Mathematics Courses
MTH 101: Topics in Mathematics
Topics selected from various areas of mathematics such as discrete mathematics, logic, number systems, geometry, probability, and graph theory. The course is designed to give the student an appreciation of mathematics as an integral part of our culture as well as applications to various other disciplines.
Meets general academic requirement RG.
MTH 104: Statistical Thinking
We are frequently presented with statistical claims from a wide variety of fields and information sources. This class prepares students with tools to think like a statistician by asking questions to critically evaluate, interpret, and assess these claims. Additionally, the course explores ethics within the field of statistics, statistical misuse, and common data pitfalls.
Meets general academic requirement RG.
MTH 105: Mathematics for Social Justice
In this course, students will use a variety of mathematical techniques to analyze and critique social situations that challenge the ideas of fairness and equity within and around their communities. Mathematical content includes algorithm design, graph theory, weighted voting systems, exploratory statistics, basic modeling and simulation. Social justice topics explored will include justice in the age of big data, voting and social choice, fair division, educational access, income inequality, living wages and housing, and public health and biometric data in the public sphere. Students eligible to roster MTH-101 also have placement to take this course.
Meets general academic requirement RG.
MTH 114: Fundamentals of Mathematics
A study of fundamental mathematical principles underlying the concepts of number and shape. Topics include number systems, number theory, measurement systems, geometry, and functions with emphasis on applications and problem solving.
Prerequisite: EDU 101 Foundations of Education
Meets general academic requirement RG.
MTH 116: Symmetry & Shape: Introduction to Geometry
An introduction to the geometric concepts underlying elementary mathematics: properties of circles, polygons and polyhedra, measurement systems and indirect measure, scale and proportion, symmetry, congruence, informal Euclidean geometry, geometric constructions, and transformational geometry. Applications feature mathematical patterns found in art and nature: the golden ratio, Platonic solids, tessellations in the plane, frieze and wallpaper patterns, scale drawings, 3-D drawing, one- and two-point perspective, and viewing point.
Meets general academic requirement RG.
MTH 119: Statistical Analysis
Our world is full of questions that can be explored through data. This course discusses the complexities of collecting data, how the data collection method influences the conclusions that can be made, and how to explore and analyze collected data. Statistical software (R/RStudio) is integral throughout the course in exploring data visually, numerically, and analytically (with confidence intervals and p-values). Emphasis is placed on clearly communicating statistical results. Topics include bootstrap distributions to understand confidence intervals, randomization distributions to understand p-values, t-tests, proportion tests, Chi-Square analysis, ANOVA, and simple linear regression.
Prerequisite: 3 years of high school mathematics
Meets general academic requirement RG.
MTH 120: Discrete Mathematics
This course covers the mathematical concepts that underpin how technology works in modern society through the computing sciences. Topics include symbolic logic, set theory, combinatorics, number theory, information theory, graph theory, algebraic structures and a wide array of societal applications.
Meets general academic requirement RG.
MTH 121: Calculus I
Differentiation of algebraic and transcendental functions, application of the derivative to related rates, max-min problems, and graphing. Introduction to integration, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Four meetings per week.
Prerequisite: 3.5 years of high school mathematics
Meets general academic requirement RG.
MTH 122: Calculus II
A continuation of MTH 121 Calculus I. Applications of the integral, integration techniques, infinite sequences and series and improper integrals. Four meetings per week.
Prerequisite: MTH 121 Calculus I
Meets general academic requirement RG.
MTH 219: Statistical Models
This course builds on the models from MTH 119 Statistical Analysis, and explores techniques for using multiple variables to gain a deeper understanding of a response variable utilizing datasets from a variety of fields. Emphasis will be placed on the use of statistical software to process data, fit statistical models, and assess model performance. Topics covered will include experimental design, analysis of variance, multiple linear regression, variable selection, model comparison, and logistic regression.
Prerequisite(s): MTH 119 Statistical Analysis
Meets general academic requirement SC.
