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Past Course Descriptions

Course Listings -Spring 2002

 
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SPRING, 2002

MATH 112
THE LANGUAGE OF MATHEMATICS
4 SEM HRS
e. WHITAKER

This is an introduction to mathematics at the beginning college level. MATH 112 will explore topics in contemporary mathematics with a problem-solving approach.

The class meetings will include lectures, problem-solving sessions, and group work. The final grade will be based on quizzes, exams, a project, and a comprehensive final. The prerequisite for this course is Math Placement Level 22 or higher. This course is not intended to prepare students for further courses in mathematics. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

MATH 118
MATHEMATICS FOR ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS
4 SEM HRS
KRAUS

Study of number systems, number theory, patterns, functions, measurement, algebra, logic, probability, and statistics with a special emphasis on the processes of mathematics: problem solving, reasoning, communicating mathematically, and making connections within mathematics and between mathematics and other areas. Open only to students intending to major in education. Prerequisite: Math Placement Level 22 or higher. Every year. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

MATH 119
GEOMETRY WITH LOGO PROGRAMMING FOR ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS
2 SEM HRS
KRAUS

Study of basic concepts of plane and solid geometry, including topics from Euclidean, transformational, and projective geometry. Includes computer programming experiences using Logo with a special emphasis on geometry and problem solving. Prerequisites: MATH 118. Every year. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

MATH 120
ELEMENTARY FUNCTIONS
4 SEM HRS
e. WHITAKER /J. WHITAKER

This is a standard pre?calculus mathematics course that explores the functions common to the study of calculus. Examination of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions will be done using algebraic, numeric, and graphical techniques. Applications of these functions in formulating and solving real-world problems will also be discussed.

The final grade in the course is based on quizzes, tests, and a comprehensive final exam. Students are required to have a TI-83, TI-83 Plus, or TI-86 graphing calculator for use in class and for homework assignments.

The prerequisite for this course is Math Placement Level 24 or higher. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

MATH 127
INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS
4 SEM HRS
ANDREWS

A study of statistics as the science of using data to glean insight into real-world problems. Includes graphical and numerical methods for describing and summarizing data, sampling procedures and experimental design, inferences about the real-world processes that underlie the data, and student projects for collecting and analyzing data. Open to non-majors only.

Prerequisites: Math Placement Level 23 or higher (Note: A student may receive credit for only one of the following statistics courses: MATH 127, MATH 227, PSYC 107, or MGT 210). Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

MATH 131
ESSENTIALS OF CALCULUS
4 SEM HRS
ASHTON

This one semester calculus course is an introduction to the techniques and applications of differential and integral calculus. The applications come primarily from a variety of fields but do not involve any trigonometric models. The final grade in the course will be based on quizzes, tests, and a comprehensive final exam.

The prerequisite is MATH 120 or Math Placement Level 25. Students are required to use a TI-89 or TI-92+ calculator in this course. If you do not have either of these calculators, you will be required to rent one of the department's TI-92+ calculators for $10.00. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

Notes:

  1. Students may not receive credit for both MATH 131 and MATH 201
  2. MATH 131 does not satisfy the prerequisite for MATH 202.
  3. Take MATH 131 only if you are POSITIVE that you will take only one semester of calculus at Wittenberg. Otherwise, you should take MATH 201.

MATH 171
DISCRETE MATHEMATICS
4 SEM HRS
HIGGINS

This course covers a variety of topics in discrete mathematics which are important to the understanding of computer science and mathematics: logic, set theory, combinatorics and simple discrete probability theory, relations and functions, recursion and recurrence relations, and graph theory. The course will stress the presentation of mathematical arguments and proofs. Grading will be based on in-class tests, written homework assignments, and a final exam. Required for a major in computer science. Prerequisite is Math Placement Level 25. WRITING INTENSIVE. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

MATH 201
CALCULUS I
4 SEM HRS
HIGGINS /J. WHITAKER

Calculus is the mathematical tool used to analyze changes in physical quantities. This is the first course in the standard calculus sequence. It develops the notion of "derivative", which is used for studying rates of change, and then introduces the concept of "definite integral", which is related to area problems. The overall approach will emphasize the concepts of calculus using graphical, numerical, and symbolic methods.

The two-semester calculus sequence, MATH 201/202, is required for all students majoring or minoring in mathematics, computer science, physics, or chemistry. MATH 201 and MATH 202 can also count as "supporting science" courses for the BA and BS programs in Biology, Geology, and Biochemistry/Molecular Biology. Students who are sure they will take only one semester of calculus may be better served in the single-semester introduction to calculus, MATH 131: "Essentials of Calculus". Talk with your advisor or with any math professor for advice on which calculus course is most appropriate for you.

