEMATICS MAJOR WITH TEACHER
CERTIFICATION –

 (1) The Mathematics major outlined above.
 (2) Plus Professional Education Course Requirements; the one required laboratory
science course for Mathematics majors with teacher certification must be either PHS 110
or any PHY course. (For a list of these courses, please refer to the Education section of
the catalog concerning requirements for certification in Secondary Education.)
 (3) To qualify for Student Teaching, a student must have an overall 2.50 GPA and a 2.75
GPA in the Mathematics major outlined above.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION WITH A
MATHEMATICS SPECIALIZATION – 28 semester hours of coursework. Please refer
to the Education section of this catalog for a listing of required courses.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MATHEMATICS MINOR – 20 hours of course work in
Mathematics numbered 130 or above with at least 6 hours at the 300 level.

Mathematics Courses

The first course in a two-semester developmental mathematics sequence. Topics of
study include arithmetic, real numbers, order of operations, ratio and proportion,
percent, scientific notation, variables, the language of algebra, solving linear equations
and inequalities, graphing linear equations, and solving application problems.
Mathematical study skills will be studied and applied throughout the course. This course
will meet five days a week. (Does not count toward major, minor, general education, or
graduation requirements.) Graded pass/fail.

Prerequisite: MAT 098R, an ACT Math score of at least 19, or placement by
divisionally designated nationally normed placement test. (e.g. COMPASS)

The second course in a two-semester developmental mathematics sequence, this
course builds upon a student’s early exposure to algebra in an effort to develop those
skills needed in the further study of mathematics, science, or related fields. Topics will
include a review of basic algebra, graphs, factoring, polynomials, linear and quadratic
equations and inequalities, systems of equations, exponents, roots and radicals, rational
expressions, and problem solving. (Students who have already received academic credit
for MAT 121, MAT 130, MAT 260, MAT 262 or other equivalents may not enroll in
MAT 099. Does not count toward major, minor, general education or graduation
requirements.) Graded pass/fail.

Prerequisite: MAT 099R or an ACT Math score of at least 23 or placement by
divisionally designated, nationally normed placement test (e.g. COMPASS).

Study of functions, graphing (with technology), and geometry of Cartesian and polar
coordinate plane. Emphasis on function concept as modeling, including polynomial,
rational, algebraic, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. Geometric
representations and manipulations as showing richness of marriage of geometric to
algebraic. Students who have received academic credit for MAT 130 cannot enroll in
MAT 121 for academic credit. (Does not count toward major or minor requirements.)

Prerequisite: MAT 121 or by placement (prior knowledge of trigonometry required).

Study of the limits extended to differentiation and integration of polynomial and
trigonometric functions with coordinate geometry interpretations. An introduction to
the definite integral. The calculus will be presented in multiple representations: verbal,
numerical and symbolic.

Prerequisite: MAT 130

Extension of differentiation and integration to exponential and logarithmic functions
with emphasis on general techniques of integration. The introduction to infinite series
and Taylor series. Calculators and computers will be used.

Prerequisite: MAT 099R, an ACT Math score of at least 23, or placement by
divisionally designated, nationally normed placement test (e.g. COMPASS).

Finite mathematics with business applications. Finite math portion introduces Euler
circuits, Hamiltonian circuits, digraphs, linear programming and other mathematical
techniques used in solution of optimization problems. Mathematics of finance, including
computation of interest rates, amortization of loans, annuities, etc. are also covered.
Study of statistical techniques needed in business settings, interpretation of information
in graphical formats, and statistical information in graphic form.

Prerequisite: MAT 099R, an ACT Math score of at least 23, or placement by
divisionally designated, nationally normed placement test (e.g. COMPASS).

Deals with functions, modeling, and algebra topics with introduction to differential
calculus. Topics geared to business applications and problem solving, functions and how
they are represented graphically, in tabular forms, in mathematical formulas, and in
business problems, as well as construction of models representing real world business
applications. Derivative is introduced and applied in marginal revenue, profit and cost
problems, and in optimization.
words. Focus on linear, exponential, and polynomial functions in expressing and solving

Prerequisite: MAT 140.
Introductory course in linear and matrix algebra with primary concern for finite real
vector spaces. Computer software will be used for various applications.

Prerequisite: MAT 140.
Discussion of partial differentiation, multiple integrals, line integrals, Green’s
Theorem, and parametric equations.

Prerequisite: MAT 099R, an ACT Math score of at least 23, or placement by
divisionally designated, nationally normed placement test (e.g. COMPASS).

Discussion of fundamental methods of descriptive statistics, statistical inference, and
an introduction to non-parametric statistics and to basic probability. (Does not count in
any mathematics major.)

Prerequisite: MAT 099R, an ACT Math score of at least 23, or placement by
divisionally designated, nationally normed placement test (e.g. COMPASS).

Exploration of a variety of mathematical topics that mix the concrete and applicable
with the aesthetic in order to broaden and deepen the mathematical experience and
understanding of the student of the liberal arts and sciences. Topics may include:
interest and present value, mathematics of voting, finite probability, statistical
significance, game theory, exponential growth models, mathematics of music, fractals,
the traveling salesman problem, etc.

Prerequisite: MAT 099R, an ACT Math score of at least 23, or placement by
divisionally designated, nationally normed placement test (e.g. COMPASS).

Topics may include: Do numbers exist? Are the laws of mathematics arbitrary? Is
statistical significance significant? How is research possible in mathematics? How big is
infinite? What is a proof? Is illogical knowledge possible? Do androids truly understand
their own speech?

Prerequisite: MAT 140. (Offered in alternate years)
Discussion of first and second order ordinary differential equations, LaPlace
Transforms, eigenvalues of linear systems.

Prerequisite: MAT 130, with CSC 135 recommended.
Concepts in discrete mathematics. Sets, logic, mathematical induction, relations,
functions and graphs are discussed. Emphasis will be placed on algorithmic processes.

Prerequisite: MAT 255. (Offered in alternate years)
Study of concepts of probability leading to discussion of the binomial, poisson, and
normal distributions, as a foundation for statistical inference.

Prerequisite: MAT 250 or MAT 280. Both courses are recommended. (Offered in alternate years)
Introduction of the concept of algebraic structures with particular reference to the
properties of groups and rings

Prerequisite: MAT 140. (Offered in alternate years)
Systematic treatment of the foundation of Euclidean Geometry with an
introduction to several finite and non-Euclidean geometries.

Prerequisite: MAT 250 or 255. (Offered in alternate years)

Study of limit processes applied to continuous or differentiable real-valued
functions. Careful definitions and rigorous methods of proof are emphasized.
Topology is introduced as the proper framework for continuous functions. Advanced
calculus techniques are reviewed.