Lower-Level Courses for Freshmen and Sophomores

Courses with overlapping content. Students will receive credit for only one of the courses in each of the following groups. Courses with overlapping content are not necessarily equivalent courses. Students are encouraged to consult a mathematics faculty member when choosing between them.

  • MATH 1106, 1110
  • MATH 1120, 1220, 1910
  • MATH 1920, 2130, 2220, 2240
  • MATH 2210, 2230, 2310, 2940

Consult First Steps in Math for assistance in selecting an appropriate course.

MATH 1000 (100) Calculus Preparation

Fall 2008. 2 credits.

Introduces a wide variety of topics of algebra and trigonometry that have applications in various disciplines. Emphasis is on the development of linear, polynomial, rational, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Students will have a better understanding of the behavior of these functions in their application to calculus because of the strong emphasis on graphing. Application of these mathematical ideas is addressed in problem-solving activities. Cannot be used toward graduation.

MATH 1005 (005) Academic Support for MATH 1105

Fall 2008. 1 credit.

Reviews material presented in MATH 1105 lectures, provides problem-solving techniques and tips as well as prelim review. Provides further instruction for students who need reinforcement. Not a substitute for MATH 1105 lectures or recitations.

MATH 1006 (006) Academic Support for MATH 1106

Spring 2009. 1 credit.

Reviews material presented in MATH 1106 lectures, provides problem-solving techniques and tips as well as prelim review. Provides further instruction for students who need reinforcement. Not a substitute for MATH 1106 lectures or recitations.

MATH 1009 (109) Precalculus Mathematics

Summer 2008 (6-week). 3 credits.

Cannot be used toward graduation. Designed to prepare students for MATH 1110. Reviews algebra, trigonometry, logarithms, and exponentials.

MATH 1011 (011) Academic Support for MATH 1110

Fall 2008, Spring 2009. 1 credit.

Reviews material presented in MATH 1110 lectures, provides problem-solving techniques and tips as well as prelim review. Provides further instruction for students who need reinforcement. Not a substitute for MATH 1110 lectures or recitations.

MATH 1012 (012) Academic Support for MATH 1120

Fall 2008, Spring 2009. 1 credit.

Reviews material presented in MATH 1120 lectures, provides problem-solving techniques and tips as well as prelim review. Provides further instruction for students who need reinforcement. Not a substitute for MATH 1120 lectures or recitations.

MATH 1105 (105) Finite Mathematics for the Life and Social Sciences

Fall 2008. 3 credits. Prerequisite: three years of high school mathematics, including trigonometry and logarithms.

Introduction to linear algebra, probability, and Markov chains that develops the parts of the theory most relevant for applications. Specific topics include: equations of lines, the method of least squares, solutions of linear systems, matrices; basic concepts of probability, permutations, combinations, binomial distribution, mean and variance, and the normal approximation to the binomial distribution. Examples from biology and the social sciences are used.

MATH 1106 (106) Calculus for the Life and Social Sciences

Spring 2009. 3 credits. Prerequisite: three years of high school mathematics (including trigonometry and logarithms) or MATH 1000, MATH 1009, or BTRY 1150. For students planning to take MATH 1121, MATH 1110 is recommended rather than 1106.

Introduction to differential and integral calculus, partial derivatives, elementary differential equations. Examples from biology and the social sciences are used.

MATH 1110 (111) Calculus I

Summer 2008 (6-week), Fall 2008, Spring 2009. 4 credits. Prerequisite: three years of high school mathematics (including trigonometry and logarithms) or MATH 1000, MATH 1009, or BTRY 1150.

Topics include functions and graphs, limits and continuity, differentiation and integration of algebraic, trigonometric, inverse trig, logarithmic, and exponential functions; applications of differentiation, including graphing, max-min problems, tangent line approximation, implicit differentiation, and applications to the sciences; the mean value theorem; and antiderivatives, definite and indefinite integrals, the fundamental theorem of calculus, substitution in integration, the area under a curve. Graphing calculators are used, and their pitfalls are discussed, as applicable to the above topics. MATH 1110 can serve as a one-semester introduction to calculus or as part of a two-semester sequence in which it is followed by MATH 1120 or 1220.

