February, 2008
Course Guide listings for MATH courses

The following are the descriptions for the courses that appear in the course guide for the month given above.

Not all courses offered by the department are listed in the guide.

Do not use the texts listed in this guide to make decisions on buying a particular book. Texts are only accurate as of the date the course guide description was written. Changes may have occurred since the description was written. Before buying a book, check first with the university bookstore or the department.



MATH 106 - INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
Credits: 4
Books: TBD
Description: Basic concepts and techniques of algebra, rational functions and expressions, problem solving, radicals, rational exponents, complex numbers, quadratic equations and functions, exponential and logarithmic functions. College credit given only to students with deficiencies in the mathematics admission requirement. Not open to students who have credit for any higher-numbered mathematics course.
Format: Class participation, homework, quizzes, several examinations and a final determine the course grade.
Notes: THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS.


MATH 107 - BASIC INTEGRATED MATHEMATICS
Credits: 4
Books: TBD
Description: Emphasis on problem-solving techniques. Equations, inequalities, functions, graphs, geometry and mathematical systems are covered. Logic, probability and statistics are introduced. For students going on to MATH 147. Not adequate preparation for calculus. Not open to students who have credit for any higher-numbered mathematics course.
Format:
Notes: THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS.


MATH 108 - ALGEBRA AND TRIGONOMETRY
Credits: 4
Books: TBD
Description: Develops skills in elementary algebraic manipulations necessary for study of calculus. Students introduced to trigonometry, logarithms and analytic geometry. For non-majors. Not open to students who have credit for any higher-numbered mathematics course.
Format: Students do problems and more problems. Objective is to become sufficiently skillful in algebraic and trigonometric manipulations to be able to devote time in calculus courses to thinking about calculus itself, rather than about algebra and trigonometry involved in calculus. Grades based on homework, quizzes, four tests and a final.
Notes: THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS.


MATH 130 - MATHEMATICS IN ACTION
Credits: 4
Books: TBD
Description: Emphasizes the real-world significance of mathematics and applications of several areas of mathematics. Topics include design of street networks, planning and scheduling, weighted voting systems, fair division and apportionment, measuring populations and the universe, symmetries, fractals and statistics. Provides an experience in quantitative reasoning and data analysis through mathematical modeling of some real-life problems including a hands-on approach. Emphasizes the importance, relevance and currency of mathematics in the modern world.
Format: Basis for evaluation is tests and quizzes.
Notes: THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS.


MATH 147 - ELEMENTARY STATISTICS
Credits: 4
Books: TBD
Description: Introduction to basic concepts and methods of statistics from applied viewpoint. Descriptive methods, experimental design, sampling theory, probability, correlation and regression, inference and hypothesis testing. Not open to students who have credit for any other course in statistics.
Format: Grade based on quizzes, examinations and final.
Notes: THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS.
Prerequisites: MATH 107 or 108 or equivalent.


MATH 220 - CALCULUS FOR BUSINESS AND MGMT
Credits: 4
Books: TBD
Description: Elements of differential calculus in one and two variables; basic facts about integration; maximum and minimum problems, integrals occurring in probability and statistics. Basically problem-oriented, with management needs in mind. Primarily for School of Management students and for economics majors in the BS, who may satisfy their mathematics requirement with either MATH 220 or 221. Not equivalent to MATH 221 as prerequisite for MATH 222.
Format: Grade based on performance in examination and quizzes, plus a final.
Notes: THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS.
Prerequisites: MATH 108 or equivalent.


MATH 221 - CALCULUS I
Credits: 4
Books: TBD
Description: Some properties of real numbers, inequalities and absolute value; elementary functions and their graphs; limits and continuous functions; derivative of a function; computation of derivatives and properties of derivative; various applications of derivatives; definite integral of function over interval; some properties of integral; indefinite integral; fundamental theorem of calculus. For majors and non-majors.
Format: Basis for evaluation of performance is homework and/or quizzes, examinations and a final.
Notes: THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS.
Prerequisites: MATH 108 or equivalent. Students are also required to pass the mathematics diagnostic test that will be administered during registration and before classes begin.


