Department of Mathematics
and Computer Science

Francis Jones, Bobbi Buchholz, Jeffrey Lehman, Winfield Wetherbee 

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science provides instruction in mathematics, statistics and computer science. Bachelor's degrees are available in computer science and in mathematics.

Program in Mathematics

The purposes of mathematics instruction are (a) to develop an understanding of the major fields of mathematics and their interrelationships; (b) to develop an understanding of the applications of mathematics to various areas of the natural
and social sciences; (c) to prepare students for continued learning in mathematics, including both independent study and graduate study; (d) to prepare students for careers as secondary and middle school mathematics teachers; and (e) to prepare students for careers in government or business which make use of the mathematical sciences.

Students who choose a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics or a bachelor of science degree in mathematics education will complete MA 165, 171, 172, 205, 273, 311, 351, 371, 411, 431, 471, and 481; CS 116 (or CS 111 and 117). Refer to the Department of Education for education courses required for teacher licensing.

Students who select the bachelor of science degree in mathematics complete the courses given above for the bachelor of arts major, two independent study topics in MA 490, and PH 211 and 212.

The minor in mathematics requires MA 165, 171, 172, 205, 311 or 411, 471, and four hours in mathematics above 200.

Students preparing for mathematics teacher licensing are encouraged to complete a minor in one of the sciences that will broaden their preparation. See, for example, descriptions of minors in physics and chemistry.

Program in Computer Science

Students who choose a bachelor of science degree in computer science complete CS 116 (or CS 111 and 117), 216, 245, 286, 315, 325, 355, 415, 425, 435 and 436; PH 261; MA161 and 165; AC 241, BA 252, and EB 211. A minor in mathematics, accounting or management is strongly recommended.

The minor in computer science requires CS 116 (or CS 111 and 117), 216; CS 235 or 245; CS 286 or 325; and three courses from CS 315, 325 (if not included above) 331, 355, 415, and 425 to make a total of 22-23 hours in the minor. The minor in management information systems requires CS 116 (or CS 111 and 117), BA/CS 235, CS 245; AC 241, BA 252, BA 331, OA 371 and OA 215 (three credits).

Courses in Computer Science

CS 111 Introduction to Computers                     (4)

An introduction to fundamental computer concepts and terminology applicable for communication in today’s world. Topics include current issues in computer usage, historical perspective, impact of computing on society and programming. Laboratory applications, including electronic mail, spreadsheet, database, programming, HTML and Internet search tools, will be part of individual and group projects. Does not count toward major or minor in computer science except for those students who also complete CS 117. Prerequisite: MA 032 or placement, but not open to students
with more than one semester of computer programming

Spring

CS 116 Computer Concepts and Programming I          (4)

An introduction to fundamental computer concepts and terminology and to structured and object-oriented programming. Introductory topics include the history of computing, number bases and logic, current hardware and software and the impact of computers on society. Programming topics include input/output, loops, decision structures, arrays and methods. Attention is given to good programming style and problem solving techniques for program design, coding, documentation, debugging and testing. Prerequisite: MA 032 or placement

Fall, Spring

CS 117 Programming I                                       (2)

An introduction to structured and object-oriented programming. Topics include input/output, loops, decision structures, arrays and methods. Meets with CS 116 at times announced by the instructor. Attention is given to good programming style and problem solving techniques for program design, coding, documentation, debugging and testing. Prerequisite: CS 111 or consent

Fall, Spring

CS 135 Introduction to COBOL                           (3)

Use of COBOL in solving business-oriented problems. Prerequisite: CS 111 or 116 or consent

Spring Even Years

CS 216 Programming II                                      (3)

Advanced programming topics, including object oriented programming, graphical user interfaces, recursion, fundamental data structures, sorting and searching algorithms, sequential and random access file processing and external procedures. Prerequisite: CS 116 or 117

Spring

CS 235 Management Information Systems         (3)

Concepts and terminology relating to the effective management of information technology. Information systems, applications, development practices, management software and ethical issues are explored. Identical with BA 235. Prerequisite: CS 111 or 116 or consent

Spring Even Years

CS 245 System Analysis and Design Methods    (3)

Concepts of structured analysis and design, including a systems development life cycle. Techniques such as fact-finding and presentation methods, data flow diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, hardware/software requirements, feasibility analysis, screen layout, file and database design. Prerequisite: CS 111 or 116 or consent

