mathematics and statistics


Full-Time Faculty: Leonid A. Khinkis, Chair; Metod Alif, Terrence P. Bisson, Richard H. Escobales, Jr., James G. Huard, Byung-Jay Kahng, L. Christine Kinsey, Dietrich W. Kuhlmann, Efstratios Prassidis, Michael P. Strzelec, Anthony Weston

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics has two principle aims: (1) To transmit an understanding and appreciation of mathematics: its substance, its applicability, its literature, its current directions and problems, its historical development, its human worth and values; and (2) To promote the development of skill in the practice of mathematics.

To meet these objectives in a manner consistent with the interests and needs of its diverse clientele — mathematics, science and education majors, as well as students in other disciplines — the department offers a variety of courses and programs. Graduates who major in mathematics can enter careers in research, education, industry, business and government. Increasingly, they go on to earn advanced degrees in the areas of business, economics, computer science, operations research, statistics and actuarial science, as well as mathematics. The mathematics major is available under three options, each of which furnishes a sound foundation for the future.

Option A, the major option, is designed to prepare the student for positions in which mathematical competence is sought, as well as for advanced study in graduate school.

Option B, mathematics with a concentration in another area, allows the student to develop expertise in another area besides mathematics. The option may enable a student to earn a dual major or a minor from another department. Students interested in teaching at the secondary or elementary/early secondary level may take advantage of this option to give themselves a strong background in mathematics while fulfilling the requirements of the Teacher Education Department.

Option C, the statistics option, prepares the student for advanced work and the many careers which utilize statistical thinking. The course work also offers students good preparation for graduate study.

Option B or C, together with appropriate courses in business, can constitute a good preparation for a career in actuarial science.

The department also offers a mathematics minor, which is described under Other Programs.

For the non-specialist in mathematics, the department offers service courses which provide mathematical techniques necessary in the development of the student’s own field, studies imparting insights into the nature and applications of mathematics generally and courses treating the historical development or logical foundations of the subject.

Admission
Admission to the major program in mathematics requires departmental approval and satisfactory completion of MAT 111-112, 211, 230, 219, and either 222 or 351. A minimum grade of “C -” is ordinarily expected in all courses in the major.

Mathematics Curriculum:
1. ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) (12 credits)
2. Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: I or II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII (12 courses) (36 credits)
3. Major course requirements:    
  Option A (Mathematics major credits) (15 courses)  
  Option B (Mathematics with concentration in another area credits) (17 courses)  
  MAT 111-112 Calculus I and II (8 credits)
  MAT 211 Calculus III (4 credits)
  MAT 230 Bridge to Abstract Mathematics (4 credits)
  MAT 219 Linear Algebra (4 credits)
  MAT 222 Differential Equations  
   OR
MAT 351 Probability and Statistics MAT 311 Abstract Algebra I
(4 or 3 credits)
  MAT 321  Real Analysis I (4 credits)
  MAT 311 Abstract Algebra I (3 credits)
  MAT 322 Real Analysis II (3 credits)
One course to be chosen from the following:
MAT 312, 313, 322, 411, 416, 421 (3 credits)
  PHY 223-224 General Physics for Physical Science Majors
OR
(10 or 6 credits)
  Two Economics courses 
  Restricted electives:   
  Option A: four additional 300 or 400-level Mathematics courses  (12 credits)
  Option B: two additional 300 or 400-level Mathematics courses,
and four courses in another area approved by the Mathematics Department
(18 credits)
  Option C (Statistics credits) (15 courses)  
  MAT 111-112 Calculus I and II (8 credits)
  MAT 211 Calculus III (4 credits)
  MAT 230 Bridge to Abstract Mathematics (4 credits)
  MAT 219 Linear Algebra (4 credits)
  MAT 222 Differential Equations  
   OR (4 or 3 credits)
  Mathematics elective: one 300- or 400-level Mathematics course 
  MAT 351-352 Probability and Statistics (6 credits)
  MAT 321 Real Analysis I (4 credits)
  MAT 322 Real Analysis II  
   OR (3 or 4 credits)
  MAT 311 Abstract Algebra I  
  PHY 223-224 General Physics for Physical Science Majors  
   OR
Two Economics courses
(10 or 6 credits)
  Restricted electives: three additional upper-level Mathematics/Statistics courses from (MAT 353, 354, 365, 390 credits) (9 credits)
4. Electives: the Department recommends at least one Computer Science course, such as CSC 111. Students planning on graduate work in mathematics should take as many as possible from the following:
MAT 312, 313, 322, 411, 416, 421 
 
