Mathematics and Computer Science

Chairman and Professor: THOMAS I. TRELOAR
Professors: RYAN HUTCHINSON, DAVID C. MURPHY
Associate Professors: DAVID GAEBLER, KEVIN GERSTLE, JOHN SEIFFERTT, SAMUEL G. WEBSTER
Assistant Professor: PAULINA VOLOSOV

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers majors in mathematics and applied mathematics and minors in mathematics and computer science.

Not only is mathematics, with its logical approach and precision, an important part of our culture in its own right, but it is also important for its numerous applications. For these reasons, courses are offered for those interested in the cultural value of the subject as well as for those who are interested in its applications.

All entering students are advised to take the core mathematics requirement in their first year. Whenever possible, students are placed in mathematics courses on the basis of their secondary school backgrounds and, when available, ACT or SAT scores in mathematics.

A student may not major in both mathematics and applied mathematics. A student majoring in mathematics or applied mathematics may not minor in mathematics.

Please note that mathematics courses of one hour do not count toward the completion of the major in mathematics, the major in applied mathematics, and the minor in mathematics. 

Students majoring in mathematics or applied mathematics may select an honors thesis option. Students who successfully complete this option will graduate with the designation of honors in mathematics or honors in applied mathematics. This option requires that a student have a 3.250 grade-point average in their mathematics major or applied mathematics major at the time of graduation. Also, beginning no later than the first semester of their senior year, the student must enroll in a MTH 575 honors thesis course for one or two hours (this course may be repeated once for a maximum of three hours in MTH 575 courses) and, in conjunction with this course, write a thesis in a mathematical field acceptable to the course instructor. In order to receive the honors designation, the student must receive a grade of “B” or better in each MTH 575 course and must give an oral presentation of his or her thesis to the Department.

Students preparing for a Ph.D. program in any mathematical discipline should take at least 40 hours in mathematics and engage in at least one mathematical research activity (MTH 575, LAUREATES, or a research program at another institution).

  • Students preparing for graduate programs in pure mathematics are strongly encouraged to take MTH 405, 430, and at least one semester of 415.
  • Students preparing for graduate programs in applied mathematics are strongly encouraged to take MTH 340, 403, 405, and at least one semester of 425.
  • Students preparing for graduate programs in statistics, data analytics, and related fields are strongly encouraged to take MTH 370, 420, and at least one semester of 425.

All mathematics and applied mathematics majors should complete MTH 310: Linear Algebra and MTH 320: Multivariable Calculus by end of the sophomore year. Calculus I, Calculus II, Linear Algebra, and Multivariable Calculus are offered every semester.

Degrees

Courses of Instruction

MTH 105: Mathematics and Deductive Reasoning

Credits 3
This course is designed to explore the nature of mathematics and give the student an introduction to logic and mathematical reasoning as a means for that investigation. The content may include Aristotelian logic and deductive reasoning, mathematical arguments and proof, and the study of axiomatic systems such as Euclidean geometry. Prerequisites: none.

MTH 112: Integrated Calculus IA

Credits 3
The first of a two-semester sequence designed to introduce the ideas and applications of the Differential Calculus. This course focuses on the concepts of functions, limits, continuity and differentiation, exploring them in the context of algebraic functions. Prerequisites: none. Fall, every year.

MTH 113: Integrated Calculus IB

Credits 3
The second of a two-semester sequence designed to introduce the ideas and applications of the Differential Calculus. This course focuses on the Differential Calculus of transcendental functions, including exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. The course will introduce integration including the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The successful completion of MTH 113 is equivalent to successful completion of Calculus I. Prerequisites: MTH 112 with a grade of C- or better. Spring, every year.

MTH 120: Calculus I

Credits 4
A comprehensive study of limits, continuity and differentiation of functions of one real variable and their applications. Introduction to integrals. Credit will not be granted for both MTH 113 and MTH 120. Prerequisites: For students in their first two years of college and an ACT mathematics score of 27 or higher. Fall and spring, every year.

MTH 220: Calculus II

Credits 4

A continuation of MTH 120. Techniques and applications of integration. Infinite sequences and series. Prerequisite: MTH 113 or 120 with a grade of C- or better. Fall and spring, every year.

MTH 303: Mathematical Logic

Credits 3

A thorough treatment of the techniques of formal reasoning. Topics include truth-functional logic, quantification logic and construction of correct deductions. Prerequisite: MTH 105 or higher mathematics course. Spring, even-numbered years.

MTH 310: Linear Algebra

Credits 3
The theory and applications of vector spaces, matrix algebra, linear transformations and eigenvalues. Prerequisite: MTH220. Fall and spring, every year.

MTH 320: Multivariable Calculus

Credits 4
A third-semester calculus course. Topics will include vectors and three-dimensional coordinate systems, partial differentiation with applications, multiple integrals, and vector calculus. Prerequisite: MTH 220. Fall and spring, every year.

MTH 330: Theory of Numbers

Credits 3
Properties of the integers, the Euclidean Algorithm, divisibility, Diophantine equations, prime numbers, congruences and residues. Prerequisite: MTH 220. Spring, odd-numbered years.

MTH 335: Discrete Mathematics

Credits 3
An introduction to the theory and applications of discrete mathematics. Topics for the course include proof writing, logic, set theory, induction, recursion, combinatorics, relations, functions, and graph theory. Prerequisite: MTH 220.

