College of Arts & Sciences Catalog
Mathematics
The major in mathematics prepares students for a variety of careers through a balance of theoretical and practical course work. Theoretical study begins with discrete mathematics and continues through linear algebra, algebraic structures, real analysis, topics in mathematics, and foundations of mathematics. Problem-solving and mathematical modeling skills are honed through the calculus sequence of courses, differential equations, probability and statistics, numerical methods and operations research. Practical computing skills are developed by using advanced software in many courses and through introductory programming courses. Students who wish to teach mathematics in grades 5-12 may also include course work designed specifically to satisfy state licensure requirements. Electives and advising are available for students preparing for graduate school or for math-oriented careers such as the actuarial sciences.
Courses
MAT101M • Mathematics for the 21st Century (fall, spring) 3 credits
Mathematical ideas that a liberally educated person should be familiar with in order to function well in a technological society. May not be taken for credit after achieving a C level or higher in a college math course. Prerequisite: High school algebra.
MAT102M • Creative Problem Solving (interim) 3 credits
An opportunity to learn to use creative thinking and intuition to gain confidence in understanding and solving some intriguing problems in mathematics. May not be taken for credit after achieving a C level or higher in a college math course. Prerequisite: High school algebra.
MAT110M • College Algebra (fall) 3 credits
Enables students to develop the prerequisite mathematical skills for success in MAT122M or for further study in the natural sciences. Topics include number systems, field properties, factoring, rational expressions; summation notation; equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations; graphs of functions and relations; polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic functions and applications; matrices; data modeling. May not be taken for credit after achieving a C or higher in a college-level precalculus or calculus course.
MAT123M • Precalculus (fall, spring) 3 credits
Mathematics topics required for MAT124M or for further study in the natural sciences. Equations and inequalities; graphs of functions and relations; polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic functions; trigonometric functions, identities, equations, and applications. Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra; satisfactory score on the Bethel mathematics placement test. The placement exam must be taken at scheduled times during the term prior to enrollment in MAT123M. May not be taken for credit after achieving a C level or higher in a college-level calculus course.
MAT124M • Calculus 1 (fall, spring) 4 credits
A mathematical foundation for future college courses and beyond. An introduction to the concepts and methods of the derivative and the integral, and a demonstration of how they are applied in real-world modeling situations. Topics are examined graphically, numerically, and algebraically, including using a symbolic computer algebra system to aid with understanding. Prerequisites: MAT123M or equivalent high school or college course(s) and satisfactory score on the Bethel mathematics placement exam. The placement exam must be taken at scheduled times during the term prior to enrollment in MAT123M.
MAT125 • Calculus 2 (fall, spring) 4 credits
A continuation of the equipping of students with tools for effective problem solving. Study of integration, sequences and series, and introduction to differential equations and approximation techniques. Each topic is approached from several different viewpoints (graphical, numerical, algebraic) to involve students with different learning styles. Prerequisite: MAT124M.
MAT131M • Statistical Analysis (fall, spring) 3 credits
Descriptive statistics. Discrete probability spaces, random variables, and distributions. Normal distribution, statistical inference, estimation, hypothesis testing, linear regression, correlation analysis, and analysis of variance. Applications to business, economics, and science. Students may not receive credit for both MAT131M and PSY230M.
MAT201M • Mathematics for Elementary Education 1 (fall, spring) 3 credits
Introduction to problem solving; systems of numeration; sets and logic; concepts, operations, and algorithms with whole numbers, integers, and rational numbers; elementary number theory; applications of proportions; and introduction to functions. MAT201M may not be used to fulfill the requirements for a major or minor in mathematics. Prerequisites: Major in elementary education; passing score on the MAT201M pre-test, a score of at least 23 on the math portion of the ACT, or a score of at least 519 on the math portion of the SAT.
MAT202 • Mathematics for Elementary Education 2 (fall, spring) 3 credits
Problem-solving and reasoning strategies; concepts, operations, and applications of decimals, percents, and irrational numbers; data analysis, statistics, and probability; concepts and applications of two- and three-dimensional geometry and measurement. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MAT201M. MAT202M may not be used to fulfill the requirements for a major or minor in mathematics.
MAT211 • Linear Algebra (spring) 3 credits
Linear systems, matrices, vectors and vector spaces, linear transformations, inner products, norms, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, orthogonality and applications. Provides a foundation for many areas of study in mathematics, computer science, engineering, and science. Prerequisite: MAT125 or MAT241.
MAT222 • Differential Equations (spring) 3 credits
Analytic solution methods for ordinary differential equations, including special methods for first- and second-order systems, series solutions, and transformation methods. Systems of differential equations and concepts from linear algebra introduced as needed. Prerequisite: MAT125. MAT223 strongly recommended.
MAT223 • Multivariable Calculus (spring) 3 credits
Differential calculus of real functions on Rn: limits, continuity, partial and directional derivatives, mean value theorem, implicit functions, Taylor’s theorem, and optimization techniques (including Lagrange multipliers). Multiple integral theory: change of variables, iterated integrals, and line and surface integration (Green’s and Stoke’s theorems). Prerequisite: MAT125.
MAT241 • Discrete Mathematics (fall) 3 credits
Covers a collection of topics useful to mathematics and computer science majors. The unifying factor is that the topics deal mainly with finite collections of mathematical objects (graphs, trees, finite state machines, etc.). Also includes examination of sets, logic, boolean algebras, proof techniques, algorithm analysis, and recursion. Prerequisite: MAT124M.
