Mathematics

Professor Patricia Kiihne
Professor James Marshall
Professor Mary Marshall
Professor Todd Oberg

The courses in mathematics are designed to satisfy the general cultural needs of students and to provide a broad background for those who plan a career in mathematics, computer science, actuarial sciences, engineering sciences, or the natural sciences.

The mathematics minor will consist of 5 or more mathematics courses (20 credit hours), at least two of which must be at the 300-level.

An exception to the ten-course requirement is the following. The department considers a student who places into Calculus II or Calculus III and completes that course with a ‘C’ or better to have met the major requirements for the preceding calculus courses. That is, a student who places into MA 223 and completes it with a ‘C’ or better is not required to take MA 213 for the major; a student who places into MA 233 and completes it with a ‘C’ or better is not required to take MA 213 or MA 223 for the major.

Prerequisites for mathematics courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or above. No student who has completed a mathematics course with a grade of ‘C’ or above may enroll in a prerequisite to that course without the permission of the department chair. MA 223 is a prerequisite for all 300-level mathematics. Transfer credit for 300-level courses counting toward the major or minor requires permission of the department chair.

Majors & Programs

Courses

MA 102: Statistics for Citizens

The study of basic descriptive and inferential statistics, with a focus on statistical ideas and statistical reasoning and on their relevance to public policy and to the human sciences from medicine to sociology.

MA 103: College Algebra

College Algebra provides an introduction to algebra. Topics include functions, rates of change and linear functions, quadratic functions, polynomial functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions.

MA 123: Elementary Statistics

The study of basic descriptive and inferential statistical methods, with applications primarily to the biological, behavioral, and social sciences.

MA 124: Elementary Statistics through Baseball

Introduction to standard statistical concepts and techniques through the study of baseball and baseball statistics. General topics include surveys and sampling, observational studies vs. controlled experiments, binomial and normal distributions, correlation and regression. Baseball-specific topics include nontraditional statistics such as OPS, making strategic decisions using run-production tables, using individual batting statistics to predict team runs and team win/ loss ratios, and modeling game play with chance models. Students will have the opportunity to conduct analyses of their own design.

MA 125: Elementary Statistics & Gender

Introduction to standard statistical concepts and techniques particularly as they apply to the study of gender, race, and class.

MA 127: Theory of Arithmetic

A foundation course for elementary education: foundations for learning mathematics; manipulatives; algebraic thinking; numeration; theory of whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, and real numbers; operations of arithmetic; mental math; elementary number theory; and proportional reasoning.

MA 128: Uncertainty and Shape

A continuation of MA 127: elementary data analysis; concepts of chance; basic concepts of geometry; two- and three-dimensional geometry; congruence; similarity; symmetry; tessellations; geometric manipulatives; and measurement.

MA 133: Precalculus

Precalculus is a course that explores functions (linear, power, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric), and triangle trigonometry through multiple representations of mathematical ideas - words, numbers, graphs, and symbols. The course includes using these functions to create mathematical models to address questions about phenomena from the world around us.

MA 201: Discrete Mathematics

An introduction to the study of discrete mathematical structures. This course includes some set theory, relations and functions, logic and proof, mathematical induction, and graphs.

MA 207: Numeric and Algebraic Thinking

Provides a more advanced treatment of the following Elementary Education topics: real numbers, number theory, algebraic thinking, functions, proportional reasoning, and percents.

MA 213: Calculus I

This is the basic calculus sequence with applications and covers: functions; limits; derivatives; integrals; conics; calculus of transcendental functions; sequences and series: vector valued functions; partial derivatives; curves and surfaces in space; and multiple integrals.

MA 223: Calculus II

MA 233: Calculus III

MA 242: Experiencing Geometry

Inductive and deductive study of topics from two- and three-dimensional Euclidean geometry, coordinate geometry, and transformational geometry.

MA 302: Survey of Geometry

Inductive and deductive study of topics from Euclidean, Transformational, Coordinate, and Non-Euclidean geometries.

MA 310: History of Mathematics

Provides a historical study of numeration systems, number theory, calculus, geometry, and contributions from under-represented groups.

MA 323: Introduction to Linear Algebra

Matrix algebra, linear systems, vector spaces, and linear transformations.

MA 332: Introduction to Differential Equations

First and higher order linear differential equations, variable coefficients, series methods, Laplace transforms, and a brief introduction to systems and numerical methods.

MA 334: Modeling and Technology

Discrete and continuous mathematical models from a variety of disciplines using appropriate technology. Includes experiences using various types of technology and addresses when technology is appropriate and when it is not.

MA 341: Probability

Counting techniques, basic probability models and probability rules, discrete and continuous probability distributions, and multivariate random variables. This course, along with MA 342, covers the material needed to pass Exam P of the Society of Actuaries.

MA 342: Mathematical Statistics

In this course, we study Normal and Bivariate Normal Distributions; parameter estimation with confidence intervals; hypothesis testing such as t-tests, chi-square tests, and analysis of variance; and theory of estimation and hypothesis testing. This course, along with Math 341, covers the material needed to pass Exam P of the Society of Actuaries. Additionally, this course covers some of the material tested on Exam S of the Casualty Actuarial Society.

MA 347: Mathematics of Investment

Mathematics of investment and credit. Topics include interest rate measurements, annuities, loan repayments, bond valuation, rates of return of investments, and cashflow duration and immunization. This course covers a preponderance of the material needed to pass Exam FM of the Society of Actuaries.

MA 353: Topology

A rigorous study of the fundamental concepts of point-set topology, including metric spaces, separation, connectedness compactness, and homeomorphisms.

MA 373: Real Analysis

A rigorous study of the concepts of continuity, differentiation, integration and convergence.

MA 383: Abstract Algebra

This course will introduce basic algebraic structures including groups rings and fields. In this context, the student will gain significant experience in finding and writing mathematical proofs. Optional topics may be chosen from solvable groups Sylow theorems, Galois theory, extension fields, and integral domains

MA 461: Independent Study in Mathematics

Selected topics from the usual subject matter of undergraduate mathematics. Students work independently, but under the supervision of an instructor. A final examination, notebook, term paper, or any combination of these may be required. May be elected more than once, with a limit of eight hours credit.