Mathematics, Minor
Why Take This Minor?
Mathematics helps one to think logically, to formulate complex problems in a well-defined manner, to critically analyze data, and to determine optimal solutions to real-world problems. All of these skills are transferrable to a wide variety of careers that make mathematicians highly sought after in the work force. Mathematics majors often pursue careers as actuaries, statisticians, financial analysts, and teachers, but they are also well-prepared to enter the workforce in a much wider range of career fields.
The minor in mathematics introduces students to the foundational courses in the field usually encountered during the first two years of study.
Requirements
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
MTH 120 | Calculus I | 4 |
MTH 121 | Calculus II | 4 |
Select three of the following: | 11-12 | |
Calculus III | ||
Linear Algebra | ||
Foundations of Mathematics | ||
Differential Equations | ||
One additional Mathematics course at 300-level or greater | 3 | |
Total Credits | 22-23 |
Choices for Mathematics
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
MTH 302 | Foundations of Mathematics | 3 |
MTH 321 | Real Analysis | 3 |
MTH 322 | Differential Equations | 4 |
MTH 330 | Modern Geometries | 3 |
MTH 335 | Graph Theory | 3 |
MTH 341 | Abstract Algebra | 3 |
MTH 345 | Combinatorics | 3 |
MTH 370 | Selected Topics in Mathematics | 3 |
MTH 405 | History of Mathematics | 3 |
MTH 410 | Probability | 3 |
MTH 411 | Mathematical Statistics | 3 |
MTH 415 | Financial Mathematics | 3 |
MTH 421 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
MTH 424 | Complex Variables | 2-3 |
MTH 425 | Mathematical Modeling | 3 |
MTH 430 | Topology | 3 |
MTH 444 | Research in MTH I | 1-3 |
MTH 470 | Selected Topics in Mathematics | 3 |
Course Descriptions
Topics in this course include functions of various types: rational, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic; limits and continuity; the derivative of a function and its interpretation; applications of derivatives, including finding maxima and minima and curve sketching; antiderivatives, the definite integral and approximations; the fundamental theorem of calculus; and integration using substitution. A TI graphing calculator is required.
This course addresses differentiation and integration of inverse trigonometric and hyperbolic functions; applications of integration, including area, volume, and arc length; techniques of integration, including integration by parts, partial fraction decomposition, and trigonometric substitution; L'Hopital's Rule; improper integrals; infinite series and convergence tests; Taylor series; parametric equations; polar coordinates; and conic sections. A TI graphing calculator is required.
This course addresses three-dimensional geometry, including equations of lines and planes in space, and vectors. It offers an introduction to multi-variable calculus including vector-valued functions, partial differentiation, optimization, and multiple integration. Applications of partial differentiation and multiple integration. A TI-89 graphing calculator is required.
This course includes vectors and matrices, systems of linear equations, determinants, real vector spaces, spanning and linear independence, basis and dimension, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and orthogonality. Applications in mathematics, computer science, the natural sciences, and economics are included.
Topics in this course include propositional logic, methods of proof, sets, fundamental properties of integers, elementary number theory, functions and relations, cardinality, and the structure of the real numbers.
This is a course that emphasizes the theory behind calculus topics such
as continuity, differentiation, integration, and sequences and series
(both of numbers and of functions); basic topology, Fourier Series.
This course focuses on analytical, graphical, and numerical techniques for first and higher order differential equations; Laplace transform methods; systems of coupled linear differential equations; phase portraits and stability; applications in the natural and social sciences. (offered in alternate years)
Topics from Euclidean geometry including: planar and spatial motions and similarities, collinearity and concurrence theorems for triangles, the nine-point circle and Euler line of a triangle, cyclic quadrilaterals, compass and straightedge constructions. In addition, finite geometries and the classical non-Euclidean geometries are introduced. (offered in alternate years)
This course introduces students to the field of graph theory and leads them through an exploration of the major branches of this subject, incorporating both theoretical results and current applications for each area studied. From a theoretical perspective, students re-derive well-known existing results and construct proofs related to new topics which have been introduced. From an applied standpoint, members of the class learn to formulate graph models to solve problems in computer science, the natural sciences, engineering, psychology, sociology, and other fields. We also consider some open problems and pose new questions of our own. In addition to fundamental definitions and concepts in graph theory, some specific topics that will be introduced are the following: Eulerian, Hamiltonian, planar, and directed graphs; trees, connectivity, matching, decomposition, coloring, covering, and independent sets and cliques; techniques and algorithms on graphs; and optimization problems and network flows.
Sets and mappings; groups, rings, fields, and integral domains; substructures and quotient structures; homomorphisms and isomorphisms; abelian and cyclic groups; symmetric and alternating groups; polynomial rings are topics of discussion in this course. (offered in alternate years)
This course addresses permutations and combinations, generating functions, recurrence relations and difference equations, inclusion/exclusion principle, derangements, and other counting techniques, including cycle indexing and Polya's method of enumeration.
This is an introductory course to specialized areas of mathematics. The subject matter will vary from term to term.
This course is an in-depth historical study of the development of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus in Western mathematics (Europe and the Near East) from ancient times up through the 19th century, including highlights from the mathematical works of such figures as Euclid, Archimedes, Diophantus, Fibonacci, Cardano, Napier, Descartes, Fermat, Pascal, Newton, Leibniz, Euler, and Gauss. A term paper on some aspect of the history of mathematics is required. (offered in alternate years)
Topics in this course include sample spaces and probability measures, descriptive statistics, combinatorics, conditional probability, independence, random variables, joint densities and distributions, conditional distributions, functions of a random variable, expected value, variance, various continuous and discrete distribution functions, and the Central Limit Theorem. (offered in alternate years)
Topics in this course include measures of central tendency and variability, random sampling from normal and non-normal populations, estimation of parameters, properties of estimators, maximum likelihood and method of moments estimators, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, a variety of standard statistical distributions (normal, chi-square, Student's t, and F), analysis of variance, randomized block design, correlation, regression, goodness of fit, and contingency tables. (offered in alternate years)
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of financial mathematics and provides opportunities to apply those concepts to real-world problems. Students will gain an understanding of concepts behind present and future values for various streams of cash flows and will work with reserving, valuation, pricing, asset and liability management, investment income, budgeting, and contingencies.
Pre-requisite(s): Math 121 or permission of Chair.
A survey of numerical methods commonly used in algebra and calculus with emphasis on both algorithms and error analysis. Topics include round-off error, numerical methods for solving equations in one variable, interpolation and polynomial approximation, and numerical differentiation and integration. Methods and techniques studied include Bisection, Fixed-Point Iteration, Newton's Method, Müller's Method, Lagrange Polynomials, Neville's Method, Divided Differences, Cubic Splines, Three-point and Five-point Numerical Differentiation Formulas, Newton-Cotes Formulas, Composite Numerical Integration, Adaptive Quadrature, Gaussian Quadrature.
This course examines analytic functions; Cauchy-Riemann equations; Cauchy's integral theorem; power series; infinite series; calculus of residues; contour integration; conformal mapping.
This course addresses the uses of mathematical methods to model real-world situations, including energy management, assembly-line control, inventory problems, population growth, predator-prey models. Other topics include: least squares, optimization methods interpolation, interactive dynamic systems, and simulation modeling.
This course provides the student with an opportunity to do research with a faculty member. The student and the faculty member agree on the research project before the student registers for the course.
This course is an introduction to specialized research, concentrating on one particular aspect of mathematics. The subject matter will vary from term to term.