Normally, students are required to have a TI-83, TI-83 Plus, or TI-86 graphing calculator for use in class, for homework assignments, and for tests. If you have a different calculator that you'd like to use for the class, contact the instructor to find out whether your calculator is appropriate.

Depending on the instructor, the final grade in the course could be based on projects, homework, quizzes, tests, and a comprehensive final exam. The prerequisite for the course is MATH 120 or Math Placement Level 25. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

NOTE: Students may not receive credit for both MATH 131 and MATH 201.

MATH 202
CALCULUS II
4 SEM HRS
STICKNEY

This is the second course in Wittenberg's three semester calculus sequence. MATH 202 is primarily concerned with integration and power series representations of functions. Topics covered include indefinite and definite integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, integration techniques, approximations of definite integrals, improper integrals, applications of integrals, power series, Taylor's Series, geometric series, and convergence tests for series.

Students are required to have a TI-83, TI-83 Plus, or TI-86 graphing calculator for use in class, for homework assignments, and for tests. Students will also be required to use the department's TI-92 Plus calculators for a rental fee of $10.00

The final grade in the course is based on quizzes, tests, and a comprehensive final exam. MATH 201 is a prerequisite. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

MATH 210
FUNDAMENTALS OF ANALYSIS
4 SEM HRS
J. WHITAKER

Functions, set theory, sequences, the topology of the real line, and methods of mathematical proof. Particular emphasis is given to careful, accurate definition and proof of mathematical concepts. Grades are based on several tests, homework assignments, and a final examination.

Prerequisite: MATH 202. WRITING INTENSIVE. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

MATH 212
MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS
4 SEM HRS
STICKNEY

The continuation of MATH 202 which is a prerequisite. This course completes the basic calculus sequence. It covers the calculus of functions of several variables and associated analytic geometry. Students are required to have a TI-83, TI-83 Plus, or TI-86 graphing calculator for use in class, for homework assignments, and for tests. The final grade in the course is based on quizzes, tests, and a comprehensive final exam. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

MATH 260
COMPUTATIONAL MODELS & METHODS
5 SEM HRS
NOYES

Computational science is the field of study that integrates science, computer science, and applied mathematics. This course is an introduction to the principles and approaches of computational science. This includes the understanding, development, and use of mathematical models as well as their effective computer implementation using languages such as Mathematica 7 , C/C++, and FORTRAN (the student will have his or her choice among the last two). It is specifically designed to be accessible to a wide range of students, especially those with an interest in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, or Psychology. A spectrum of problems taken from these sciences will be addressed. Topics include: using Mathematica7, Sources of Errors, The Experimental Method, Types of Science Models, Formula Evaluation, Dimensional Analysis, Model Sensitivity, Visualization Methods, Solving Equations, Computer Simulation (deterministic and stochastic), Floating-Point Arithmetic, Limits of Computation, Data Fitting, Optimization Methods, and Ethical Issues. Each student will undertake a realistic modeling project in one of the sciences. Laboratory required. Prerequisites: (1) MATH 131 or MATH 201 (2) COMP 150 or equivalent experience as determined by the instructor. The student will be expected to be familiar with the use of a scientific graphing calculator. This course is cross-listed as COMP 260. Students may enroll in either MATH 260 or COMP 260, but not both. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

MATH 327
STATISTICAL MODELING
4 SEM HRS
ANDREWS

In this second course in statistics, regression analysis is the main vehicle for illustrating the principles of statistical modeling in real-world contexts. After a brief review of techniques and principles of Exploratory Data Analysis, students learn strategies for selecting and constructing models, criteria for assessing and comparing models, and tools for making formal inferences using these models. Class sessions include discussion of conceptual issues with practice in data analysis, and they put strong emphasis on interpreting and communicating the results of analyses. Students are required to collaborate on projects in which the design studies, collect and analyze data, and present their findings orally and in writing. Prerequisite: MATH 227 (or permission of instructor). Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

MATH 328
MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS
4 SEM HRS
ANDREWS

Essential for anyone interested in a career in statistics or actuarial science, this course extends the ideas of Univariate Probability (MATH 228) to probability of several variables, which is then used to explore the distribution theory underlying the most commonly used statistical methods. Prerequisite: MATH 228. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

MATH 365
ABSTRACT ALGEBRA
4 SEM HRS
HIGGINS

This course will focus on abstract algebraic structures such as groups, rings, and fields with particular attention to groups. There will be an emphasis on presenting arguments with a full explanation of the reasoning. Prerequisite: MATH 205 and MATH 210. WRITING INTENSIVE. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

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