MAT310 • Algebraic Structures (spring) 4 credits
Study of groups, rings, fields, and applications of these algebraic structures from a firm axiomatic foundation with a strong emphasis on properly written proofs. Prerequisite: MAT211.
MAT330 • Probability and Statistics (fall) 3 credits
Discrete and continuous probability spaces, distribution and density functions, random variables, sampling, expectation, estimation, and hypothesis testing. Prerequisite: MAT125.
MAT331 • Applied Statistics (spring, even # yrs) 3 credits
Linear and multilinear regression. Factor analysis, including analysis of variance and experimental design. Prerequisites: MAT124M and MAT131M, or MAT330, or consent of instructor.
MAT344 • Numerical Methods (fall) 3 credits
Numerical methods for solving systems of linear equations, finding roots and fixed points, approximating data and functions, numerical integration, finding solutions to differential equations. Prerequisite: MAT211 or MAT222. Recommended: COS105 or COS205. (Carries cross-credit in computer science.)
MAT351 • Modern Geometry (fall, even # yrs) 3 credits
A survey of informal and formal geometric topics. Investigation of concepts, structure, proof, Euclidean, non-Euclidean, coordinate, and transformational geometry. Prerequisite: MAT241 or consent of instructor.
MAT376 • Operations Research (fall, odd # yrs) 3 credits
Mathematical techniques used in systems analysis, including linear programming, simulation techniques and other topics such as transportation models, integer programming, and network analysis. Prerequisites: COS105; MAT211. (Carries cross-credit in computer science.)
MAT422 • Real Analysis (fall) 3 credits
Elementary set theory, properties of real numbers, functions of real variables, sequences, series, Riemann and Stieltjes integration, and introduction to normed linear spaces. Prerequisites: MAT223; MAT310.
MAT425 • Topics in Mathematics (spring, odd # yrs) 3 credits
A seminar designed to provide an in-depth experience with a specific field of mathematics. Topics vary from semester to semester and include logic, number theory, dynamical systems, chaos and fractals, complex analysis, partial differential equations and Fourier analysis, intermediate probability and statistics, and topology. Prerequisite: MAT422 or consent of instructor.
MAT499 • Foundations of Mathematics (interim) 3 credits
A short history of mathematics’ major transition points, overview of foundations of mathematics, axiomatic structures, and philosophies of mathematics. Prerequisites: Major in mathematics; senior standing.
Education Course (see Department of Education)
EDU412 • Methods in Teaching 5-12 Mathematics
Programs
In this section, semester credit hours will be shown after the course number and description.
Major in Mathematics (B.A.)
| MAT124M* | Calculus 1 | 4 |
| MAT125 | Calculus 2 | 4 |
| MAT211 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MAT222 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| MAT223 | Multivariable Calculus | 3 |
| MAT241 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MAT310 | Algebraic Structures | 4 |
| MAT330 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| MAT422 | Real Analysis | 3 |
| MAT425 | Topics in Mathematics | 3 |
| MAT499 | Foundations of Mathematics | 3 |
| COS100 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| COS105 | Computer Science 1 | 4 |
| Choose two from: | 6 | |
| MAT331 | Applied Statistics | |
| MAT344 | Numerical Methods | |
| MAT376 | Operations Research | |
| Total | 49 | |
| General Education | 51-52 | |
| Electives | 21-22 | |
| TOTAL | 122 |
* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.
Major in Mathematics with Education 5-12 Licensure (B.A.)
| MAT124M* | Calculus 1 | 4 |
| MAT125 | Calculus 2 | 4 |
| MAT211 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MAT223 | Multivariable Calculus | 3 |
| MAT241 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MAT310 | Algebraic Structures | 4 |
| MAT330 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| MAT351 | Modern Geometry | 3 |
| MAT422 | Real Analysis | 3 |
| MAT499 | Foundations of Mathematics | 3 |
| COS100 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| COS105 | Computer Science 1 | 4 |
| Choose from: | 3 | |
| MAT331 | Applied Statistics | |
| MAT376 | Operations Research | |
| EDU200 | Introduction to Education | 3 |
| EDU201 | Introduction to Education Field Experience | 1 |
| EDU203 | School Health and Drugs | 2 |
| EDU220 | Introduction to Middle Level Education | 3 |
| EDU240 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| EDU241 | Educational Psychology Field Experience | 1 |
| EDU317GZ* | Understanding Diversity | 3 |
| EDU320 | Pedagogy of the Young Adolescent Learner | 2 |
| EDU411 | Middle Level Education Practicum in Mathematics | 1 |
| EDU412 | Methods in Teaching 5-8 and 9–12 Mathematics | 3 |
| EDU490 | Student Teaching Block | 15 |
| Total | 80 | |
| General Education | 51-52 | |
| TOTAL | 131-132** |
* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.
** Because of possible double counting between General Education and the major, the actual total can be reduced to 124-125 credits.
Student must earn a grade of C or better in each content area and education course (MAT, COS, EDU) in the major. Courses with grades of C- or lower must be repeated.
Minor in Mathematics
| MAT124M* | Calculus 1 | 4 |
| MAT125 | Calculus 2 | 4 |
| MAT211 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Electives from | 200-level or above mathematics courses or PHY320 Mathematical Methods in Physics and Engineering (excluding MAT201M and MAT202M) | 9 |
| TOTAL | 20 |
* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.