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Course Descriptions

Mathematics Course Listings - Fall 2012

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 & 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 Sancier-Barbosa, Flavia

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 171 Discrete Mathematical Structures
(4 credits)
Burke, Kyle

Prerequisite: Math Placement Level 25
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 in computer science and can be used as an elective for the computer science minor. The course grade will be determined by quizzes, graded homework assignments, in-class tests and a comprehensive final. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

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 in mathematics, computer science (B.S.), physics, or chemistry, or minoring in mathematics. 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.

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 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)
Sancier-Barbosa, Flavia

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 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)
Stickney, Alan

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 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)
Sancier-Barbosa, Flavia

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 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 228 Univariate Probability
(4 credits)
Andrews, Douglas

Prerequisite: MATH 131 or MATH 202                               
Probability is the branch of math in which we study randomness and quantify uncertainty. This course introduces some of the theory and applications of probability for a single variable. Topics include combinatorics, probability axioms, discrete and continuous random variables. This material constitutes one third of the first actuarial exam. Anyone interested in pursuing actuarial science or statistics should certainly take this course, and it would be a great elective for any math major or minor. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.

MATH 360 Linear Algebra
(4 credits)
Stickney, Alan C.

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. Writing intensive. Mathematical-reasoning intensive. 

MATH 460 Senior Seminar
(2 credits)
Shelburne, Brian 

Prerequisite: Senior math major or permission of instructor
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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