Course Descriptions
MA 005 Precalculus Lab (1 credit)
Emphasizes problem solving as applied to topics from Precalculus. Class time is spent on computer generated problem sets, workbooks in a question and answer format, and individualized work with the instructor. Topics covered include: Linear equations in one variable, graphing lines, finding equations of lines, functions, function notation, graphing functions, polynomials, exponents, and radicals. Does not satisfy mathematical sciences core requirement. (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory).
MA 103 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers: Algebraic
Restricted to elementary education majors. Provides an inquiry-based examination of basic concepts, operations and structures occurring in numbers, number sense and algebraic reasoning. Students develop a deeper understanding of the numeric, arithmetic and algebraic concepts required to teach elementary school mathematics. Does not fulfill mathematics and statistics core requirement.
MA 104 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers: Geometric
Restricted to elementary education majors. Provides an activity-based exploration of informal geometry in two and three dimensions as well as probability and statistics. Emphasis is on visualization skills, fundamental geometric concepts, the analysis of shapes and patterns and analyzing and displaying data. Students develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts required to teach mathematics in elementary school. Does not fulfill mathematics and statistics core requirement.
MA 109 Precalculus
This is the course for students intending to take Applied Calculus (MA 151) or Calculus I (MA 251). The study of functions from an algebraic, graphical, and numerical perspective. Concepts and procedures are emphasized, focusing on connections between equations, inequalities, and the analysis of function behavior. Algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions are examined and applied to problems from science and business.
Prerequisites: A score of 50 or better on ALEKS or a math SAT score of 560 or better or a math ACT score of 24 or better. Students not meeting the prerequisite will take corequisite MA 005 in addition to MA 109.
This course does not fulfill the mathematics core requirement. It is offered Fall and Spring Semesters.
ST 110 Introduction to Statistical Methods and Data Analysis
An introductory statistics course requiring no calculus. Statistical methods are motivated through real data sets. Topics include graphical summaries of data, measures of central tendency and dispersion, chi-squared tests, regression model fitting, normal distributions and sampling.
Offered Fall and Spring Semesters.
MA 113 Mathematics and Politics
A mathematical and historical perspective on representation, voting, and power. The layers of the electoral system are considered, including voting systems, apportionment, redistricting, and the electoral college. Criteria for fairness in these topics and associated impossibility theorems are discussed. Closed to students who have credit for MA/ST 200-level courses.
MA 114 Mathematics and Sustainability
Focuses on critical thinking and how to support arguments quantitatively in the context of sustainability. Topics include measurement, flow, connectivity, change, risk, and decision making. How to model sustainability at the local, regional, and global level is studied. Closed to students who have credit for MA/ST 200-level courses.
MA 115 Introduction to Combinatorics
A basic introduction to counting and its relationship to combinatorial structure. Topics may be chosen from; sets, enumeration, permutations and combinations, probability, graph theory, colorability, planarity, trees. Closed to students who have credit for MA/ST 200-level courses.
MA 116 Topics in Modern Math: Ciphers and Codes
Can you figure out the following message? DOO DUH ZHOFRPH? This message is an example of a cipher. There are a wide variety of different schemes for creating ciphers; in fact, one of the earliest known methods was used by Julius Caesar. The course will focus on those schemes that have a mathematical basis. We will begin with Caesar's method and end with a scheme currently used for security on the Internet. The mathematics used will be elementary and will be developed in the course.
MA 117 Mathematics, Numbers and the Real World
The nature of mathematical reasoning and the concept of proof in relation to concrete problems. Topics may include inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, various number systems and their history, everyday arithmetic, financial management, introductory probability, and statistics. Topics are often discussed with a view toward practical applications and interesting real world examples. Closed to students who have credit for MA/ST 200-level courses.
MA 118 History of Mathematics
This course surveys the development of mathematical ideas throughout history, with emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving from the historical point of view. Topics include the historical development of numbers, calculations, geometry, algebra, and the concept of infinity in various civilizations with specific emphasis on developments in Europe, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, India, and China. Connections are explored between the history of mathematics and other fields such as natural and applied sciences, social sciences and business.
MA 119 Special Topics in Modern Math
Special topics in elementary mathematics. Topic varies depending on interest of the instructor. Closed to students who have credit for MA/ST 200-level courses. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
MA 151 Applied Calculus
A one semester introduction to calculus. Definition, interpretation, and applications of the derivative especially in business and social sciences. Degree credit will not be given for both MA 151 and MA 251. Closed to students minoring in mathematics or statistics.
