Undergraduate Course Descriptions

Mathematics

MTH 099 Review of Basic Mathematics (2 credits)
Review and strengthening of basic arithmetic and algebraic skills including basic operations on whole numbers, fractions, decimals, integers, ratios, proportions, equations, inequalities, and applications. Does not fulfill the mathematics requirement of the Core Curriculum or count toward graduation; does count towards full-time status. Must be taken pass-fail.

MTH 100 Beginning Algebra (2 credits)
A basic course in algebra covering integers and real numbers, whole number exponents, linear equations, Cartesian coordinates and graphing of linear equations and verbal problems, systems of linear equations, polynomials, and factoring. Does not fulfill the mathematics requirement of the Core Curriculum. Prerequisite: MTH 099 or placement. Not open to students with credit for MTH 100 or higher numbered MTH courses.

MTH 101 Intermediate Algebra (2 credits)
A course in algebra whose topics include describing data, linear equations and linear inequalities, functions and their properties, quadratic functions, rational functions, and modeling with proportions and variations. Does not fulfill the mathematics requirement of the Core Curriculum. Prerequisite: MTH 100 or placement. Not open to students with credit for MTH 125 or higher numbered MTH courses.

MTH 115 Survey of Mathematical Foundations (4 credits)
An introduction to the fundamental algebraic and logical foundations for a variety of practical applications, including linear algebra, formal logic, and statistics. An emphasis is placed on the importance of understanding the basic mathematical tools and quantitative reasoning skills required for analytic problem solving. Topics include systems and representations of numbers, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, graphing, systems of equations, interest compounding and amortization, combinatorics and probability, formal logic, and descriptive statistics and normal distributions.

MTH 121 Mathematics for the Liberal Arts (4 credits)
An introduction to modern mathematics and its applications designed to foster an awareness of the nature of mathematics, to promote an understanding of the role of mathematics in today's society, and to encourage the development of critical and quantitative reasoning skills. Topics include the mathematics of voting and social choice, graphs and management science, mathematical growth from numeric and geometric perspectives, and the collection and analysis of data. Prerequisite: MTH 100 or placement. Not open to students with credit for MTH 110.

MTH 128 Functions and their Applications (4 credits)
The course combines a traditional in-depth study of algebra with an extensive use of a graphing utility to allow students to solve calculus-level problems without calculus-level techniques. Topics include linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and piecewise-defined functions, function transformations, function inverses, function composition, domain, symmetry, equations and inequalities involving polynomials, rational, logarithmic and exponential expressions, conic sections. A graphing utility will be used to construct regression models, solve optimization problems and explore function properties. Prerequisite: MTH 101 or placement.

MTH 140 Introduction to Statistics (4 credits)
An introduction to the basic concepts and computations used in statistical analysis as well as their application to problems in other disciplines, especially biology, business, education, and social sciences. Topics include the description of data graphically and numerically, the collection of data via samples and experiments, and the process of drawing inferences or conclusions from data. The laboratory component of the course emphasizes conceptual understanding, interpretation of statistical quantities, and written/oral communication and will require the use of mathematical software. Prerequisite: MTH 100 or placement.

MTH 145 Discrete Mathematics (4 credits)
Consideration of discrete mathematical topics including logic, set theory, algorithms, Boolean algebra, number systems, and graph theory. Prerequisite: MTH 100 or placement.

MTH 150 Principles of Mathematics and Technology for Early Childhood Teachers and Intervention Specialists (4 credits)
Development of the basic ideas of numbers, number relationships, algebra, geometry, measurement, statistics, and probability in a problem solving, activity-oriented approach to the study of mathematics appropriate for early childhood teachers and intervention specialists. The structure of the course will stress: learning mathematical ideas in a hands-on, cooperative learning setting; the interrelationships within mathematics and the connections that exist between mathematics and other disciplines; the communication of mathematics accurately, both orally and in writing; the elements of mathematical modeling; discussion of the evaluation, acquisition, and implementation of current technology and resources; the use of estimation and the reasonableness of answers; the integration of appropriate technologies; the use of patterns and relationships to analyze mathematical situations; the use of current literature on the learning and teaching of mathematics; and allowing the students the opportunity to reflect on their own mathematical behavior. The course will require the use of manipulatives, calculators, computer software, and the Internet to reinforce the development of mathematical concepts, skills and pedagogy. Prerequisite: Education major and MTH 099.

MTH 152 Principles of Mathematics and Technology for Middle Childhood Teachers (4 credits)
Development of the basic ideas of numbers, number relationships, algebra, geometry, measurement, statistics, and probability in problem solving, activity-oriented approach to the study of mathematics appropriate for middle childhood teachers. The structure of the course will stress: learning mathematical ideas in a hands-on, cooperative learning setting; the interrelationships within mathematics and the connections that exist between mathematics and other disciplines; the communication of mathematics accurately, both orally and in writing; the elements of mathematical modeling; discussion of the evaluation, acquisition, and implementation of current technology and resources; the use of estimation and the reasonableness of answers; the integration of appropriate technologies; the use of patterns and relationships to analyze mathematical situations; the use of current literature of the learning and teaching of mathematics; and allowing the students the opportunity to reflect on their own mathematical behavior. The course will require the use of manipulatives, calculators, computer software, and the Internet to reinforce the development of mathematical concepts, skills and pedagogy. Prerequisite: Education major and MTH 099.

