Mathematics Course Descriptions
MATH0010 Basic Math
This course prepares the student to take college-level mathematics courses as well as to take other college level courses requiring quantitative skills. This course reviews charts and graphs, estimating and computing, fundamental problem-solving techniques and using basic algebra to solve problems encountered in applications. This course is offered on a pass/fail basis. Satisfactory completion of MATH0010 constitutes satisfaction of the college wide mathematical competency requirement. Assignment to MATH0010 is based on performance on the foundation skills assessment.
Fall and spring semester. 4 credits (will not be counted toward 128-credit graduation requirement)
MATH1101 College Algebra (QA)
This course studies properties, graphs, and uses of algebraic expressions, including linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic equations. The focus of the course is on application of algebra to real-world problems. The course is designed primarily for students who plan to major in an area that requires more mathematics, and who need additional preparation in algebra.
Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits
Assignment to MATH1101 is based on performance on the foundation skills assessment.
MATH1103 Precalculus Mathematics (QA)
This course is designed to prepare students for calculus (MATH1111). It includes the study of polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions and their graphs.
Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits
Prerequisite: Satisfactory score on foundation skills assessment or MATH1101
MATH1105 Topics in Contemporary Mathematics (QA)
This course is designed for students planning to take no further mathematics courses. Topics covered may include logic, graph theory, cryptology and the structure of the number system. Assignment to MATH1105 is based on performance on the foundation skills assessment. This course does not prepare the student for further work in mathematics.
Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits
MATH1111 Calculus I (QA)
This course studies limits and continuity, differential calculus of algebraic, trigonometric and transcendental functions, applications of the derivative, and introduction to integration through the fundamental theorem of calculus.
Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits
Prerequisite: Satisfactory score on foundation skills assessment or MATH1103
MATH1112 Calculus II (QA)
This course is a continuation of Calculus I and includes methods of integration, applications of the definite integral, and infinite sequences and series.
Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits
Prerequisite: MATH1111 or by placement by department
MATH1117 Introduction to Statistics (QA)
This is an introductory course in statistics. It presents the concepts, techniques, and methods used in the description and analysis of data, and in statistical inference. The fundamental ideas of probability theory as required for the study of statistical methods are presented, as well as many applications.
Fall and spring semester. 4 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of college computer literacy requirement and satisfactory score on foundation skills assessment or MATH1101
MATH1120 Foundations of Mathematics for Teachers I (QA)
This course focuses on numeration systems and properties of numbers. Different numeration systems will be studied, followed by operations on whole numbers, integers and rational numbers. Problem solving using mathematics will be applied throughout the course. This course is especially appropriate for those who plan to become elementary school teachers.
Spring semester. 4 credits
Prerequisite: Satisfactory score on mathematics placement examination
MATH1121 Applied Mathematics for the Natural, Social and Management Sciences (QA)
This is an introductory course for those majoring in fields other than mathematics. The course covers linear functions and linear models, quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and an intuitive introduction to differential calculus. Course work will emphasize applications to real-world problems.
Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits
Prerequisite: Satisfactory score on mathematics placement examination or MATH1101
MATH1122 Foundations of Mathematics for Teachers II (QA)
This course begins with a study of probability and data analysis. Patterns and functions are examined, as well as two-dimensional geometry, concluding with a study of measurement. Problem solving using mathematics will be applied throughout the course. This course is especially appropriate for those who plan to become elementary school teachers.
Spring semester. 4 credits
Prerequisite: MATH1120
MATH2101 Linear Algebra (QA)
This course serves as a transition from computational mathematics to more theoretical approaches. This course also provides the student with some of the most useful tools of applied mathematics. Topics include systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vector spaces and linear transformations. This is a gateway course for the major in mathematics.
Fall semester. 4 credits
Prerequisite: MATH1111 or MATH1121 or by placement
MATH2103 Calculus III (QA)
This course studies multivariable calculus. Topics covered include vector valued functions, functions of several variables, partial derivatives and multiple integrals.
