Mathematics

Math is an integral part of the world around us. It is used in industry, technology, gaming, science, social science, and so on. Math is the language we use to explain the universe. This requirement not only allows mathematical skills such as logical principles, problem solving, and quantitative reasoning to flourish, but it also helps students recognize the creativity and elegance of mathematics. Students will also learn about the ways mathematics can be applied in modern society as well as learn about historical achievements in mathematics.

Courses that fulfill the Mathematics requirement:

Each of the following courses assumes that the student has completed at least two years of high school algebra or MATH 99, MATH 103 or MATH 104 with a grade of C- or higher.

MATH 120 The Nature of Mathematics (3)

An exploration of the vibrant, evolutionary, creative, practical, historical, and artistic nature of mathematics, while focusing on developing reasoning ability and problem-solving skills. Core material includes logic, probability/statistics, and modeling, with additional topics chosen from other areas of modern mathematics.

COM 240 Introductory Statistics (4)

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental knowledge, concepts, skills, abilities and applications of statistics. Specific application of the course content will be statistical analysis for marketing research, demography, communication effectiveness analysis, business statistics and data mining. Prerequisite: COM 200 or consent of instructor.

MATH 140 Calculus for Business and Economics (4)

Derivatives: definition using limits, interpretations and applications such as optimization. Basic integrals and the fundamental theorem of calculus. Business and economic applications such as marginal cost, revenue and profit, and compound interest are stressed. Prerequisites: C- or better in MATH 103 or appropriate score on math placement exam.

MATH 141 Probability, Linear Systems, and Multivariable Optimization (4)

Functions of several variables, partial derivatives, multivariable optimization, matrices, systems of linear equations, discrete probability theory, conditional probability, Bayes' Theorem, random variables, expected value, variance, normal distributions. Business and economic applications stressed. Prerequisite: C- or better in MATH 140 or MATH 150 or equivalent (AP Calculus AB or BC).

MATH 150 Calculus I (4)

Limits of function and their associated geometry, parametric equations, derivatives of algebraic and transcendental functions, and applications of differentiation. The definite integral and basic applications; the fundamental theorem of calculus. Prerequisite: C- or better in MATH 103 and MATH 104 or equivalent, or appropriate score on math placement exam.

MATH 220 Formal Methods (3)

Formal logic as a tool for mathematical proofs. Propositional calculus: Boolean expressions, logic connectives, axioms, and theorems. Predicate calculus: universal and existential quantification, modeling English propositions. Application to computer program specification, verification, and derivation. Prerequisite: C- or better in MATH 103 and MATH 104 or equivalent, or appropriate score on math placement exam.

POSC/PSYC/SOC 250 Introductory Statistics (4)

A systematic introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics, including both parametric and nonparametric methods.

MATH 270 Foundations of Elementary Mathematics I (4)

This course is designed primarily for Liberal Arts majors, who are multiple-subject classroom teacher candidates, to study the mathematics standards for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Taught from a problem-solving perspective, the course content includes sets, set operations, basic concepts of functions, number systems, number theory, and measurement. This course satisfies the GE mathematics requirement for liberal arts majors only.

MATH 316 Biostatistics (3)

Statistics for biological sciences. Random sampling; measures of central tendency; dispersion and variability; probability; normal distribution; hypothesis testing (one-sample, two-sample, paired-sample) and confidence intervals; multi-sample hypotheses and the one- and two-factor analysis of variance; linear and multiple regression and correlation; other chi-square tests; nonparametric statistics. Prerequisite: C- or better in MATH 150 or permission of instructor.