MATH 1120 (112) Calculus II

Fall 2008, Spring 2009. 4 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 1110 with a grade of C or better or excellent performance in MATH 1106. Those who do well in MATH 1110 and expect to major in mathematics or a strongly mathematics-related field should take 1220 instead of 1120.

Focuses on integration: applications, including volumes and arc length; techniques of integration, approximate integration with error estimates, improper integrals, differential equations (separation of variables, initial conditions, systems, some applications). Also covers infinite sequences and series: definition and tests for convergence, power series, Taylor series with remainder, and parametric equations.

MATH 1220 (122) Honors Calculus II

Fall 2008. 4 credits. Prerequisite: one semester of calculus with a high performance or permission of the department. Students planning to continue with MATH 2130 are advised to take 1120 instead of this course.

Takes a more theoretical approach to calculus than MATH 1120. Topics include differentiation and integration of elementary transcendental functions, techniques of integration, applications, polar coordinates, infinite series, and complex numbers, as well as an introduction to proving theorems.

MATH 1300 (103) Mathematical Explorations

Fall 2008. 3 credits.

For students who wish to experience how mathematical ideas naturally evolve. The course emphasizes ideas and imagination as opposed to techniques and calculations. The homework involves students in actively investigating mathematical ideas. Topics vary depending on the instructor. Some assessment is done through writing assignments.

MATH 1340 (134) Mathematics and Politics

Fall 2008, Spring 2009. 3 credits.

We apply mathematical reasoning to some problems arising in the social sciences. We discuss game theory and its applications to political and historical conflicts. Power indices are introduced and used to analyze some political institutions. The problem of finding a fair election procedure to choose among three or more alternatives is analyzed.

MATH 1350 (135) The Art of Secret Writing

Summer 2008 (6-week), Fall 2008, Spring 2009. 3 credits. Prerequisite: three years of high school mathematics.

Examines classical and modern methods of message encryption, decryption, and cryptoanalysis. Mathematical tools are developed to describe these methods (modular arithmetic, probability, matrix arithmetic, number theory), and some of the fascinating history of the methods and people involved is presented.

MATH 1600 (160) Totally Awesome Mathematics

Spring 2009. 2 credits. Prerequisite: one semester calculus. (AP credit is sufficient.)

Mathematics is a broad and varied field that extends far beyond calculus and the high school curriculum. This course will introduce exciting mathematical topics to stretch your imagination and give you a feel for the great variety of problems that mathematicians study. Each week a different lecturer will present a new topic and fun problems for discussion. Topics will vary from year to year, but may include the following: encryption and number theory, non-Euclidean geometry, knots and surfaces, combinatorics of polyhedra, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and signal processing, unsolvable problems and noncomputable functions, card shuffling and probability, symmetry and solutions of polynomial equations.

MATH 1710 (171) Statistical Theory and Application in the Real World

Summer 2008 (6-week), Fall 2008, Spring 2009. 4 credits. Prerequisite: high school mathematics. No previous familiarity with computers is presumed. No credit if taken after ECON 3190, 3200 or 3210.

Introductory statistics course discussing techniques for analyzing data occurring in the real world and the mathematical and philosophical justification for these techniques. Topics include population and sample distributions, central limit theorem, statistical theories of point estimation, confidence intervals, testing hypotheses, the linear model, and the least squares estimator. The course concludes with a discussion of tests and estimates for regression and analysis of variance (if time permits). The computer is used to demonstrate some aspects of the theory, such as sampling distributions and the Central Limit Theorem. In the lab portion of the course, students learn and use computer-based methods for implementing the statistical methodology presented in the lectures.

MATH 1910 (191) Calculus For Engineers

Summer 2008 (6-week), Fall 2008, Spring 2009. 4 credits. Prerequisite: three years of high school mathematics, including trigonometry and logarithms, and at least one course in differential and integral calculus.

Essentially a second course in calculus. Topics include techniques of integration, finding areas and volumes by integration, exponential growth, partial fractions, infinite sequences and series, and power series.

MATH 1920 (192) Multivariable Calculus for Engineers

Summer 2008 (6-week), Fall 2008, Spring 2009. 4 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 1910.