Fall semester. 4 credits
Prerequisite: MATH1112
MATH2104 College Geometry (QA)
In this course, we use geometry as a lens through which we examine topics in algebra, trigonometry, the history of mathematics, and mathematically appropriate pedagogy. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the underlying structure of geometry, and the interconnectedness of geometry with other branches of mathematics. Students will examine how these advanced mathematical topics are reflected in secondary mathematics curricula. Particular emphasis will be placed on the development of mathematical reasoning through critical analysis and construction of formal mathematical proof. Technology, including the graphic calculator, Excel and Geometer’s Sketchpad, will be an important part of this course.
Spring semester, alternate years, expected spring 2008. 4 credits
Prerequisite: MATH1111
MATH2107 Differential Equations
In this course we study the theory and applications of ordinary differential equations. Topics covered include first-order equations, linear equations, systems of equations and modeling using differential equations.
Fall semester, alternate years, expected fall 2008. 4 credits
Co-requisite: MATH2103
MATH2109 Discrete Methods (QA)
Topics such as logic, methods of proof, number theory, counting principles and graph theory are covered.
Spring semester. 4 credits
Prerequisite: MATH1111
MATH2113 Applied Statistics (QA)
This course is an introduction to the practice of statistics. Topics covered include descriptive statistics, estimation, hypothesis testing, regression and nonparametric methods.
Spring semester. 4 credits
Co-requisite: MATH1112
MATH2122 Foundations of Mathematics III
This is the third course in a three-semester mathematics content sequence designed to develop fundamental computation skills and a comprehensive, in-depth understanding of K-8 mathematics among elementary education majors. The course will focus on topics in linear programming, analytic geometry, probability, and statistics. This course, like Foundations I and II, will deepen students' knowledge of mathematics and provide a solid foundation for learning about the methods for teaching elementary school mathematics. The course will also prepare students for the mathematics subtest required for Massachusetts state licensure effective in March of 2009.
Spring semester. 4 credits
Prerequisite: MATH1122
MATH3101 Real Analysis
This is an introduction to the theoretical foundations of real analysis. The completeness of the real number system, limits, continuity and theory of differentiation and integration are covered.
Fall semester, alternate years, expected fall 2007. 4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH2103
MATH3103 Probability
This course is an introduction to the theory of probability and its applications. Topics include random variables, probability laws, joint distributions, the Law of Large Numbers and the Central Limit Theorem.
Spring semester, alternate years, expected spring 2009. 4 credits
Co-requisite (may be taken concurrently): MATH2103
MATH3105 Advanced Statistics
This course is a continuation of MATH2113 Applied Statistics. More advanced topics in statistics will be covered, including contingency tables, exact tests, nonparametric methods, single and multiple linear regression and logistic regression. At the end of the course, students will research a procedure or methodology on their own, write a short paper summarizing what they have learned, and give a short presentation.
Fall semester, alternate years, expected fall 2007. 4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH2113, MATH3103
MATH3107 Abstract Algebra
This is an introduction to abstract algebra. Properties of groups, rings, fields and homomorphisms will be studied.
Spring semester, alternate years, expected spring 2008. 4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH2101
MATH3109 Operations Research
In this course, students will learn how to translate a variety of real-world business problems into mathematical models that can then be solved using standard techniques from Operations Research. The course will rely heavily upon applications and algorithms, including study of the mathematical underpinnings for further clarification. Students will learn to use a standard software package for solution of their mathematical formulations.
Fall semester, alternate years, expected fall 2008. 4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH2101 and either MATH1111 or MATH1121 (Cross-referenced with MGMT3109)
MATH4157 Senior Seminar
The seminar gives upper-level mathematics majors the opportunity to study an area of mathematics in depth. Each student will prepare and present a paper to the class on a selected topic. Seminar topics are chosen by faculty and mathematics majors.
Spring semester. 4 credits
Prerequisite: Senior mathematics major status
MATH4178 Directed Study
The course is available for junior or senior mathematics majors. This is an independent study of material not covered in offered courses.
Offered as needed. 4 credits
Prerequisite: Consent of department chair
MATH4194 Internship
This is a directed experience in mathematics. Students are required to meet regularly with an assigned member of the department and complete a final paper.
Offered as needed. 4 credits
Prerequisite: INT1001, consent of department chair