MTH 340: Differential Equations

Credits 3

A study of the techniques and theory of solving ordinary and partial differential equations. Topics may include series solutions, numerical methods, Fourier and Laplace transforms, linearization, stability theory, periodic orbits, and bifurcations and chaos. Prerequisite: MTH 310 or PHY 304. Spring, typically odd-numbered years.

MTH 360: Non-Euclidean Geometry

Credits 3

A college-level approach to Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries. The course will pursue an in-depth investigation into the following topics: Hilbert's postulates for Euclidean geometry, the parallel postulates, neutral geometry and non-Euclidean geometry. Prerequisite: MTH 220. Fall, odd-numbered years.

MTH 370: Theory of Probability

Credits 3
Introduction to the mathematical theory of probability. Discrete probability spaces, conditional probability, discrete and continuous random variables, expectations and distributions. Prerequisite: MTH 320. Fall, every year.

MTH 375: Game Theory

Credits 3

Game theory is the study of the interaction of rational decision makers. This course uses game theory to study incentives and strategic behavior in practical situations of inter-dependent decision making and negotiations. The course will develop basic theoretical concepts in tandem with applications from a variety of areas, including bargaining, competition, and strategic voting. Prerequisite: MTH 310 or MTH. Spring, typically even-numbered years.

MTH 380: Mathematical Modeling

Credits 3

This course serves as an introduction to the formulation, analysis and interpretation of mathematical models in the study of problems in the natural, management and social sciences. Topics may include optimization, dimensional analysis, Markov chains and autonomous systems. The course will require the use of the Eaton Corporation Computer Laboratory and the software packages R, Mathematica, and Matlab. Prerequisite: MTH 310. Spring, every year.

MTH 385: Financial Mathematics

Credits 3

A course on mathematical interest theory. Topics discussed will include the time value of money, annuities and cash flows, loans, bonds, the yield rate of an investment, the term structure of interest rates, duration, and immunization. The course may also include topics from financial economics. Prerequisite: MTH 220 with a grade of C- or better. Offered as needed.

MTH 390: History of Mathematics

Credits 3

A study of the historical development of various branches of mathematics from antiquity through the end of the nineteenth century. Topics include mathematics prior to classical antiquity, mathematics in ancient Greece, Islamic mathematics, the development of symbolic algebra, the invention of the calculus, and the nineteenth century evolution of algebra, geometry, and analysis. The course will emphasize primary source materials. Prerequisites: MTH 310 and 320. Fall, even-numbered years.

MTH 393: Topics in Mathematics

Credits 1 Max Credits 3
An introduction to proof writing, oral presentations, literature research, and computer software applied to mathematics. Prerequisite: MTH 220. Offered as needed.

MTH 403: Real Analysis

Credits 3

A rigorous treatment of the calculus of one variable, including limits, continuity, sequences, differentiation and Riemann integrals. This course should be taken in the junior or senior year. 

MTH 405: Complex Analysis

Credits 3

The theory of functions of a single complex variable. Complex numbers, elementary complex functions, differentiation and integration of complex functions, complex series and residue theory. Prerequisite: MTH 320. Fall, even-numbered years.

MTH 406: Numerical Analysis

Credits 3

Numerical methods for approximation of roots, systems of linear equations, interpolation and curve fitting, numerical integration and differentiation, and differential equations. Problems are generally approached through structured algorithms. Prerequisite: MTH 310 and 320. Fall, every year.

MTH 410: Abstract Algebra

Credits 3

An introduction to the theory of algebraic structures, including the elementary properties of groups, rings and fields. This course should be taken in the junior or senior year. Prerequisite: MTH 310 and and one of the following: MTH 330, MTH 335, or MTH 360. Fall, every year.

MTH 415: Topics in Mathematics

Credits 3
Further study of upper-level mathematics in areas including algebra, analysis, geometry, and dynamical systems. Please consult the Mathematics Department for course descriptions. Prerequisite: Consult instructor. Offered as needed.

MTH 420: Mathematical Statistics

Credits 3
This course serves as a sequel to MTH 370 (Theory of Probability), focusing on the application of concepts introduced in MTH 370 to the theory and practice of statistical inference. Emphasis will be placed both on the mathematical theory underlying the definition and evaluation of various estimators and statistical tests, as well as the application of this theory to the analysis of real-world data sets. Prerequisite: MTH 370. Spring, odd-numbered years.

MTH 425: Topics in Applied Mathematics

Credits 3
Further study of upper-level mathematics in areas of applied mathematics. Please consult the Mathematics Department for course descriptions. Prerequisite: Consult instructor. Offered as needed.

MTH 430: Topology

Credits 3

An introductory course in the fundamental concepts of general topology, including metric spaces, topological spaces, connectedness and compactness. Prerequisite: MTH 310 and one of the following: MTH 335 or MTH 360. Spring, even-numbered years.

MTH 570: Research Seminar

Credits 1

Students will be introduced to contemporary mathematics literature with an emphasis on undergraduate research. Instruction will be given on how to read and write mathematics papers, how to give and receive math talks, what to do at math conferences, how to perform literature searches, and other skills related to the mathematics profession and the practice of mathematics beyond the classroom. Prerequisite: MTH 310 and MTH 320.

MTH 575: Honor Thesis

Credits 1 Max Credits 2
Investigation of a mathematical topic, under faculty supervision, leading to the honors thesis option in mathematics or applied mathematics. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Offered as needed.

MTH 597: Special Problems

Credits 1 Max Credits 3
Investigation of special problems under faculty supervision. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Offered as needed.