Prerequisite: MA 109 or a score of 65 or higher on ALEKS or one year of high school calculus.
Offered Fall and Spring Semesters.
MA 200/ST 200 Opportunities in STEM
The colloquium focuses on internships, research, and career options available to students in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, and Statistics through speaker talks, career center workshops, and field trips to research and industry partners. This course is intended for natural and applied science majors. Written or electronic permission of the instructor.
Required for all Hyman Science Scholars in their second year. Does not count toward the 120-credit graduation requirement. Same course as CS200, PH200, ST200. (Pass/Fail)
This course is only offered in the Fall Semester.
ST 210 Introduction to Statistics
A non-calculus-based course covering descriptive statistics, regression model fitting, probability, normal, binomial and sampling distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing. ST 210 is closed to students who have taken EC 220 or EG 381 or PY 292 or ST 265 or ST 381.
Prerequisite: MA 109 or a score of 65 or higher on ALEKS or one year of high school calculus.
MA 251 Calculus I
A rigorous approach to Calculus for all majors. Topics include limits, definition, interpretation, and applications of the derivative; differentiation rules; antiderivatives; definition of definite and indefinite integrals; and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Degree credit will not be given for both MA 151 and MA 251.
Prerequisite: MA 109 or a score of 76 or higher on ALEKS or one year of high school calculus.
Offered Fall and Spring Semesters.
MA 252 Calculus II
A continuation of Calculus I. Techniques and applications of integration, improper integrals, parametric equations and polar coordinates, sequences and series.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in MA 251.
Offered in Fall and Spring Semesters.
ST 265 Biostatistics
A non-calculus-based course covering descriptive statistics, regression model fitting, probability, distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing. Applications are geared toward research and data analysis in biology and medicine.
ST 265 is closed to students who have taken EC 220 or EG 381 or PY 292 or ST 210 or ST 381.
Prerequisite: MA 109 or a score of 65 or higher on ALEKS or one year of high school calculus.
This course is intended mainly for Biology majors. It is offered only in the Spring Semester.
MA 295 Discrete Structures
Boolean algebra, combinatorics, inductive and deductive proofs, sets, graphs, functions, and recurrence relations.
Prerequisites: CS 151; MA 109 or higher or a score of 50 or higher on ALEKS or one year of high school calculus.
This course is limited to Computer Science Majors and Minors and is also listed as CS 295. It is offered only in the Fall Semester.
MA 301 Introduction to Linear Algebra
An introduction to the basics of matrices, linear transformations, and vector spaces along with selected applications. Topics include linear independence, dimension, solutions of linear systems, eigenvalues, and diagonalization. Applications are drawn from areas such as computer graphics, input-output analysis, and least squares. The computer package MATLAB is introduced and used throughout the course.
Prerequisite: MA 252 or MA 295/CS 295
This course is required for both mathematics and statistics majors and is usually taken in the sophomore year.
MA 302 Programming in Mathematics
The basics of MATLAB programming are covered through the investigation of various mathematical topics, including functions, conditional statements, loops, and plotting.
Prerequisite: CS 151
Pre/Corequisite: MA 301
MA 303 Discovering Information in Data
Students use tools for acquiring, cleaning, analyzing, exploring, and visualizing data. This course teaches students how to make data-driven decisions and effectively communicate results. A major component of this course is learning how to use python-based programming tools to apply methods to real-life datasets including those that arise from physics applications.
Written or electronic permission of the instructor. Fulfills the natural science core requirement. Does not count toward the computer science and/or physics minors for mathematics majors. Closed to students who have taken CS 403, DS 303, or PH 203. Same course as DS 303, PH 203.
MA 304 Ordinary Differential Equations
An introduction to ordinary differential equations. Techniques for solving and analyzing first and second order differential equations, both linear and nonlinear; systems of differential equations. Qualitative and numerical methods as well as closed form solutions are emphasized, and mathematical software is used. No computer experience necessary.
Prerequisites: MA 351 or MA 252 and written permission of the instructor. Required for mathematics major.
This course is only offered in the Spring Semester.
ST 310 Statistical Computing
Reviews a number of statistics topics as a vehicle for introducing students to statistical computing and programming using SAS and R for graphical and statistical analysis of data. Statistics topics include graphical and numerical descriptive statistics, probability distributions, one and two sample tests and confidence intervals, simple linear regression, and chi-square tests. SAS topics include data management, manipulation, cleaning, macros, and matrix computations. Topics in R include data frames, functions, objects, flow control, input and output, matrix computations, and the use of R packages. Lastly, this course also includes an introduction to the resampling and bootstrap approaches to statistical inference. Required for statistics and data science majors.
