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Past Course Descriptions

Course Listings - Fall 2009

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

MATH 112     The Language of Mathematics
4 credits
Barhorst, Garry

Prerequisite:  Math Placement Level 22 or higher
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/or a comprehensive final.  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 credits
Post, Regina
                        
Prerequisite:  Math Placement Level 22 or higher
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 and proof, communicating mathematically, and making connections within mathematics and between mathematics and other disciplines.  Open only to students intending to major in education.  Every year.  Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

 

MATH 119     Geometry with Computer Applications for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
2 credits
Post, Regina

Prerequisite:  MATH 118
Study of basic concepts of plane and solid geometry, including topics from Euclidean, transformational, and projective geometry with a special emphasis on the processes of mathematics: problem solving, reasoning and proof, communicating mathematically, and making connections among mathematical ideas, real-world experiences, and other disciplines.  Includes computer lab experiences using Geometer=s Sketchpad.  Open only to students majoring in education.  Every year.  Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

 

MATH 120     Elementary Functions
4 credits
Ben-azzouz, Moez and Johnson, Kathy

Prerequisite:  Math Placement Level 24 or higher
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 will be based on homework, quizzes, tests, and a comprehensive final exam.  Students are required to have a TI-83, TI-84, or TI-86 graphing calculator for use in class and for homework assignments.  Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

 

MATH 127     Introductory Statistics
4 credits
Shelburne, Brian

Prerequisites:  Math Placement Level 23 or higher
A study of statistics as the science of using data to glean insight into real-world problems.  Includes principles and 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. 

 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  credits
Shelburne, Brian

Prerequisite:  MATH 120 or Math Placement Level 25                                                     
This one semester calculus course is an introduction to the techniques and applications of differential and integral calculus.  The applications come primarily from the economics and bio-sciences and do not involve any trigonometric models.  The final grade in the course will be based on homework, quizzes, tests, and a comprehensive final exam.

Students are required to have a TI-83, TI-84, or TI-86 graphing calculator for use in class and for homework assignments. 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 201     Calculus I
4 credits
Parker, Adam and Stickney, Alan

Prerequisite:  MATH 120 or Math Placement Level 25
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 Asupporting 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: AEssentials 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-84, 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 homework, quizzes, tests, and a comprehensive final exam.  Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

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

 

MATH 202     Calculus II
4 credits
Higgins, William

Prerequisite:  MATH 201
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.

Normally, students are required to have a TI-83, TI-84, 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.

The final grade in the course will be based on quizzes, tests, and a comprehensive final exam.  Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

 

MATH 205     Applied Matrix Algebra
4 credits
Higgins, William

Prerequisites:  MATH 201
A course in matrix algebra and discrete mathematical modeling which considers the formulation of mathematical models, together with analysis of the models and interpretation of the results.  Primary emphasis is on those modeling techniques which utilize matrix methods.  Such methods are now in wide use in areas such as economic input‑output models, population growth models, Markov chains, linear programming, computer graphics, regression, numerical approximation, and linear codes.

Students in this course are required to have a TI-83, TI-84, or TI-86 graphing calculator for use in class, for homework, and for tests.  A TI-89, TI-92, or Voyage 200 is also acceptable.  The final grade in the course is based on quizzes, tests, and a comprehensive final exam.
This course is a prerequisite for MATH 360 (Linear Algebra), and should be taken by all sophomore mathematics majors.  Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

 

MATH 215     Differential Equations
4 credits
Parker, Adam

Prerequisite:  MATH 202
An introduction to elementary ordinary differential equations.  Topics covered will include first-order equations, linear equations, nonhomogeneous equations, variation of parameters, linear systems, power series solutions, numerical methods and applications.

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

 

MATH 221     Foundations of Geometry
4 credits
Stickney, Alan

Prerequisite:  MATH 210
A rigorous study of Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry from an axiomatic point of view.  Special attention is given to the concepts of definition, theorem, and proof.  The mathematics is studied in an historical context.