MTH 223: Calculus III
Geometry of the plane and space, including vectors and surfaces. Multivariable calculus, including partial derivatives, Taylor’s Theorem in two variables, line and surface integrals, and Green’s Theorem. Four meetings per week.
Prerequisite: MTH 122 Calculus II
Meets general academic requirement SC.
MTH 226: Linear Algebra
Matrices and systems of linear equations, determinants, real vector spaces and inner product spaces, linear transformations, eigenvalue problems, and applications. Four meetings per week.
Prerequisite: MTH 122 Calculus II
Meets general academic requirement SC.
MTH 227: Differential Equations
A study of the theory, methods of solution, and applications of differential equations and systems of differential equations. Topics will include the Laplace Transform, some numerical methods, and applications from the physical sciences and geometry.
Prerequisite: MTH 122 Calculus II
Meets general academic requirement SC.
MTH 229: Data Visualization
Data visualization is a powerful tool to explore and communicate information. In this course, students will leverage visualization to uncover trends, drive decisions, and convey persuasive evidence. Students will use statistical software to clean, tidy, and organize data to prepare for clear visualization incorporating a variety of different types of data. Students will gain hands-on experience refining visualizations, creating dashboards, and adding interactive features to their visualizations.
Prerequisite(s): MTH 119 Statistical Analysis
MTH 240: Transition to Abstract Mathematics
An introduction to abstract mathematical thought with emphasis on understanding and applying definitions, writing arguments to prove valid statements, and providing counterexamples to disprove invalid ones. Topics may include logic, introductory set theory, and elementary number theory, but the focus is on the process of reasoning rather than any particular subject or subdiscipline. It is strongly recommended that mathematics majors complete this course by the end of the sophomore year.
Prerequisite: MTH 122 Calculus II
Meets general academic requirement W
MTH 314: Applied Mathematics & Modeling
Models describing physical and economic conditions will be constructed, analyzed, and tested. The computer will be used in model verification. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Any 200-level MTH course
MTH 318: Operations Research
Linear programming, the transportation model, dynamic programming, decision analysis, game theory, and inventory and queuing models. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: MTH 226 Linear Algebra
MTH 319 Predictive Statistics
This course is an advanced applied statistics course that builds on the statistical methodologies introduced in MTH 219 Statistical Models. Emphasis will be placed on the application of complex models to real world situations to predict uncertain outcomes. We will cover metrics for assessing predictive performance of time series, survival analysis, and classification algorithms.
Prerequisite: MTH 119 Statistical Analysis and MTH 219 Statistical Models
MTH 326: Abstract Algebra
A study of the algebraic structures of groups, rings, fields, and integral domains. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: MTH 240 Transition to Abstract Mathematics and MTH 226 Linear Algebra
MTH 328: Codes and Ciphers
This course is an introduction to the classical and modern methods for encoding secret messages (cryptography) and the science of breaking codes and ciphers (cryptanalysis). It blends the history of secret writing, the art of creating codes, and the mathematics underlying the theory and practice of encryption and decryption. Topics include substitution and transposition ciphers, applications of number theory to cryptanalysis, Vigenere and Hill ciphers, statistical methods in cryptanalysis, RSA encryption, and other public-key ciphers.
Prerequisite: Any 200-level MTH course
MTH 331: Probability
This course is a thorough introduction to discrete and continuous probability distributions, laws of expectation and variance, and functions of variables. It also explores relationships between multiple random variables through joint distribution functions, independence, and covariance. The course provides a firm foundation for deriving the central limit theorem and commonly-used distributions in statistical inference. The topics covered in this course mirror those found on the actuarial Exam P.
Prerequisite: MTH 122 Calculus II
MTH 332: Mathematical Statistics
This course examines the mathematics underpinning statistical distributions, how confidence intervals are formed, and the foundations of hypothesis tests. Computer simulations of distributions, such as bootstrap distributions and null distributions, are used in conjunction with mathematical theory employing tools from probability and statistical analysis.