Introduction to multivariable calculus. Topics include partial derivatives, double and triple integrals, line integrals, vector fields, Green's theorem, Stokes' theorem, and the divergence theorem.

MATH 2130 (213) Calculus III

Fall 2008, Spring 2009. 4 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 1120, 1220, or 1910.

Designed for students who wish to master the basic techniques of multivariable calculus, but whose major will not require a substantial amount of mathematics. Topics include vectors and vector-valued functions; multivariable and vector calculus including multiple and line integrals; first- and second-order differential equations with applications; systems of differential equations; and elementary partial differential equations. The course may emphasize different topics in the syllabus in different semesters, such as Green's theorem, Stokes' theorem, and the divergence theorem.

MATH 2210 (221) Linear Algebra

Fall 2008, Spring 2009. 4 credits. Prerequisite: two semesters of calculus with high performance or permission of the department. Recommended for students who plan to major in mathematics or a related field. For a more applied version of this course, see MATH 2310.

Topics include vector algebra, linear transformations, matrices, determinants, orthogonality, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors. Applications are made to linear differential equations.

MATH 2220 (222) Multivariable Calculus

Fall 2008, Spring 2009. 4 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 2210. Recommended for students who plan to major in mathematics or a related field.

Differential and integral calculus of functions in several variables, line and surface integrals as well as the theorems of Green, Stokes and Gauss.

MATH 2230 (223) Theoretical Linear Algebra and Calculus

Fall 2008. 4 credits. Prerequisite: two semesters of calculus with a grade of A– or better, or permission of instructor.

MATH 2230-2240 provides an integrated treatment of linear algebra and multivariable calculus designed for students who have been highly successful in their previous calculus courses. The material is presented at a higher level than in 2210-2220. Topics in 2230 include vectors, matrices, and linear transformations; differential calculus of functions of several variables; inverse and implicit function theorems; quadratic forms, extrema, and manifolds; multiple and iterated integrals.

MATH 2240 (224) Theoretical Linear Algebra and Calculus

Spring 2009. 4 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 2230.

Topics include: vector fields; line integrals; differential forms and exterior derivative; work, flux, and density forms; integration of forms over parametrized domains; and Green's, Stokes', and divergence theorems.

MATH 2310 (231) Linear Algebra with Applications

Fall 2008, Spring 2009. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 1110 or equivalent. Students who plan to major in mathematics should take MATH 2210 or 2940.

Introduction to linear algebra for students who wish to focus on the practical applications of the subject. A wide range of applications are discussed and computer software may be used. The main topics are systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vector spaces, orthogonality, and eigenvalues. Typical applications are population models, input/output models, least squares, and difference equations.

MATH 2810 (281) Deductive Logic (also PHIL 3310)

Spring 2009. 4 credits.

The syntax and model-theory of classical propositional logic and classical predicate logic, including proofs of the soundness and completeness of Natural Deduction formalizations of these logics, with some attention to related material.

MATH 2930 (293) Differential Equations for Engineers

Summer 2008 (8-week), Fall 2008, Spring 2009. 4 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 1920. Taking MATH 2930 and 2940 simultaneously is not recommended.

Introduction to ordinary and partial differential equations. Topics include first order equations (separable, linear, homogeneous, exact); mathematical modeling (e.g., population growth, terminal velocity); qualitative methods (slope fields, phase plots, equilibria and stability); numerical methods; second order equations (method of undetermined coefficients, application to oscillations and resonance, boundary value problems and eigenvalues); Fourier series; linear partial differential equations (heat flow, waves, Laplace equation); linear systems of ordinary differential equations.

MATH 2940 (294) Linear Algebra for Engineers

Summer 2008 (8-week), Fall 2008, Spring 2009. 4 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 1920. Taking MATH 2930 and 2940 simultaneously is not recommended.

Linear algebra and its applications. Topics include matrices, determinants, vector spaces, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, orthogonality and inner product spaces; applications include brief introductions to difference equations, Markov chains, and systems of linear ordinary differential equations. May include computer use in solving problems.


Last modified:May 6, 2008