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2011-2012
Course 
Catalog

Mathematics

Chair of Physics and Mathematics: Professor Patrick Bunton
Assistant Professors: Mayumi Derendinger, Neil Nicholson

Goals for Student Learning

Students graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics will:
  • Have a solid foundation in undergraduate mathematics necessary for lifelong learning in mathematics and areas related to mathematics.
  • Think critically and creatively as mathematicians.
  • Develop skills in reading, writing, and presenting mathematical ideas, concepts, and problems.
  • Be prepared to pursue an enriching career or advanced study.
  • Be able to participate in a scholarly community.

The department offers one major and one minor. The mathematics major leads to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. The department also offers a minor in mathematics. A student who selects mathematics as a second major combined with a BS primary major is not required to take the additional BA degree courses. All majors must successfully complete a senior project. For the mathematics and secondary education majors, the student teaching is counted as senior project. For mathematics majors, the project may be a research project approved by mathematics faculty, a formal independent study (MAT 490 Independent Study (1-4)), or may be done in conjunction with an upper level course (MAT 301, 335, 347, 410, or 443: must have consent from the instructor at the beginning of the semester). A grade of C- or higher is required in each course for the major.

Students majoring in mathematics may receive certification to teach mathematics in grades 9-12 in the State of Missouri by double majoring in mathematics and secondary education. Procedures to be followed in obtaining teacher certification are included in the Student Handbook for Teacher Certification. Specific course requirements for all certification programs may be found on check sheets available in the education department office.


The Major
Mathematics
 
Required Courses  
MAT 200
 Calculus II (4)
MAT 201
Calculus III (4)
MAT 281
Applied Linear Algebra (4)
One more MAT elective numbered above 200 (4)
Designated Electives (see list below)    (11- 12)
Designated Electives (select three):
MAT 301
College Geometry (3)
MAT 305
Introduction to Probability (4)
MAT 320
History of Mathematics (4)
MAT 335
Numerical Analysis (4)
MAT 347
Abstract Algebra (4)
MAT 410
Analysis I (4)
MAT 443
Complex Variables (4)
MAT 451
Advanced Mathematics Seminar (4)

 

The Minor
Mathematics

Required Courses
15 hours including
MAT 200
Calculus II (4)
MAT 201
Calculus III (4)
MAT 281 or
MAT 202
Applied Linear Algebra (4)
Differential Equations (4)
Designated Electives (see list below) (3-4 hours)
Designated Electives (select one)
MAT 301
College Geometry (3)
MAT 305
Introduction to Probability (4)
MAT 320
History of Mathematics (4)
MAT 335
Numerical Analysis (4)
MAT 347
Abstract Algebra (4)
MAT 410
Analysis I (4)
MAT 443
Complex Variables (4_

 

Course Descriptions

MAT 101 Precalculus (4 cr. hrs.)
Basic concepts of precalculus including the study of algebraic and trigonometric functions and limits plus an introduction to the concepts and applications of calculus with particular emphasis on business applications. Students who have credit in CTI 104 or higher cannot get credit for MAT 101. (MAT 101 will not count toward a mathematics major.) Each semester.

MAT 190 Introduction to Computer Science (4 cr. hrs.)
The course is an introduction to computers and computer programming. Key topics include computer machinery and the concepts that make them possible. Topics cover problem specification; program logic, structure and interfaces; program implementation, documentation, and testing. The course is recommended for a broad range of audiences. It is primarily aimed at students who have no programming experience.

MAT 200 Calculus II (4 cr. hrs.)
A continuation of CTI 104 including further applications and techniques of single variable integral calculus. Prerequisite: CTI 104 or advanced placement. Each semester.

MAT 201 Calculus III (4 cr. hrs.)
Sequences, series, solid analytic geometry and multivariate calculus. Prerequisite: MAT 200 or advanced placement. Fall semester.

MAT 202 Differential Equations (4 cr. hrs.)
Ordinary differential equations. Solution of differential equations by operators, power and Fourier series and Laplace transforms included. Prerequisite: MAT 200. Fall semester on demand.

MAT 281 Applied Linear Algebra (4 cr. hrs.)
Development of the algebra and calculus of matrices, introductory theory of vector spaces and eigenvectors with particular attention to topics that arise in applications. Prerequisite: MAT 201. Spring semester.

MAT 290 Bridge to Advanced Mathematics (4 cr. hrs.)
This course offers a bridge between the calculus sequence and upper-level mathematics. Students will be introduced to first-order and propositional logic, mathematical proof methods, set theory, relations, functions, and cardinality of numbers. Prerequisite: MAT 201. On demand.

MAT 301 College Geometry (3 cr. hrs.)
A study of Euclidean geometry, finite geometries, and non- Euclidean geometries. Prerequisites: junior standing or consent of instructor. Prerequisite: MAT 201 or instructor’s consent. Spring semester. On demand.

MAT 305 Introduction to Probability (4 cr. hrs.)
An introduction to probability spaces, distribution and estimation theory with emphasis on model building. Prerequisite: MAT 201. Fall semester. On demand.

MAT 320 History of Mathematics (4 cr. hrs.)
A survey of important concepts of mathematics from antiquity to the present, with an emphasis placed on individuals, problems, achievements, scientific viewpoints, and cultural contexts of each historical era. Prerequisite: MAT 281 or MAT 290.

MAT 335 Numerical Analysis (4 cr. hrs.)
A study and analysis of the numerical methods of solving algebraic and transcendental equations, ordinary and partial differential equations in integration and other mathematically expressed problems. Prerequisite: MAT 202 and MAT 281. Spring semester. On demand.

MAT 347 Abstract Algebra (4 cr. hrs.)
An introduction to groups, rings, integral domains and fields. Course material includes LaGrange’s Theorem, isomorphism theorems, Caley’s Theorem, Sylow’s Theorem, polynomial rings and ideals. Prerequisite: MAT 281. Fall semester, even years.

MAT 410 Analysis I (4 cr. hrs.)
A rigorous approach to the study of functions, limits, continuity, differentiation and integration of functions of one and several variables. Prerequisite: MAT 281. Spring semester, even years.

MAT 443 Complex Variables (4 cr. hrs.)
This course is an introduction to the study of complex variables and its applications. Topics studied include: complex numbers, analytic and elementary functions, complex integration and Cauchy’s theorems, sequences, Taylor and Laurent series, residues and poles. Prerequisites: MAT 202 or MAT 281. On demand.

MAT 451 Advanced Mathematics Seminar (1-4 cr. hrs.)
Special topics in advanced mathematics for juniors and seniors to provide advanced study opportunities in analysis, algebra and applied mathematics. On demand.

MAT 490 Independent Study (1-4 cr. hrs.)
Approved on or off-campus projects in independent research and reading by mathematics majors.

 
   

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