May 07, 2024  
2018-19 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2018-19 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

Mathematics

  
  • MT 0100 - Algebra


    (3)
    Linear equations, systems of equations, graphs, polynomials, fractional expressions and equations, quadratic equations and functions, inequalities, exponents, powers and roots. Provides the background necessary for either MT 1030  or MT 1190 .

    Recommended: two years of mathematics in grades 9-12 (including at least one year of algebra).
  
  • MT 1030 - Finite Mathematics


    (3)
    An introductory course with an emphasis on topics that are relevant to everyday life. Topics include a brief review of algebra, mathematics of finance (compound interest, annuities, future value, and present value), counting methods (multiplication principle, permutations, and combinations), probability (sample spaces, events, games of chance, empirical probability), descriptive statistics (organization of data, mean, median, standard deviation) and normal distributions. Where appropriate, technoloqy will be used.

    Prerequisite: At least three years of mathematics in grades 9-12 or MT 0100 .
    (MTP)
  
  • MT 1090 - Calculus for Business


    (3)
    An introductory calculus course primarily for the business student. Introduction to derivatives and integrals with emphasis on such business applications as demand functions, cost curves, elasticity of demand and economic order quantity. Note: MT 1090 does not prepare a student to continue with additional calculus; students wishing a deeper study of calculus should pursue the regular calculus sequence beginning with MT 1800 .

    Prerequisite: MT 1030  or instructor approval.
    (MTP)
  
  • MT 1170 - Mathematics in the Modern World


    (3)
    A one-semester conceptual mathematics course designed to address topics in mathematics appearing in the world around us, through inquiry-based, hands-on activities and discussion. Emphasis will be on conceptual understanding and on how mathematics is applied in the real, everyday world.

    (MTP)
  
  • MT 1190 - Precalculus


    (3)
    A preparation for calculus with an emphasis on modeling. These topics include the study of functions in a variety of representations, including tabulated data, graphs and formulas; characteristic features of a variety of function types (including linear, power, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric); and the course includes mathematical modeling from data and from theoretical assumptions. There will be extensive use of technology in this course.

    Prerequisite: Two years of high school algebra or MT 0100 .
    (MTP)
  
  • MT 1510 - Discrete Structures


    (4)
    The major topics of study include functions, relations, sets, propositional and predicate logic, proof techniques, elementary combinatorics and discrete probability concepts.

    Prerequisite: MT 1190 .
    (MTP)
  
  • MT 1800 - Calculus I


    (4)
    A course in differential calculus and its applications. The emphasis will be on conceptual understanding and exploration. Topics include rates of change, limits, definition of the derivative, differentiation techniques, optimization, velocity and acceleration, implicit differentiation, related rates. Technology will be used as a tool to aid the development of mathematical reasoning.

    Prerequisite: ACT Math score of 25 or higher, SAT Math score of 620 or higher, a grade of C or better in either MT 1190  or MT 1510 , or instructor approval.
    (MTP)
  
  • MT 1810 - Calculus II


    (4)
    Fall and Spring semester

    A course in integral calculus and its applications, sequences, and series. The emphasis will be on conceptual understanding and exploration. Topics will include definition of the integral, applications of the integral (such as area, volume, center of mass, continuous probability, arc length, average value of a function), fundamental theorem of calculus, techniques of integration, sequences and series. Technology will be used as a tool to aid the development of mathematical reasoning.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 1800 .
    (MTP)
  
  • MT 2200 - Mathematical Computing


    (3)
    Computing is a central component of much of modern mathematics and science. The aim of this course is to provide students with the basic skills of computing, which will be useful in a variety of subjects and contexts. Topics may include branching, looping, working with lists and functions, recursion, and running simulations of random processes. The course will use free, open source programming languages and environments.

    Prerequisite: MT 1800  or equivalent.
  
  • MT 2420 - Actuarial Science Practicum I


    (1)
    This course is aimed at students who are interested in pursuing a career in actuarial science. It is designed to give them experience and practice with the types of problems encountered on the first examination in the series of Society of Actuaries exams.

    Prerequisite: MT 3400 .
  
  • MT 2430 - Actuarial Science Practicum II


    (1)
    This course is designed to give students experience and practice with the types of problems encountered on the second examination in the series of Society of Actuaries exams.

    Prerequisite: MT 3400  and MT 4410 .
  
  • MT 2800 - Calculus III


    (4)
    A course in multivariable calculus and its applications. The emphasis will be on conceptual understanding and exploration. Topics will include functions of several variables, limits, vector operations, partial derivatives, directional derivative, gradient, higher partial derivatives, optimization, and multiple integrals. Technology will be used as a tool to aid the development of mathematical reasoning.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 1810 .
    (MTP)
  
  • MT 2900 - Preparation for a Mathematical Future


    (1)
    A course to prepare students for their future in mathematics. Students will explore possibilities in academics and industry, prepare a resume, develop interview skills, meet with alumni, regional industry professionals, and graduate school representatives to help them determine their future path.

    Prerequisite: MT 1800 .
  
  • MT 3000 - Topics in Mathematics


    (1–3)
    This course engages students in an in-depth study of a specific area (or application) of higher mathematics. Topics vary each semester but may include such areas as combinatorics, coding theory, information theory, stochastic processes, graph theory, game theory, operations research, mathematical economics, mathematical biology, the history of mathematics, or mathematical programming and computer simulation.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 1810  or instructor approval.
  
  • MT 3260 - Mathematical Modeling


    (3)
    Students will build mathematical models and use these models to answer applied questions in a variety of other disciplines. These disciplines may include engineering, physics, biology, chemistry, medicine, art, ecology, sustainability, economics, and finance. In this course, students will be expected to solve problems in novel settings, independently read mathematics and effectively communicate mathematical ideas in writing. Technology will be used as a tool to aid the development of mathematical reasoning.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 1800 .
  
