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Course Information

Note: For information about placement into Calculus or Statistics, please visit the Math/Stats Placement page.

  • MATH 101: Calculus with Problem Solving

    An introduction to the central ideas of calculus with review and practice of those skills needed for the continued study of calculus. Problem solving strategies will be emphasized. (Meets Monday through Friday). Not open to students who have received credit for Math 111. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Fall 2012 -- D. Haunsperger

  • MATH 106: Introduction to Mathematics

    This course is designed to provide an understanding of fundamental concepts, and examples of applications, of mathematics. It attempts to provide insights into the nature of mathematics and its relation to other branches of knowledge, and helps students develop skill in mathematical reasoning. No prerequisites. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Winter 2013 -- S. Kennedy

  • MATH 111: Introduction to Calculus

    An introduction to the differential and integral calculus. Derivatives, antiderivatives, the definite integral, applications, and the fundamental theorem of calculus. Requires placement via the Calculus Placement Exam 1, see Mathematics web page. Not open to students who have received credit for Mathematics 101. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013 -- Staff

  • MATH 115: Statistics: Concepts and Applications

    Introduction to statistical concepts with emphasis on understanding and interpretation of statistical information, especially in the context of media reports and scholarly articles. Examples taken from a wide-range of areas such as public policy, health and medicine, and the social and natural sciences. Computationally less intensive than Math 215. Students will learn how to use statistical software. Topics include: Uncertainty and variability, statistical graphs, types of studies, correlation and linear regression, two-way tables, and inference. Not open to students who have already received credit for Math 211, Math 215 or Psychology 200/201. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning Encounter; offered Fall 2012, Spring 2013 -- B. Shea, K. St. Clair

  • MATH 121: Calculus II

    Integration techniques, improper integrals, the calculus of the logarithmic, exponential and inverse trigonometric functions, applications, Taylor polynomials and infinite series. Prerequisite: Mathematics 101, 111 or placement via Calculus Placement Exam #2. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013 -- Staff

  • MATH 206: A Tour of Mathematics

    A series of eight lectures intended for students considering a Mathematics major. The emphasis will be on presenting various striking ideas, concepts and results in modern mathematics, rather than on developing extensive knowledge or techniques in any particular subject area. 1 credit; S/CR/NC; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; offered Winter 2013 -- Staff

  • MATH 211: Introduction to Multivariable Calculus

    Vectors, curves, partial derivatives, gradient, multiple and iterated integrals, line integrals, Green's theorem. Prerequisite: Mathematics 121 or placement via Calculus Placement Exam #3. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013 -- Staff

  • MATH 215: Introduction to Statistics

    Introduction to statistics and data analysis. Practical aspects of statistics, including extensive use of statistical software, interpretation and communication of results, will be emphasized. Topics include: exploratory data analysis, correlation and linear regression, design of experiments, basic probability, the normal distribution, sampling distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, and two-way tables. Not open to students who have already received credit for Math 115 or Math 275. Students who have received MS credit for Psychology 200/201 cannot receive MS credit for Math 215. Students who have taken Math 211 are encouraged to consider the more advanced Math 265-275 probability-statistics sequence. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning Encounter; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013 -- Staff

  • MATH 232: Linear Algebra

    Vector spaces, linear transformations, determinants, inner products and orthogonality, eigenvectors and eigenvalues; connections with multivariable calculus. Prerequisite: Mathematics 211. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013 -- Staff

  • MATH 236: Mathematical Structures

    Basic concepts and techniques used throughout mathematics. Topics include logic, mathematical induction and other methods of proof, problem solving, sets, cardinality, equivalence relations, functions and relations, and the axiom of choice. Other topics may include: algebraic structures, graph theory, and basic combinatorics. Prerequisite: Mathematics 232 or consent of the instructor. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013 -- E. Egge, J. Goldfeather, D. Haunsperger
    Extended departmental description for MATH 236

    This course is intended to introduce students to certain features of the mathematical enterprise including: (1) basic structures in mathematics; (2) the nature of formal arguments that establish the validity of theorems; (3) strategies for problems-solving; and (4) analogies that exist among various mathematical concepts. Amidst all of this mathematical formality, you will discover some remarkable facts. In particular, you will learn that when Buzz Lightyear said "To infinity and beyond!", he was being mathematically precise.

    Math 236 is the last course in the math sequence that is required of all math majors, and is the first course that suggests what being a math major (as opposed to a math user) is all about. If you are undecided about majoring in math, taking this course before you make the decision might prove helpful.