MATH 222 - CALCULUS II
Credits: 4
Books: TBD
Description: Applications of the integral (plane areas, volumes, surface areas); exponential and trigonometric functions and their inverses; techniques of integration; conics and polar coordinates; indeterminate forms and improper integrals; infinite series (convergence tests, power series, Taylor series). For majors and non-majors.
Format: Evaluation of performance is based on homework and/or quizzes, examinations and a final.
Notes: THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS.
Prerequisites: MATH 221 or equivalent.


MATH 304 - LINEAR ALGEBRA
Credits: 4
Books:
Description: Matrices and systems of linear equations; vector spaces, linear maps, bases, rank, determinants and eigenvalues. Essential for many applications to the sciences and social sciences and a foundation for most upper-level math courses. For majors and non-majors.
Format: Evaluation based on quizzes and/or homework, tests and final examination.
Notes: THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS.
Prerequisites: MATH 221.


MATH 314 - DISCRETE MATHEMATICS
Credits: 4
Books:
Description: Topics include predicates and quantifiers, algorithms, induction proofs, use of pigeonhole principle, generalized permutations and combinations, recurrence relations, equivalence relations and partial orders, graphs and trees. Prerequisite for most higher-level computer science courses.
Format: Grade based on quizzes, exams and a final examination.
Prerequisites: MATH 221.


MATH 323 - CALCULUS III
Credits: 4
Books:
Description: Functions of several variables (rather than just one variable), partial derivatives, vectors in two and three dimensions, line integrals, multiple and iterated integrals, change of variables, surfaces and curves in two or more dimensions. For majors and non-majors.
Format: Two to four examinations and final examination. Depending on instructor, quizzes and homework may be used to help evaluate performance.
Prerequisites: Math 222.


MATH 330 - INTRODUCTION TO HIGHER MATH
Credits: 4
Books:
Description: How to write mathematically correct proofs. Teaches a body of mathematics in a rigorous and careful way. The student not only solves problems but learns to express the solutions according to the universally accepted norms of mathematics. Content includes induction and recursion, key properties of the real numbers, sets, functions and countability. Other topics at instructor's discretion. Methods taught include direct proof, proof by contradiction and logical presentation of mathematical thought. Essential preparation for upper-division courses in mathematical sciences.
Format: Varies with section. Small classes with heavy emphasis on students' proofs. Examination(s) and a final in some sections.
Prerequisites: MATH 222.
Corequisites: None


MATH 371 - ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION
Credits: 4
Books: TBD
Description: Ordinary differential equations. Emphasis on applications to problems in physics, chemistry, biology, economics, etc.
Format: Grade based on examinations and a final.
Prerequisites: MATH 222.


MATH 375 - FUNCTION OF COMPLEX VARIABLES
Credits: 4
Books: TBD
Description: Complex numbers, analytic functions, power series, complex integrals, the Cauchy integral theorem, residues, poles, contour integrals and some facts about conformal mappings. Acquaints student with elegant theory that at same time is useful part of mathematics.
Format: Grades determined from homework, quizzes, tests and final.
Prerequisites: MATH 323. MATH 330 recommended.