  • MT 3400 - Probability and Statistics I


    (3)
    Fall semester

    A calculus based introductory course in the methods of probability and statistics. Topics include descriptive statistic, counting techniques, basic probability theory (conditional probability, independence, random variables, and probability distributions), and an introduction to hypothesis testing and factorial experiments. Students will use R, an open-source software environment for statistical computing and graphics. Throughout the course, applications to engineering, computing, and the physical and social sciences will be emphasized.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 1810 .
  
  • MT 3450 - Problems in Industry Seminar


    (3)
    Students interact with an industry mentor and work in groups on a real problem from industry. The emphasis of the class is to work towards the solution of a problem, to effectively communicate the steps being taken towards the solution, and to ultimately present the solution itself.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 1810  and MT 3400 .
  
  • MT 3530 - Numerical Methods


    (3)
    Numerical solutions to algebraic and differential equations; numerical integration; interpolating polynomials and regression analysis; simultaneous equations and solutions to partial differential equations.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 1810 .
  
  • MT 3550 - Number Theory


    (3)
    This course introduces the student to the study of properties of integers. The approach used involves exploration activities designed to uncover these properties as well as the validation of these properties through theorems and proofs. Topics include: divisibility properties of integers, prime numbers, congruences, and Diophantine equations.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 1810  or instructor approval.
  
  • MT 3600 - Modern Geometry


    (3)
    A course that investigates, compares and contrasts a number of geometries. All topics will be explored in both Euclidean geometry and non-Euclidean geometries (for example: Taxicab geometry, spherical geometry, hyperbolic geometry, projective geometry). Topics will include geometric axioms, angles and shapes, tesselations, distance, coordinate systems and area. Technology will be used as a tool to aid the development of mathematical reasoning.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 1810 .
  
  • MT 3700 - Differential Equations


    (3)
    A dynamical systems approach to the study of solutions to differential equations. Some analytical solution techniques are covered, but emphasis is placed on qualitative, geometric and numerical techniques of finding solutions. Modeling is incorporated throughout the course.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 1810 .
  
  • MT 3800 - Introduction to Abstract Mathematics


    (3)
    A basic introduction emphasizing the development and presentation of sound mathematical arguments. Topics include logic, sets, relations, functions, and proof techniques. Little formal mathematics is needed, but intensive logical thought and an interest in the goal of the course are essential.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 1810  or instructor approval.
  
  • MT 3810 - Linear Algebra


    (3)
    An introductory course in linear algebra. This course will include the study of properties of vector spaces and the linear transformations between vector spaces. There will be particular attention paid to the study of Euclidean space and various properties of matrices such as eigenvalues and eigenvectors as well as related matrix operations such as the determinant.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in either MT 1810  or MT 1510 .
  
  • MT 3990 - Introductory Research Projects


    (1)
    This course introduces students to what it is like to do research in mathematics. Students will investigate a mathematical topic or question in weekly consultation with the supervising faculty member, they will conduct the necessary literature searches, maintain a detailed record of all results, and prepare a draft research report.

    Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
  
  • MT 4000 - Advanced Topics in Mathematics


    (1–3)
    This course engages students in an in-depth study of a specific area of higher mathematics. Investigations in this course will build from the formal, theoretical foundations of the specific content area. Topics vary each semester but may include such areas as combinatorics, Galois theory, set theory, mathematical logic, graph theory, game theory, differential geometry, linear analysis, or measure theory.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 3800  or instructor approval.
  
  • MT 4350 - Introduction to Topology


    (3)
    Topology of Euclidean spaces and metric spaces; general topological spaces. Continuous mappings and Homeomorphisms. Separation axioms, connectedness and compactness.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 3800 .
  
  • MT 4400 - Advanced Topics in Statistics


    (3)
    This course engages students in an in-depth study of a specific area of statistics. Investigations and applications in this course will build from the formal, theoretical foundations of the specific content area. Topics vary each semester.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 3400 .
  
  • MT 4410 - Probability and Statistics II


    (3)
    A second course in the methods of probability and statistics. Topics include sampling distributions, limit results, point estimation, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, variance, correlation and regression. Students will use R, an open-source software environment for statistical computing and graphics. Throughout the course, applications to engineering, computing, and the physical and social sciences will be emphasized.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 3400 .
  
  • MT 4420 - Statistical Learning


    (3)
    This course is an introduction to the field of Statistical Learning. Students will work on relevant applications, learning and utilizing many important modeling and prediction methods, such as regression and classification methods, resampling methods, tree-based methods, support vector machines, clustering and neural networks. Students will do all computing in R, an open-source software environment for statistical computing and graphics.

    Prerequisite: Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 3400 .
  
  • MT 4900 - Abstract Algebra


    (3)
    An introductory course with a focus on groups and rings. Topics in group theory may include symmetries, subgroups, cyclic groups, and quotient groups. Topics in ring theory may include integral domains, fields, and the field of quotients of an integral domain. For both topics, structure, homomorphism, and a variety of examples will be studied.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 3800 .
  
  • MT 4920 - Real Analysis


    (3)
    A first course in the analysis of functions of a single variable. Topics include the real number system, the completeness axiom, limits, continuity, differentiation, the mean value theorem, the definite integral, and the fundamental theorem of calculus.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in both MT 2800  and MT 3800 .
  
  • MT 4930 - Complex Analysis


    (3)
    An introductory course to the theory of functions of complex variables. The class will include topics such as the study of complex numbers, analytic functions, harmonic functions, contour integration, complex series, conformal mapping, boundary value problems and integral transforms.

    Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MT 2800 .