Prerequisite: ST 210 or ST 265 or EC 220 or written permission of the department chair.
ST 315 Intermediate Statistical Methods: Test & Modeling
A non-calculus-based study of Inference for the Mean (Sample Size Determination in Interval Estimation, Type I and II Error, the Power of a Test of Hypotheses); Binary Logistic Regression; and Applied Factor Analysis.
Prerequisite: ST 110 or ST 210 or ST 265 or ST 381 or EC 220 or PY 292 must be completed prior to taking this course.
MA 351 Calculus III
A continuation of MA 252 into multivariable calculus. Topics include vectors, lines, planes, and surfaces in three dimensions; vector functions and their derivatives and integrals; partial derivatives, gradients, directional derivatives, maxima, minima, Lagrange multipliers; multiple integrals, area, volume, surface area, integration in different coordinate systems. Line integrals, Green’s theorem, Stokes’ theorem and the divergence theorem are also studied.
Prerequisite: At least a C- or better in MA 252.
This course is required for both mathematics and statistics majors and is usually taken in the sophomore year.
ST 381 Probability and Statistics
Random experiments, probability, random variables, probability density functions, expectation, descriptive statistics, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, and simple linear regression. Degree credit will not be given for more than one of EG 381 or ST 210 or ST 265 or ST 381. Same course as EG 381.
Prerequisite: MA 252
This course is offered only in the Fall Semester.
MA 395 Discrete Methods
An introduction to proof writing, with topics drawn from logical compound statements, natural numbers, mathematical induction, set theory, functions, relations, counting arguments, permutations, combinations, and probability. Problem solving is stressed.
Prerequisite: MA 252
This course is required for both mathematics and statistics majors and is usually taken in the sophomore year.
MA 421 Analysis I
A rigorous development of topics in calculus, and a systematic study of basic analysis with an emphasis on formal proofs. Topics include properties of the real line, sequences, series, theory of limits, continuity, theory of differentiation, and integration of functions of one variable.
Prerequisite: MA 395
This course is required for the major and is usually taken in the junior year. It is offered only in the Fall Semester.
MA 422 Analysis II
A continuation of MA 421. Possible topics include theory of integration of functions of one variable, improper integrals, series, functions of several variables, and metric spaces.
Prerequisites: MA 351 and MA 421
This course is required for the Pure Mathematics Concentrations; it may be used for the Statistics, Secondary Education and General Program Concentrations. This course is offered in the Spring Semester of even numbered years.
MA 424 Complex Analysis
Geometry of complex numbers, complex functions, analytic functions, harmonic functions, contour integration, Cauchy’s Integral Formula, Laurent series, residue theory, conformal mappings.
Prerequisite: MA 351
MA 427 Numerical Analysis
Emphasizes the development of numerical algorithms to provide stable and efficient solutions to common problems in science and engineering, along with MA 428. Topics include direct and iterative methods appearing in linear algebra, root finding methods, and interpolation.
Prerequisites: MA 301, MA 302, or written permission from the instructor.
MA 428 Computational Mathematics
This course, along with MA 427, emphasizes the development of numerical algorithms to provide stable and efficient solutions to common problems in science and engineering. Topics include numerical differentiation, initial value problems, two point boundary value problems, and partial differential equations.
Prerequisites: MA 301 or MA 304; MA 302
MA 431 Geometry
A review of Euclidean geometry and an introduction to non-Euclidean geometry. Rigorous deduction and axiom systems are emphasized. Possible techniques include the use of coordinate geometry, linear algebra, and computer geometry systems.
Prerequisite: MA 395
This course is offered in the Spring Semester of even numbered years.
MA 437 Combinatorics
An introduction to combinatorial objects, calculations, and techniques of proof. Topics may include bijective counting, multisets and multinomial coefficients, partitions, sequences, generating functions, the inclusion-exclusion principle, distributions, and partially ordered sets.
Prerequisite: MA 351 or written permission of the instructor
MA 441 Ring Theory
An investigation of the fundamental algebraic systems of integers, rings, polynomials and fields. Topics drawn from homomorphisms, cosets, and quotient structures.
MA 442 Group Theory
An investigation of the fundamental algebraic system of groups. Topics include homomorphism, cosets and quotient structures. May include applications, Sylow theory, combinatorics, coding theory, Galois theory, etc.
This course is offered in the Spring Semester of odd numbered years.
MA 445 Advanced Linear Algebra
A deeper study of matrices and their applications, diagonalization, canonical forms, eigenvectors and eigenvalues, perturbation of matrices, computational algorithms.