Spring

CS 286 Visual Programming                              (3)

Event-driven programming using a visual programming language and interface. Topics include screen design and layout, common controls, graphics and database integration. Prerequisite: CS 216 or consent

Spring Odd Years

CS 315 Computer Architecture and Assembler Language                  (4)

An introduction to computer architecture and concepts, including programming techniques using an assembler instruction set. Prerequisite: CS 216

Fall Even Years

CS 325 Data Structures                                       (4)

Analysis of algorithms, advanced sorting and searching techniques, vectors, arrays, records, stacks, queues, deques, linked lists, trees and graphs are studied in this course. Prerequisites: CS 216 and MA 165 and (161 or consent)

Fall Even Years

CS 331 Topics in Computer Science                  (3)

Selected issues of current interest such as artificial intelligence, Web site management, robotics and graphics. Prerequisite: CS 216

Offered on sufficient demand

CS 355 Operating Systems                                 (3)

Role and concepts of operating systems, including file systems, scheduling algorithms, process management, resource management, concurrent processing and principles of operating system design. Prerequisite: CS 216

Spring Odd Years

CS 415 Database Management Systems                       (3)

Defining of data needs, relating those needs to user-oriented data languages and management of data within organizations. Establishing relevance of data structure and file organization techniques. Examining database management functions and systems, logical and physical data models and the management of data as a resource. Prerequisites: CS 216 and CS 325 or consent

Fall Odd Years

CS 425 Principles of Networking                        (4)

Introduction to Local Area Networks and Wide Area Network concepts focusing on the TCP/IP protocol. Introduction to the OSI model, IP routing, switching and addressing standards. Overview of such topics as 802.11 wireless, VLANs and network security. Prerequisite: CS 216

Fall Odd Years

CS 435 Senior Project I:  Analysis and Design               (3)

An intensive team project involving analysis, design and implementation of a computer-based information system. Focus on the analysis and design system development phases. Prerequisite:  To be taken during the senior or last full year of course work

Fall

CS 436 Senior Project II:  Implementation                  (3)

A continuation and completion of the senior project. Focus on the implementation and support phases. The project will terminate with the presentation of results. Prerequisite: CS 435

Spring

CS 490 Independent Study                               (1-4)

Supervised study of selected topics in computer science at an advanced level. Prerequisite: Consent

Fall, Spring

Courses in Mathematics

MA 021 Basic Mathematics                                 (3)

Fundamentals of arithmetic and measurement with an introduction to algebra. Operations on whole numbers, operations using fractions and decimals, ratio and proportion, percent, interpreting basic graphs, measurement of lengths, computation of areas and volumes and operations on real numbers. This class is offered for non-degree credit. Prerequisite: Placement

Fall Even Years

MA 032 Introductory Algebra                              (3)

Algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities, operations with polynomials, factoring polynomials, operations on rational expressions, graphs of equations and inequalities, solving systems of two linear equations, operations on radicals, solving radical equations and quadratic formula. This class is offered for non-degree credit. Prerequisite: MA 021 or placement

Fall, Spring

MA 111 Analyzing Arithmetic for Educators                 (3)

Development of numeration systems, number sense and number relationships, concepts of whole number and rational number operations, number theory and estimation. Effective mathematical pedagogy for children will be modeled, emphasizing the development of patterns and relationships and the view of mathematics as problem solving, communicating, reasoning and making connections. Prerequisites: Elementary, middle grades or mathematics education major and MA 032 or placement

Fall, Spring

MA 112 Analyzing Geometry and Statistics for Educators          (3)

Data analysis and probability, the investigation of 2 and 3 dimensional geometry, including the development of spatial sense, standard and non-standard measurement, transformational and coordinate approaches to geometry and exploration of functions and algebra relevant to young learners. Effective mathematical pedagogy for children will be modeled, emphasizing the use of various instructional technologies and the view of mathematics as problem solving, communicating, reasoning and making connections. Prerequisites: Elementary, middle grades or mathematics education major and MA 032 or placement

Fall, Spring

MA 115 Mathematical Modeling for Contemporary Society           (3)