MATH 381 - GRAPH THEORY
Credits: 4
Books: TBD
Description: Introductory course covering such topics as trees, Eulerian and Hamiltonian graphs, planar graphs, directed graphs and graph coloring.
Format: Evaluation based on homework, quizzes, tests, final examination.
Prerequisites: MATH 304 and either 314 or 330, or consent of department.
Corequisites: None


MATH 391 - PRACTICUM IN COLLEGE TEACHING
Credits: 99.9
Books:
Description: Independent study through teaching in particular mathematics course. Various assignments closely directed by instructor in course, including development of syllabi and other course materials; construction and reading of examinations; lecturing and/or discussion leadership; laboratory supervision; academic counseling of student. May be repeated for total of no more than eight credits. Credits may not be earned in conjunction with course in which student is currently enrolled. Pass/Fail only.
Format:
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:


MATH 402 - MODERN ALGEBRA II
Credits: 4
Books: TBD
Description: Basic concepts and methods of modern algebra. Continuation of MATH 401. Topics such as groups, rings, fields and the elements of Galois theory. Applications such as solvability by radicals and straight-edge and compass construction. Strongly recommended for majors. See instructor for additional information.
Format: Grades based on homework assignments, quality of class participation and one or two examinations, including a final.
Prerequisites: MATH 401
Corequisites: None


MATH 404 - ADVANCED LINEAR ALGEBRA
Credits: 4
Books: TBD
Description: Fields, vector spaces, linear transformations, canonical forms of matrices, quadratic and Hermitean forms.
Format: Lecture/discussion. Grade determined by quizzes, homework, hour examinations and final examination.
Prerequisites: MATH 304 and 330, or consent of department
Corequisites: None


MATH 448 - INTRO TO PROBABILITY AND STAT II
Credits: 4
Books:
Description: Continues development begun in MATH 447. Methods of probability applied to estimation and hypothesis testing, both parametric and non-parametric. Emphasizes problems. For majors and non-majors.
Format: Lecture/discussion. Grade based on weekly quizzes and/or homework, several hour examinations and final.
Prerequisites: MATH 447
Corequisites: None


MATH 449 - PROBLEM SOLVING - ACTUARIAL SCIENCE
Credits: 4
Books: TBD
Description: Emphasis on the types of problems involving probability that occur in the actuarial profession.
Format:
Prerequisites: MATH 447


MATH 450 - APPLIED PROBABILITY MODELS
Credits: 4
Books: TBD
Description: Discrete and continuous-time stochastic processes as needed for the third actuarial exam: Markov chains and processes, Poisson processes and Brownian motion.
Format: TBD
Prerequisites: MATH 447
Corequisites: None


MATH 471 - PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Credits: 4
Books: TBD
Description: Vector calculus, Fourier series and partial differential equations. A moderately hard nuts-and-bolts course, with an emphasis on applications.
Format: Grades determined by several tests and quizzes, plus a final examination and homework.
Prerequisites: MATH 371
Corequisites:


MATH 479 - REAL ANALYSIS II
Credits: 4
Books: TBD
Description: Continuation of MATH 478, the theory of functions of several variables. Applications of differential calculus, multiple integrals, surface and volume integrals, introduction to calculus of variations (time permitting).
Format: Lectures with class discussions and participation. Grades based on hour tests, homework, class participation and final examination.
Prerequisites: MATH 478
Corequisites: None


MATH 480A - ALGEBRA SEMINAR
Credits: 99.9
Books: None
Description: Students report on recent research in algebra.
Format: TBD
Prerequisites: MATH 401 and consent of instructor
Corequisites: None


MATH 488A - PROBLEM SOLVING
Credits: 4
Books: To be determined
Description: Students do challenging problems in a variety of mathematical topics. Preparation for the Putnam Examination. Student-oriented and requires active participation.
Format:
Prerequisites: Consent of department.


MATH 488H - TOPICS IN HIGHER MATHEMATICS
Credits: 4
Books: To be determined
Description: Topics chosen from the history of mathematics from ancient to modern times: a consideration of the lives and works of a variety of mathematicians combined with study of related mathematics.
Format: Lecture/discussion
Prerequisites: MATH 330, or consent of department
Corequisites:


MATH 497 - INDEPENDENT WORK
Credits: 99.9
Books:
Description: Reading and research on special topic, under direction of adviser. May be repeated for credit with consent of department.
Format:
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:



Return to the Math Department Home Page.