Prerequisite: MA 301
MA 447 Number Theory
Integers, divisibility, Euclid’s algorithm, Diophantine equations, prime numbers, congruences, including quadratic reciprocity and Euler’s phi-function. Additional topics to be chosen by the instructor.
Prerequisite: MA 395
ST 461 Elements of Statistical Theory I: Distributions
This course is the first in the two semester sequence of probability and mathematical statistics. Probability, discrete and continuous distributions, moment generating functions, multivariate distributions, transformations of variables, and order statistics.
Prerequisites: ST 210 or ST 265 or ST/EG 381 or EC 220 or PY 292; MA 351
This course is offered in the Fall Semester of even numbered years.
ST 462 Elements of Statistical Theory II: Inference
A continuation of ST 461. Theory of estimation and hypothesis testing, the central limit theorem, maximum likelihood estimation, Bayesian estimation and the likelihood ratio test.
Prerequisite: ST 461
This course is offered in the Spring Semester of odd numbered years.
ST 465 Experimental Research Methods
Concepts and techniques for experimental research including simple, logistic and multiple regression, analysis of variance, analysis of categorical data.
Prerequisite: ST 210 or ST 265 or ST/EG 381 or EC 220 or PY 292
ST 466 Experimental Design
A continuation of ST 465. The theory of linear models and its relationship to regression, analysis of variance and covariance. Coverage of interaction, blocking, replication and experimental designs: split-plot, nested, and Latin squares.
Prerequisites: MA 301, ST 310, ST 465
This course is offered in the Spring Semester of even numbered years.
ST 471 Statistical Quality Control
Quality has become an integral part of the lives of both the consumer and the producer. Covered topics include the ideas of W. Edwards Deming; six sigma; Shewhart concepts of process control; control charts for attributes and variables; CUSUM, EWMA, and MA charts; and factorial experimental designs.
Prerequisites: ST 210 or ST 265 or ST/EG 381 or EC 220 or PY 292.
This course is offered in the Fall Semester of odd numbered years.
ST 472 Applied Multivariate Analysis
Applications of multivariate statistical methods including: principal components, factor analysis, cluster analysis, discriminant analysis, Hotelling's T-square, and multivariate analysis of variance. An applied journal article is read and summarized verbally, in written form and rewritten form. A final course project, based on an original study, is presented verbally, in written form and rewritten form.
Prerequisites: ST 210 or ST 265 or ST/EG 381 or EC 220 or PY 292; ST 310
Restrictions: Restricted to sophomores, juniors, or seniors
ST 473 Statistical Learning and Big Data
Covers foundations and recent advances in statistical learning for complex and massive data. Topics include nonlinear regression, smoothing splines, linear/quadratic discriminant analysis, k-nearest neighbors, regression trees, bagging, random forests, boosting, and support vector machines. Some unsupervised learning methods are discussed: principal components and clustering (k-means and hierarchical). Those methods are performed using statistical software - R and SAS.
Prerequisite (may be taken concurrently): ST 310
This course is required for statistics majors and statistics minors. It is offered
only in the Fall Semester of odd numbered years.
ST 475 Survival Analysis & Generalized Linear Models
The course consists of two parts. The first part provides a survey of the theory and application of survival analysis. Topics include time-to-event data, types of censoring, hazard functions, survival functions, Kaplan-Meier estimators, Nelson-Aalen estimators, and Cox proportional hazards models. Parametric methods and various nonparametric alternatives are discussed. The second part introduces the concepts and background of generalized linear models (GLMs). Topics include exponential family distributions, likelihood functions, link functions, simple and multiple linear regression, logistic regression for binary data, and Poisson regression for count data. Those methods are performed using statistical software - R and SAS.
Prerequisite: ST 310
This course is offered in the Fall Semester of even numbered years.
ST 476 Statistical Sports Modelling
Sports data from the four major American professional sports leagues is studied using statistical methods: linear regression, ANOVA, estimability in linear models, logistic regression, odds, odds ratios, money lines, analysis of covariance, and/or factor analysis. Communicating the results via written documents and classroom presentations are a focus of the course.
Prerequisite: ST 465
MA 481 Operations Research
Linear programming and related techniques of combinatorial optimization with applications. Includes the simplex algorithm, transportation, optimal assignment, network flow, shortest path and travelling salesperson problems.
Prerequisite: MA 301
MA 485 Stochastic Processes
The fundamental concepts of random phenomena, including multivariate random variables; conditioning; the Poisson process; Markov chains; birth and death processes; queuing theory; random walks; Brownian motion. The course is valuable for students interested in mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science, economics, business and finance.
