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.

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 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 213: Calculus I

The first course of the three-semester calculus sequence.  This course includes limits, continuity, derivatives and their applications, and an introduction to integration.  Offered every semester. 

MA 223: Calculus II

The second course of the three-semester calculus sequence.  This course covers calculus of transcendental functions; integration techniques; applications of integration including volumes, work, average value, arc length, and area of a surface of revolution; and infinite sequences and series. Offered fall semesters. 

MA 233: Calculus III

The final course of the three-semester calculus sequence.  This course includes parametric equations and polar coordinates, vector-valued functions, partial derivatives, curves and surfaces in space, and multiple integrals. Offered spring semesters. 

MA 302: Survey of Geometry

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

MA 304: Foundations for Mathematical Thinking

This course investigates foundational topics in numbers, algebra, geometry, functions, trigonometry, and Calculus from a mathematically advanced perspective. In addition to exploring the theoretical perspectives and interconnectedness of topics in these areas, we will consider the historical and conceptual evolution of the theory in order to better understand how these topics provide a foundation from which to build mathematical understanding in other disciplines and areas.

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 343: Probability & Statistics

Probability theory and statistical analysis.  Topics include axioms of probability, combinatorial methods, discrete and continuous random variables, expectation and variance, data analysis, parameter hypothesis testing.  The course will emphasize applications of probability and statistics to specific data sets. 

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.