  Option A: (9 courses) (27 credits)
  Option B: (7 courses) (21 credits)
  Option C: (9 courses) (27 credits)
Total Options A and B: (127-132 credits)
Total Option C:   (126-132 credits)

Recommended Schedule (Options A and B):
Fall               Spring       
Freshman Year      
ENG 101 3 credits ENG 102 3 credits
MAT 111 4 credits RST 101 3 credits
AS 3 credits MAT 112 4 credits
AS 3 credits PHY 223 or Economics 5 or 3 credits
Elective 3 credits Elective 3 credits
Total 16 credits Total 18 or 16 credits
 
Sophomore Year      
PHY 224 or Economics 5 or 3 credits PHI 101 3 credits
MAT 211 4 credits MAT 219 4 credits
MAT 230 4 credits MAT 222 or 351 4 or 3 credits
Elective 3 credits AS 3 credits
AS 3 credits Elective 3 credits
Total 19 or 17 credits Total 17 or 16 credits
 
Junior Year      
MAT 311 4 credits One of these: MAT 312, 313, 322, 421 3 credits
MAT 321 4 credits Mathematics elective 3 credits
AS 3 credits AS 3 credits
AS 3 credits AS 3 credits
Elective 3 credits Elective 3 credits
Total 17 credits Total 15 credits
 
Senior Year      
Mathematics elective 3 credits Mathematics elective 3 credits
Mathematics elective 3 credits AS 3 credits
AS 3 credits AS 3 credits
AS 3 credits Elective 3 credits
Elective 3 credits Elective 3 credits
Total 15 credits Total 15 credits
Total   126-132 credits

Recommended Schedule (Option C):
Fall Spring
Freshman Year
ENG 101 3 credits ENG 102 3 credits
MAT 111 4 credits RST 101 3 credits
AS 3 credits MAT 112 4 credits
AS 3 credits PHY 223 or Economics 5 or 3 credits
Elective 3 credits Elective 3 credits
Total 16 credits Total 18 or 16 credits
Sophomore Year
PHY 224 or Economics 5 or 3 credits PHI 101 3 credits
MAT 211 4 credits MAT 219 4 credits
MAT 230 4 credits MAT 351 3 credits
AS 3 credits AS 3 credits
Elective 3 credits Elective 3 credits
Total 19 or 17 credits Total 16 credits
Junior Year
MAT 321 4 credits MAT 322/311 3 or 4 credits
MAT 352 4 credits Statistics elective 3 credits
AS 3 credits AS 3 credits
AS 3 credits AS 3 credits
Elective 3 credits Elective 3 credits
Total 17 credits Total 15 or 16 credits
Senior Year
Statistics elective 3 credits MAT 222/Math elective 4 or 3 credits
AS 3 credits Statistics elective 3 credits
AS 3 credits AS 3 credits
Elective 3 credits AS 3 credits
Elective 3 credits Elective 3 credits
Total 15 credits Total 15 credits
Total 128-132 credits

Other Programs

Mathematics Minor:
MAT 111 Calculus I (4 credits)
MAT 112 Calculus II -or-
MAT 115 Calculus for Business I (4 credits)
MAT 211 Calculus III (4 credits)
MAT 219 Linear Algebra (4 credits)
MAT 230 Bridge to Abstract Mathematics (4 credits)
Restricted electives: two courses from any one of the following tracks:   
Probability and Statistics: MAT 351, 352, 353, 354, 365, 390   
Applied Mathematics: MAT 222, 335, 336, 341   
Theoretical Mathematics: MAT 311, 312, 313, 321, 322, 411, 416, 421   
Mathematics and Culture: MAT 301, 331  (6-8 credits)
TOTAL (7 courses) (26-28 credits)

Double Major or Minor in Another Department
By suitable choice of electives, a student following Option B can also complete the requirements for a minor or a major in another department, most commonly physics, chemistry, computer science or economics.

Additional Information
Students of computer science, physics, chemistry and engineering, in consultation with their advisors, should consider taking MAT 219 (Linear Algebra), even if this course is not listed as a required course in their major. Increasingly, linear algebra is playing an important role in applications of mathematics. This recommendation is in addition to the required calculus courses so central to the understanding of many physical, biological, chemical and economic phenomena. Those interested in probability and statistics are encouraged to take MAT 351-352.