This course is primarily intended for junior/senior mathematics majors and minors, and should be of particular interest to those planning to teach mathematics at a pre‑college level.  The course is WRITING INTENSIVE.  Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

 

MATH 227     Data Analysis
4 credits
Andrews, Douglas

Prerequisite: MATH 131 or MATH 201
This introductory statistics course is designed not only for students majoring or minoring in math, but for any student who would benefit from a more substantial introduction to the field - especially prospective teachers of mathematics or statistics, as well as students considering careers as statisticians or actuaries.  Students will learn general principles and techniques for summarizing and organizing data effectively, and will explore the connections between how the data was collected and the scope of conclusions that can be drawn from the data.  Also emphasized are the logic and techniques of formal statistical inference, with greater focus on the mathematical underpinnings of these basic statistical procedures than is found in other introductory statistics courses.  Software for probability and data analysis is used daily.

Note: A student may not receive credit for more than one of the following: MATH 127, MATH 227, PSYC 107, or MGT 210.  Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

 

MATH 271     Discrete Mathematical Structures
4 credits
Bogaerts, Steven

Prerequisite: MATH 131 or MATH 201
 Discrete Mathematical Structures covers a number of mathematical topics which are central to both mathematics and computer science, topics centering on the mathematics of discrete sets, that is, sets which are finite or at most countably infinite. Starting on the foundation of logic, set theory and basic proof techniques the course will cover relations and functions, counting arguments, discrete probability, number theory and graph theory. The course is required for the major and minor in computer science and can be used as an elective for the mathematics major. The course grade will be determined by quizzes, graded homework assignments, in-class tests and a comprehensive final.  Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

 

MATH 320     Numerical Analysis
4 credits
Stahlberg, Eric

Prerequisites:  MATH 202, MATH 205, and COMP 150
An introduction to the numerical solution of mathematical problems.  Primary emphasis is upon the development of use of computational algorithms to obtain an accurate numerical solution as well as methods for establishing error estimates and bounds for this solution.  These algorithms will primarily be implemented on the computer using the Mathematica7 system.  Some algorithms may also be implemented in C/C++ or FORTRAN.  Some work will also be done by using a scientific graphing calculator such as the TI-83 or TI-86.  This course should also be of special interest to students in the physical sciences.  Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

 

MATH 328     Mathematical Statistics
4 credits
Andrews, Douglas

Prerequisite: MATH 228 
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.  Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

 

MATH 360     Linear Algebra
4 credits
Higgins, William

Prerequisites:  MATH 205 and MATH 210 
Introduction to abstract vector spaces.  Topics include Euclidean spaces, function spaces, linear systems, linear independence and basis, linear transformations and their matrices.  Students are required to have a TI-83, TI-84, or TI-86 graphing calculator for use in class, for homework, and on tests.  A TI-89, TI-92, or Voyage 200 is also acceptable.

The final grade in the course is based on written assignments, quizzes, tests, and a comprehensive final exam.  WRITING INTENSIVE.  Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

 

MATH 370     Real Analysis
4 credits
Parker, Adam

Prerequisite:  MATH 210 
Through a rigorous approach to the usual topics of one‑dimensional calculus ‑ limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, and infinite series ‑ this course offers a deeper understanding of the ideas encountered in calculus.  The course has two important goals for its students:  the development of an accurate intuitive feeling for analysis and of skill at proving theorems in this area.

The final grade in this course is based upon written assignments, tests, and a comprehensive final exam.
This course is intended only for junior and senior mathematics majors or minors.  Others will be enrolled only with the permission of the instructor.  WRITING INTENSIVE.  Mathematical-reasoning intensive. 

 

MATH 460     Senior Seminar
2 credits
Shelburne, Brian   

This is a capstone course for mathematics majors.  Its purpose is to let participants think about and reflect on what mathematics is and to tie together their years of studying mathematics at Wittenberg.  The structure of the course will be taken from the book Journey Through Genius by W. Dunham which covers the story of mathematics from the 5th century B.C.E. up to the 20th century C.E. by looking at some of the famous problems, theorems, and “colorful” mathematical characters who worked on them.  The course is a seminar where participants are expected to research areas of interest in mathematics and present their findings to the rest of the seminar.  The grade will be based on class discussions and presentations.  Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

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