  • MATH 241: Ordinary Differential Equations

    An introduction to ordinary differential equations, including techniques for finding solutions, conditions under which solutions exist, and some qualitative analysis. Prerequisites: Mathematics 232 or permission of the instructor. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Winter 2013, Spring 2013 -- M. Krusemeyer

  • MATH 244: Geometries

    Euclidean geometry from an advanced perspective; projective, hyperbolic, inversive, and/or other geometries. In addition to foundations, various topics such as transformation and convexity will be treated. Recommended for prospective secondary school teachers. Prerequisite: Mathematics 236. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; not offered 2012-2013

  • MATH 245: Applied Regression Analysis

    A second course in statistics covering simple linear regression, multiple regression and ANOVA, and logistic regression. Exploratory graphical methods, model building and model checking techniques will be emphasized with extensive use of statistical software to analyze real-life data. Prerequisites: Mathematics 215 (or equivalent) or 275. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning Encounter; offered Winter 2013, Spring 2013 -- L. Chihara, K. St. Clair

  • MATH 251: Chaotic Dynamics

    An exploration of the behavior of non-linear dynamical systems. Topics include one-and two-dimensional dynamics, Sarkovskii's Theorem, chaos, symbolic dynamics, and the Hénon Map. Prerequisites: Mathematics 236 or consent of the instructor 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Winter 2013 -- S. Patterson

  • MATH 265: Probability

    Introduction to probability and its applications. Topics include discrete probability, random variables, independence, joint and conditional distributions, expectation, limit laws and properties of common probability distributions. Prerequisite: Mathematics 211. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Fall 2012 -- R. Dobrow, L. Chihara

  • MATH 275: Introduction to Statistical Inference

    Introduction to modern mathematical statistics. The mathematics underlying fundamental statistical concepts will be covered as well as applications of these ideas to real-life data. Topics include: resampling methods (permutation tests, bootstrap intervals), classical methods (parametric hypothesis tests and confidence intervals), parameter estimation, goodness-of-fit tests, regression, and Bayesian methods. The statistical package R will be used to analyze data sets. Prerequisites: Mathematics 265 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning Encounter; offered Winter 2013 -- K. St. Clair

  • MATH 295: History of Mathematics

    Close readings of various mathematical works dating from the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries; choices designed to illuminate the major developments of modern mathematics. Prerequisites: Mathematics 236 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Spring 2013 -- S. Kennedy

  • MATH 297: Assessment and Communication of External Mathematical Activity

    An independent study course intended for students who have completed an external activity related to the mathematics major (for example, an internship or an externship) to communicate (both in written and oral forms) and assess their mathematical learning from that activity.  Prerequisites: Permission of Department Chair and homework in advance of the external mathematical activity. 1 credit; S/CR/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement, Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; offered Fall 2012 -- Staff

  • MATH 312: Elementary Theory of Numbers

    Properties of the integers. Topics include the Euclidean algorithm, classical unsolved problems in number theory, prime factorization, Diophantine equations, congruences, divisibility, Euler's phi function and other multiplicative functions, primitive roots, and quadratic reciprocity. Other topics may include integers as sums of squares, continued fractions, distribution of primes, integers in extension fields, p-adic numbers. Prerequisite: Mathematics 236 or consent of the instructor. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Spring 2013 -- R. Jones

  • MATH 315: Topics in Probability and Statistics: Stochastic Processes

    Introduction to the main discrete and continuous time stochastic processes. Topics include Markov chains, Poisson process, continuous time Markov chains, Brownian motion. Use of R and/or Mathematica. Prerequisites: Mathematics 232 and 265. Mathematics 232 may be waived with consent of instructor. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning Encounter; offered Spring 2013 -- R. Dobrow

  • MATH 321: Real Analysis I

    A systematic study of concepts basic to calculus, such as topology of the real numbers, limits, differentiation, integration, convergence of sequences, and series of functions. Prerequisite: Mathematics 236 or consent of the instructor. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Fall 2012 -- G. Nelson

  • MATH 331: Real Analysis II

    Further topics in analysis such as measure theory, Lebesgue integration or Banach and Hilbert spaces. Prerequisite: Mathematics 321 or consent of the instructor. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Winter 2013 -- G. Nelson

  • MATH 332: Advanced Linear Algebra

    Selected topics beyond the material of Mathematics 232. Topics may include the Cayley-Hamilton theorem, the spectral theorem, factorizations, canonical forms, determinant functions, estimation of eigenvalues, inner product spaces, dual vector spaces, unitary and Hermitian matrices, operators, infinite-dimensional spaces, and various applications. Prerequisite: Mathematics 236 or consent of the instructor. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; not offered 2012-2013

