DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SPRING, 2010
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 Geometers Sketchpad. Open only to students majoring in education. Every year. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
MATH 120: Elementary Functions
(4 credits)
Ben-azzouz, Moez
Prerequisite: Math Placement Level 24 or higher
This is a standard precalculus 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)
Higgins, William
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
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 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-84, or TI-86 graphing calculator for use in class, for homework assignments, and for tests. If you have a different calculator that youd 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)
Stickney, Alan
Prerequisite: MATH 201
This is the second course in Wittenbergs 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, Taylors 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 youd 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 210: Fundamentals of Analysis
(4 credits)
Parker, Adam
Prerequisite: MATH 202
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 may be based on several tests, quizzes, homework assignments, and a final examination.
WRITING INTENSIVE. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
MATH 212: Multivariable Calculus
(4 credits)
Higgins, William
Prerequisite: MATH 202
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-84, 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 and Methods
(5 credits)
Stahlberg, Eric
Prerequisites: MATH 131 or MATH 201 and COMP 150 or equivalent with permission of the instructor
Introduction to the principles and approaches of using computational science through the use of problem solving methodologies. This includes the understanding, development, and use of mathematical models as well as their effective computer implementation. Approximately fifteen approaches across eight categories (continuous and discrete, static and dynamic, empirical and formulated) will be investigated. These models are adapted from a variety of scientific and real-world scenarios. Simulation and optimization techniques will also be discussed and used. Each student will undertake a realistic modeling project as part of the course. Laboratory required. This course is cross-listed as COMP 260. Students may enroll in either COMP 260 or MATH 260, but not both. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
MATH 365: Abstract Algebra
(4 credits)
Stickney, Alan
Prerequisite: MATH 205 and MATH 210
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. Grades will be based on written homework, work done in class, and exams.
WRITING INTENSIVE. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
Math 380: Introduction to Graph Theory
(4 credits)
Higgins, William
Prerequisite: Math 210 or permission of instructor
The graphs we have in mind here are not graphs of functions as encountered in calculus. A graph in this context consists of a set of vertices along with a set of edges connecting the vertices. Graph theoretic models have found uses in subjects like computer science, chemistry, electrical engineering and the social sciences. This course will focus on the study of graphs as algebraic structures: eulerian, hamiltonian, complete, connected and planar graphs. Applications may include scheduling and routing problems and a discussion of algorithms for optimal or near-optimal solutions. Combinatorial topics could include generating functions, recurrence relations, Polya's theorem and Ramsey Theory. Students will be expected to learn definitions and write proofs in addition to learning some of the computational aspects of graph theory.
The final grade in the course will be based on homework, quizzes, tests and a comprehensive final exam. Mathematical reasoning intensive.