COURSES: 2007 - 2009

MAT 002 Pre-College Mathematics II NC
Intermediate Algebra II: Simplifying and solving rational equations, conic sections, relations and functions, exponential and logarithmic functions. Word problems. Fall & Spring

MAT 105 Finite Mathematics 3 credits
Introduction to finite (non-calculus) mathematics and its applications: linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions and equations; systems of linear equations and linear programming; compound interest problems and annuities. (AS VII) Fall & Spring

MAT 106 Calculus for the Non-Sciences I 3 credits
Fundamentals of calculus for students in business, or social or behavioral sciences. Credit not allowed if student already has credit for MAT 111, 115, or 117. (AS VII) Fall & Spring

MAT 107 Calculus for the Non-Sciences II 3 credits
Continuation of MAT 106. Integral calculus and calculus of several variables with applications. (AS VII). On demand

MAT 109-110 Calculus with Review I and II 4-4 credits
For science and mathematics majors. Calculus, with topics from precalculus. Logarithms, exponentials, trigonometric functions, limits, differentiation, related rates, max-min problems, anti-differentiation, definite integral. No credit allowed if student has credit for MAT 111, 115 or 117. (AS VII) MAT 109 Fall; MAT 110 Spring

MAT 111 Calculus I 4 credits
For science and mathematics majors. Functions of single variable. Functions, limits, differentiation, continuity, graphing, logarithm, exponential and inverse trigonometric functions, related rates, max-min problems, mean value theorem, l`Hospital`s rule, anti-differentiation, definite integral. (AS VII) Fall & Spring

MAT 112 Calculus II 4 credits
Applications of integration. Integration techniques, improper integrals, sequences, series, convergence tests, Taylor’s theorem, applications; parametric and polar curves. (AS VII) Prerequisite: MAT 111 or 115 with minimum grade C-. Fall & Spring

MAT 115 Calculus for Business I 4 credits
First of two semesters of mathematics for business students. Differentiation/integration of functions of one variable. Applications: concepts, examples and problems in economics and business. (AS VII) Prerequisite: 3 1/2 years of high school mathematics. Fall

MAT 121 The Nature of Mathematics 3 credits
Liberal arts mathematics course. Problem solving techniques, deductive reasoning in mathematics, some modern topics and quantitative thinking. (AS VII) Prerequisite: 3 years of high school math or equivalent; sophomore standing or higher. Spring

MAT 131 Statistics and Computers 3 credits
A first course for majors in social or health sciences. Descriptive statistics, calculators, computer programs and introduction to inferential statistics. (AS VII) Prerequisite: High school intermediate algebra. Fall & Spring

MAT 141 Inferential Statistics and Computers for Science 4 credits
Elementary probability theory, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, estimation, correlation and regression. The computer will be used with one of the standard statistical packages. (AS VII) Prerequisite: 3-1/2 years of high school mathematics. Spring

MAT 150 Excursions in Modern Mathematics 3 credits
Liberal arts course emphasizing applications of math in the social sciences. Covers topics such as voting theory, decisions made by groups, measurement of political power. (AS VII) Prerequisite: 3 years of high school mathematics or equivalent.Spring

MAT 181 Symmetry 3 credits
Liberal arts course exploring the mathematical world of geometry and symmetry. Measurement, billiards, polygons and polyhedra, tilings and wallpaper patterns, spirals and natural growth. (AS VII) Prerequisite: 3 years of high school mathematics or equivalent. Fall

MAT 191 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics 4 credits
Fundamental topics with computer science applications. Sets and logic, propositional and predicate calculus, elements of combinatorics and counting, elementary discrete probability, functions and relations, graphs. Prerequisite: 3-1/2 years of high school mathematics. Spring

MAT 211 Calculus III 4 credits
Continuation of MAT 111-112. Analytic geometry of 3-space and calculus of functions of several variables. Prerequisite: MAT 112 with minimum grade of C -. Fall & Spring

MAT 219 Linear Algebra 4 credits
Vector spaces and inner product spaces. Linear transformations and matrices. Eigenvectors, eigenvalues, and applications. Orthogonal transformations. Quadratic forms and quadric surfaces. Prerequisite: MAT 112 or consent of the instructor. Fall & Spring

MAT 222 Differential Equations 4 credits
Introduction to the theory and applications of ordinary differential equations. Prerequisite: MAT 211 with minimum grade of C -. Spring

MAT 230 Bridge to Abstract Mathematics 4 credits
Transition from calculus to upper division courses: logic and methods of proof; set theory; relations, orders and functions; number systems; cardinality. Prerequisite: MAT 112 with minimum grade of C - or consent of the instructor. Fall & Spring

MAT 301 History of Mathematics 3 credits
Development and interrelations of major areas of mathematics, from ancient to modern times. Emphasis on both historical context and mathematical content. Mathematics as cultural heritage. Prerequisite: MAT 111-112. Fall 2008