Prerequisite: MTH 331 Probability and MTH 119 Statistical Analysis
MTH 337: Real Analysis
Rigorous treatment of the real number system, sequence and function limits, continuity, differentiability, intermediate and mean value theorems, uniform continuity, the Riemann integral, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisites: MTH 240 Transition to Abstract Mathematics and MTH 223 Calculus III
MTH 340 CUE: The Matrix Revisited
This course is a follow-up course to MTH 226, Linear Algebra focusing on applications, particularly involving large data sets. The course is structured to emphasize ~mathematics in action~ and will have many project-based components. Topics include image and sound compression and manipulation, least squares, non-symmetric Eigenvalue problems, symmetric Eigenvalues and singular value decomposition, principal component analysis, and iterative methods. These are all techniques/topics used in applied business, science, and industry.
Prerequisite: MTH 226 Linear Algebra
MTH 342: Advanced Geometry
An axiomatic approach to Euclidean geometry. The exploration of non-Euclidean geometries, including hyperbolic geometry. The study of transformational geometries. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: MTH 240 Transition to Abstract Mathematics
MTH 345: Combinatorics & Graph Theory
This advanced course in discrete mathematics emphasizes counting and finite structures. The material is taken from three broad areas of combinatorics: counting theory, graph theory, and design theory. Topics include fundamental laws of counting, generating functions, recursion, partitions, existence and optimization problems, graphs and digraphs, networks, the relationships between graphical invariants, lattices, simple game theory, Latin squares, design and coding theory, and Ramsey Theory.
Prerequisite: MTH 240 Transition to Abstract Mathematics
MTH 347: Number Theory
Selected clasic topics in elementary number theory will be covered, including divisibility of integers, modular arithmetic, linear congruencies, quadratic reciprocity, continued fractions, and, if time permits, basic theory of elliptic curves. A computational point of view is emphasized.
Prerequisite: MTH 240 Transition to Abstract Mathematics
MTH 353: CUE: Landmarks of Mathematics
This course examines major developments in mathematics of historical importance from ancient through modern times. An emphasis is placed on concepts from geometry, algebra, calculus, analysis, number theory, and modern mathematics. The course focuses on the context in which mathematical results were discovered and the lives of the discoverers/creators.
Prerequisite: MTH 122 Calculus II
MTH 381 Special Topic: Mathematical Economics
An introduction to the mathematics used to approach, model, and solve certain questions in economics. Topics include optimization problems of microeconomics, static equilibrium problems of macroeconomics, comparative static analysis, dynamic analysis, optimal control theory, and auction theory. No previous knowledge of economics will be assumed.
Prerequisite: MTH 226 Linear Algebra
MTH 382 Special Topic: Complex Variables
The square root of -1, often denoted as i, is an interesting number. It is called, perhaps derisively, an “imaginary number,” and yet its presence leads to many mathematically beautiful results (arguably more beautiful and natural than their real counterparts). In this course, we will explore the algebraic properties of so-called complex numbers (i.e. numbers of the form x + iy where x and y are real numbers), differentiable functions of a complex variable and their properties, extensions of exponential and trigonometric functions to the complex variable and the relationships between such functions, and some classic results such as the maximum-modulus principle, Liouville’s Theorem, residue calculus, and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra.
Prerequisite: MTH 240 Transition to Abstract Mathematics
MTH 385 Special Topic: Chaos and Fractals
Study of chaotic dynamical systems and fractal geometry. Topics from discrete dynamical systems theory include iteration, orbits, graphical analysis, fixed and periodic points, bifurcations, symbolic dynamics, Sarkovski's theorem, and the Schwarzian derivative. Topics from fractal geometry include fractal, Hausdorff, and topological dimension, Julia and Mandelbrot sets.
Prerequisite: MTH 240 Transition to Abstract Mathematics, MTH 223 Calculus III, MTH 226 Linear Algebra, or MTH 227 Differential Equations
MTH 387 Special Topic: Number Theory
This course covers the classical topics of elementary number theory. We will study divisibility of integers, modular arithmetic, quadratic reciprocity, continued fractions, Diophantine equations, and basic theory of elliptic curves. There will be a strong emphasis on computational number theory.
Prerequisite: MTH 240 Transition to Abstract Mathematics, or permission of instructor