  • MATH 333: Combinatorial Theory

    The study of structures involving finite sets. Counting techniques, including generating functions, recurrence relations, and the inclusion-exclusion principle; existence criteria, including Ramsey's theorem and the pigeonhole principle. Some combinatorial identities and bijective proofs. Other topics may include graph and/or network theory, Hall's ("marriage") theorem, partitions, and hypergeometric series. Prerequisite: Mathematics 236 or permission of instructor. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Fall 2012 -- E. Egge

  • MATH 341: Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems

    Fourier series and their applications to boundary value problems in partial differential equations. Topics include separation of variables, orthogonal sets of functions, representations of functions in series of orthogonal functions, Fourier transforms, and uniqueness of solutions. Prerequisite: Mathematics 241. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Spring 2013 -- G. Nelson
    Extended departmental description for MATH 341

    Math 341 has two major themes.  One is the development of a method of solution of certain partial differential equations.  The other is a careful examination of some of the surprising consequences of that method.

    The partial differential equations considered are the heat equation, Laplace’s equation, the wave equation and Schrödinger’s equation.  Examination of the method (called Fourier’s method) leads to expressing a given function as an infinite series (a Fourier series) of sines and cosines.  

    Topics include Fourier series and integrals, inner-product spaces, orthogonality, self-adjoint operators, and Sturm-Liouville theory. Consideration of equations in cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems will give rise to special functions such as Legendre polynomials and Bessel functions.

  • MATH 342: Abstract Algebra I

    Introduction to algebraic structures, including groups, rings, and fields. Homomorphisms and quotient structures, polynomials, unique factorization. Other topics may include applications such as Burnside's counting theorem, symmetry groups, polynomial equations, or geometric constructions. Prerequisite: Mathematics 236 or consent of the instructor. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Winter 2013 -- M. Krusemeyer

  • MATH 344: Differential Geometry

    Local and global theory of curves, Frenet formulas. Local theory of surfaces, normal curvature, geodesics, Gaussian and mean curvatures, Theorema Egregium. Prerequisites: Mathematics 236 or consent of the instructor 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Fall 2012 -- S. Patterson

  • MATH 349: Methods of Teaching Mathematics

    Methods of teaching mathematics in grades 7-12. Issues in contemporary mathematics education. Regular visits to school classrooms and teaching a class are required. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing and permission of the instructor. 6 credit; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement, Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; offered Spring 2013 -- D. Haunsperger

  • MATH 351: Functions of a Complex Variable

    Algebra and geometry of complex numbers, analytic functions, complex integration, series, residues, applications. Prerequisite: Mathematics 211. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Spring 2013 -- S. Kennedy
    Extended departmental description for MATH 351

    What happens to calculus when you replace the real variable x by the complex variable z = x + iy and the real-valued function y = f(x) by the complex-valued function w = f(z)? For starters, the statement "f is differentiable" becomes more powerful while the idea of integration becomes more flexible---you can now integrate along various paths in the complex plane. This subject is inherently elegant – arguably among the most beautiful subjects in mathematics. But, perhaps surprisingly, this subject is also one of the most practical and can be applied to "real" mathematical and physical problems in which no complex number occurs.  This course has connections with many other upper-level math courses. Those who have taken other courses should enjoy discovering some of those connections. However, Math 211 is really the only prerequisite.

  • MATH 352: Topics in Abstract Algebra

    An intensive study of one or more of the types of algebraic systems studied in Mathematics 342. Prerequisites: Mathematics 342. 6 credit; Formal or Statistical Reasoning; offered Spring 2013 -- varies; Mark Krusemeyer this spring

  • MATH 354: Topology

    An introduction to the topology of surfaces. We will cover basic point-set, geometric and algebraic topology. Topics include continuity, connectedness and compactness; triangulations and classification of surfaces; topological invariants (Euler characteristic); homology. Prerequisite: Mathematics 236. 6 credit; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning; not offered 2012-2013

  • MATH 395: Topics in Probability

    Selected topics in Probability beyond the level of Math 265. Topics may include: characteristic functions and limit theorems, convergence, poisson process, coupling, martingales, poisson approximation, bounding probabilities. Prerequisites: Mathematics 236, 265 and permission of instructor. 6 credit; S/CR/NC; Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning Encounter; offered Winter 2013 -- R. Dobrow

  • MATH 400: Integrative Exercise

    A supervised small-group research project for senior mathematics majors. Required of all senior majors. Prerequisite: Mathematics 236 and successful completion of three courses from among: Mathematics courses numbered above 236, Computer Science 252, Computer Science 254. 6 credit; S/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013 -- Staff