MAT 311 Abstract Algebra I 4 credits
Introduction to the basic structures of abstract algebra; groups, rings, fields. Prerequisites: MAT 230 and MAT 219 with minimum grades of C -. Fall

MAT 312 Abstract Algebra II 3 credits
Continuation of MAT 311. Selected topics from rings, Integral domains, field extensions and Galois theory. Prerequisite: MAT 311. Spring 2009

MAT 313 Number Theory 3 credits
Divisibility, prime numbers, numerical functions, congruencies, quadratic reciprocity, Diophantine equations. Prerequisite: MAT 311 or permission of instructor. Spring 2008

MAT 321 Real Analysis I 4 credits
Advanced study of differentiation and integration of functions. Prerequisites: MAT 211, 230, 219 with minimum grades of C -; or MAT 211, 230 and consent of instructor. Fall

MAT 322 Real Analysis II 3 credits
Continuation of MAT 321. Selected topics from functions of one or several variables. Prerequisite: MAT 321 with minimum grade of C -. Spring 2008

MAT 331 Introduction to Modern Geometry 3 credits
Axioms for geometry and their consequences: independence of the parallel postulate. Rudiments of hyperbolic geometry. Geometric transformations. Prerequisite: MAT 230. Fall

MAT 335-336 Mathematical Analysis for Physicists 4-4 credits
Theory and applications of infinite series. Fourier series, Green’s functions. Fourier integrals, vector calculus, linear algebra, partial differential equations and complex variables. Prerequisite: MAT 222 or consent of instructor. Fall 2007, Fall 2008

MAT 341 Numerical Analysis 3 credits
The methods used to obtain numerical solutions of functional, integral and differential equations. Prerequisites: An elementary knowledge of computer programming and MAT 219. On demand

MAT 342 (CSC 342) Introduction to Graph Theory 3 credits
This course covers basic constructions on graphs. Complete graphs, bipartite graphs, trees, cycles, and more general graphs are studied along with their combinatorial properties. Euler circuits, Hamilton circuits, spanning trees. Applications of graphs to optimization problems such as the Traveling Salesperson Problem and Construction of the Minimal Spanning Trees. Prerequisite: one semester of Calculus. Spring 2009

MAT 351-352 Probability and Statistics 3-3 credits
Introduction to the mathematical aspects of modern probability theory and the theory of statistics. Prerequisite: MAT 211.MAT 351 Spring; MAT 352 Fall

MAT 353 Regression Analysis 3 credits
Linear regression and correlation. Covariance, residual sum of squares, residual variance, correlation coefficient, tests of significance for correlation coefficient and for regression coefficients. Non-linear regression. Prerequisites: MAT 351-352 or consent of instructor. Fall 2008

MAT 354 Experimental Design and Statistical Computing 3 credits
Analyzing data; one-way/two-way blocking; chi-square, goodness of fit. Statistical computing package; Monte-Carlo simulation-subset selection, central limit theorem; residual plots. Prerequisites: MAT 351-352 or permission of instructor. Fall 2007

MAT 365 Logistic Regression 3 credits
Statistical analysis of dichotomous data. Univariate and multivariate cases are covered. Applied problems solved on the computer. Prerequisite: MAT 352 or ECO 256. Spring 2008

MAT 370 Topics in Statistics 3 credits
Prerequisite: MAT 352 or permission of instructor. Spring 2009

MAT 400 (PHY 400) Math/Physics Reading Group 1 credit
Study of a book on recent developments in math and science. Book subject varies. May be taken more than once. Prerequisite: By permission. On demand

MAT 411 Topology 3 credits
An introduction to topology, stressing concrete examples including surfaces. Point-set, geometric and algebraic topology with interconnections and applications. Prerequisite: MAT 230 or permission of instructor. Fall 2009

MAT 416 Differential Geometry 3 credits
Curves in the plane and 3 space: Frenet formulas, isoperimetric inequalities. Basic elements of surface theory. Curvature and mean curvature. Gauss’s Theorema Egregium. Rigidity questions. Prerequisite: MAT 321. On demand

MAT 421 Complex Analysis 3 credits
Complex numbers, analytic functions and mappings. Cauchy-Riemann equations, harmonic functions, Cauchy’s theorem, integral formula and inequalities. Power series, residues, singularities and zeros, Rouch’s Theorem. Prerequisite: MAT 321 or permission of the instructor. Spring 2009

MAT 498 Internship in Mathematics 1-3 credits
Internship involving non-routine tasks linking academic concepts to practical experience. May be used for free elective credit only. Prerequisite: Consent of chair. On demand

MAT 499 Independent Study 3 credits
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and chair. On demand