MTH 160 Precalculus (4 credits)
Topics include number theory and systems, solutions of equations and inequalities, factoring, functions and their graphs, inverse functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions and their inverses, trigonometric identities, solutions of trigonometric equations, and applications. The laboratory component of the course emphasizes mathematical modeling, problem solving, and written/oral communication and will require the use of graphing calculators and mathematical software. Prerequisite: MTH 101 or placement. Not open to students with credit for MTH 240.

MTH 211 Quantitative Methods (4 credits)
Topics include statistical modeling, linear programming, flow diagrams, introductory concepts of calculus, matrices, and other mathematical concepts relevant to finance and business. This course will emphasize trend analysis, forecasting, and other business decision-making concepts and processes. Prerequisite: MTH 140. Not open to students with credit for MA 210/MTH 210.

MTH 240 Calculus I (4 credits)
Topics include relations and functions, limits, continuity, derivatives, Mean Value Theorem, extrema, curve sketching, related rates, differentiation of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, introduction to Integral Calculus, the fundamental theorems of Calculus, elementary methods of integration, and applications. The laboratory component of the course emphasizes mathematical modeling, problem solving, and written/oral communication and will require the use of graphing calculators and mathematical software. Prerequisite: MTH 160 or placement.

MTH 241 Calculus II (4 credits)
Topics include a continuation of Integral Calculus, integration techniques, integration of exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, and hyperbolic functions, applications of integration, indeterminate forms, improper integrals, parametric curves, polar coordinates, series and sequences, and applications. The laboratory component of the course emphasizes mathematical modeling, problem solving, and written/oral communication and will require the use of graphing calculators and mathematical software. Prerequisite: MTH 240.

MTH 242 Multivariable Calculus (4 credits)
Topics include vectors in the plane; vectors, curves, and surfaces in space; partial differentiation, Lagrange multipliers, and multiple integrals. Prerequisite: MTH 241. Not open to students with credit for MA 310.

MTH 243 Differential Equations (4 credits)
Topics include linear differential equations, linear systems of differential equations, qualitative theory of systems of ordinary differential equations, the Laplace transform, and introduction to partial differential equations. Prerequisite or corequisite: MTH 242. Not open to students with credit for MA 315.

MTH 270 Mathematical Statistics (4 credits)
An introduction to the mathematical foundations of the study of statistics using calculus. Topics include probability theory, probability distribution and densities, functions of random variables, sampling distributions, hypothesis testing, estimation, regression, and correlation analysis. Prerequisite: MTH 241.

MTH 300 Foundations in Mathematics (4 credits)
An introduction to abstract mathematics with an emphasis on writing mathematical proofs. Topics include sets, functions, relations, Cartesian product, cardinality, axiom systems, natural numbers, real numbers, algebraic systems, groups, number theory, and history of mathematics. Prerequisite: MTH 241.

MTH 350 Linear Algebra (4 credits)
Topics include computational and theoretical aspects of systems of linear equations, matrix calculations (including inverses and determinants), vector spaces, linear transformations, concepts of discrete mathematics (including graph theory and linear programming), and applications. Prerequisite: MTH 241. Not open to students with credit for MA 315.

MTH 352 Mathematics Teaching Methods (2-4 credits)
Study of mathematical concepts, objectives, and classroom procedures appropriate for secondary schools. Topics include selection, preparation, and use of teaching materials including lesson plans, textbooks, mathematical tasks, manipulatives, graphing calculators, and mathematical software; teaching of specific topics in arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, statistics, and calculus including appropriate conceptual models, problem solving strategies, and interdisciplinary applications and tasks; assessment of mathematical learning including mathematical writing, oral discussion, portfolios, and performance tasks; and the creation of an appropriate learning environment including an awareness of cultural diversity, special needs, different learning styles, and issues surrounding collaborative work. The course will emphasize pertinent literature and classroom implementation of current developments in mathematics curriculum and methodology, including topics in the history of mathematics and its integration in teaching. Prerequisite: senior working toward secondary certification in mathematics or consent of instructor.

MTH 440 Real and Complex Analysis (4 credits)
A study of the foundations of calculus. Topics include sequences, limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, infinite series, and complex functions. Prerequisites: MTH 300.

MTH 450 Abstract Algebra (4 credits)
An introduction to the fundamental notions of modern algebra and their applications. Topics include groups, rings, fields, and morphisms. Prerequisite: MTH 440 or 460. Not open to students with credit for MA 340.

MTH 460 Geometry (4 credits)
Topics include Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries. Emphasis is placed on the parallels of Euclidean and hyperbolic geometries. Prerequisite: MTH 300.

MTH 1/2/3/485 Special Topics (1-4 credits)
A study of topics in mathematics of special interest to a specific group of students. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MTH 2/3/486 Independent Study (1-4 credits)
Intensive individual work in an area of mathematics. Includes Honors Program research. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor, academic advisor, and division chairperson.