Prerequisites: ST 210 or ST 265 or ST/EG 381 or EC 220 or PY 292; MA 301
It is typically offered in the Spring Semester of odd numbered years.
MA 489 Techniques of Mathematical Modeling
Covers basic mathematical tools for quantitative descriptions of practical problems arising from physics, biology, economics, and engineering. Mathematical models are an important way of obtaining quantitative solutions to these problems. Emphasis is on the formulation, analysis, and testing of mathematical models through some elementary examples and effective communication of quantitative results. Topics include modeling change by difference equations, curve fitting, modeling with differential equations, modeling by graph theory, and linear programming.
Prerequisites: MA 301 or MA 304; MA 351
MA 490 Special Topics in Mathematics: Graph Theory
The fundamentals of graphs will be discussed. Topics may include graphs, trees, connectivity, Eulerian circuits, Hamiltonian cycles, vertex and edge colorings, planar graphs and extremal problems.
Prerequisite: MA 395 or permission of the instructor.
MA 490 Special Topics in Mathematics: Cryptology
This course will provide an introduction to classical and modern cryptology. We will study methods to encrypt messages to keep the contents secret, methods to attack these encryption schemes and the mathematics underlying these methods.
Prerequisite: MA 301
MA 490 Special Topics in Mathematics: Introduction to Non-Linear Programming
Nonlinear programming deals with the problem of optimizing an objective function in the presence of equality and inequality constraints. If all the functions are linear, we have a linear program, otherwise, the problem is called a nonlinear program. In this course, we will study Unconstrained Optimization, Convex Sets and Convex Functions, Convex Programming and the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker Conditions.
Note: this course is the foundation of nonlinear programming, computer skill is not
required. Students may be asked to do one final project using MATLAB.
Prerequisites: MA 301 and MA 351
MA 490 Special Topics in Mathematics: Topology
An introduction to topology. Topics include metric spaces, general topological spaces, open and closed sets, bases of topologies, continuity, connectedness, compactness, product and quotient spaces and Urysohn's metrization theorem.
Prerequisite: MA 395 or permission of instructor.
MA 490 Special Topics in Mathematics: Pricing Derivative Securities
This course will build on mathematical models of stock and bond prices to cover two major areas of mathematical finance that have an enormous impact on the way that modern financial markets operate.
The Black-Scholes arbitrage pricing model of options and other derivative securities; Financial Portfolio Optimization Theory due to Tobin and Markowitz and the Capital Asset Pricing Model.
Prerequisite: A basic familiarity with probability, statistics, and calculus (MA 252 and ST 210).
MA 490 Special Topics in Mathematics: The Art of Counting
Remember when you first learned 1, 2, 3, . . . Now, years later, you have powerful mathematical tools at your command that will allow you to count more than apples: permutations, partitions, (mathematical) trees, strings, and uncountably more. We will also look at graphs, cliques, probability, existence and external problems as time permits. The course will focus on problem solving. Some of the tools we will study are the pigeon-hole principle, inclusion-exclusion, generating functions and recursion. The material learned in this course and more importantly the thought processes can be useful in any mathematical field from the most basic to the graduate level. Combinatorics has applications to Computer Science, Statistics and much more.
Prerequisite: MA 395 or permission of instructor.
MA 490 Special Topics in Mathematics: Partial Differential Equations
We will study a variety of types of partial differential equation and learn techniques to solve them. The emphasis will be on exact techniques but some discussion of numerical techniques will be included. Applications will be emphasized.
MA 499 Mathematics Internship
Students gain a better understanding of mathematics through work experience. Interns are required to work in a business or professional environment under the guidance of an on-site supervisor for a minimum of 100 hours. The work conducted during the internship must in some way relate to mathematics or the application of the discipline to the business or professional environment. The location may be in- or out-of-state, on a paid or unpaid basis. Course requirements include a weekly work log, a scheduled performance evaluation signed by the on-site supervisor, and an updated résumé and cover letter.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor or department chair.
ST 499 Statistics Internship
Students gain a better understanding of statistics through work experience. Interns are required to work in a business or professional environment under the guidance of an on-site supervisor for a minimum of 100 hours. The work conducted during the internship must in some way relate to statistics or the application of the discipline to the business or professional environment. The location may be in- or out-of-state, on a paid or unpaid basis. Course requirements include a weekly work log, a scheduled performance evaluation signed by the on-site supervisor, and an updated résumé and cover letter.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor or department chair.