An introduction to areas of contemporary applied mathematics, selected from among network analysis (construction of efficient travel or service routes), descriptive statistics and intuitive probability, coding of information (identification numbers, error correcting codes), symmetry and patterns in geometry, art and nature, tilings of a plane, models for populations and compound interest.  Prerequisite: MA 032 or satisfactory score on placement test

Fall

MA 141 College Algebra and Trigonometry        (4)

A study of topics from algebra and trigonometry, including polynomials, rational functions, exponents, equations, inequalities, graphs and trigonometric functions of real numbers. Prerequisite: MA 032 or placement

Spring

MA 151 Introduction to Probability and Statistics             (4)

Descriptive statistics: central tendencies, variability and histograms. Probability: intuitive probability, relative frequency interpretation, conditional probability and elementary combinatorics. Inferential statistics: population and sample, randomness, testing hypotheses, estimation, correlation and regression. Prerequisite: MA 032 or placement

Fall, Spring

MA 161 Mathematics for Managerial and Social Sciences          (4)

Functions, linear and quadratic polynomials, systems of linear equations, matrix operations, linear programming and intuitive differential calculus. Prerequisite: MA 032 or placement

Spring

MA 165 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics                  (3)

Topics include sets, logic, probability, combinatorics, difference equations, recursion, graph theory and matrix representations of graphs. Applications of these topics will be included. Prerequisite:  MA 032 or placement

Fall

MA 171 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I                    (4)

Review of essentials of algebra and trigonometry. Basic analytic geometry of the plane, including conic sections. Introduction to differential calculus: limits, continuity, derivative and applications, including curve sketching. Introduction to antiderivatives. Problem-solving techniques; use of graphics calculators and computer methods of visualization and solution. Prerequisite: MA 141 or placement

Fall

MA 172 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II                 (4)

Continued review of essentials of trigonometry. Definite integrals, methods and applications of integration, calculus of the trigonometric and logarithmic functions and their inverses. Improper integrals, numerical methods, indeterminate forms and infinite series. Problem-solving techniques; use of computer methods of visualization and solution. Prerequisite: MA 171

Spring

MA 205 Introduction to Mathematical Proofs                  (1)

Elements of logic and set theory, types of proofs, methods of formulating proofs and induction will be introduced. Prerequisite: MA 171 or consent

Fall

MA 273 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III                  (4)

Polar coordinates, vectors, curves and surfaces in R² and R³. Functions of several variables; limits, continuity, partial derivatives and gradients, multiple integrals and line integrals. Prerequisite: MA 172

Fall

MA 311 Elements of Linear Algebra                    (4)

Abstract vector spaces, linear transformations, matrix algebra, systems of linear equations, the existence and computation of their solutions, applications of linear algebra to the physical and life sciences and applications of linear algebra to various areas of discrete mathematics, including finite graphs, Leontief models, linear programming and recurrence relations. Use of computer matrix software. Prerequisite:  MA 172 or consent

Spring Odd Years

MA 351 Geometry                                           (4)

Euclidean geometry re-examined as well as transformational geometry. An introduction to projective geometry is presented along with topics from hyperbolic and elliptic geometries. Prerequisite:  MA 172 or consent

Spring Even Years

MA 371 Differential Equations: An Introduction to Continuous Models    (4)

Solution methods for first order differential equations, second order linear differential equations and systems of first order equations. Numerical methods of solutions. Models and applications in the physical, life, social and managerial sciences. Prerequisite: MA 172

Spring Even Years

MA 411 Abstract Algebra                             (4)

Introduction to the theory of groups, including permutations and basic structure through the first isomorphism theorem. Introduction to rings, domains and fields, including the structure of polynomial domains. Study of polynomials, including factorizations, existence and computation of roots. Introduction to number theory. Use of computer software to analyze properties of finite groups. Prerequisite: MA 172 or consent

Fall Odd Years

MA 431 Introduction to Real Analysis                 (4)

The topology of R¹ and an introduction to the algebraic and topological structures of Rⁿ. Completeness, compactness, connectedness, continuity and convergence are studied. Prerequisite: MA 273

Fall Even Years

MA 471 Mathematical Statistics                          (4)

Probability: basic concepts, including counting arguments based on combinations and permutations; random variables and their densities, distributions and moment generating functions; joint, marginal, and conditional densities; expected value operators; and special distributions. Statistics: introduction to descriptive statistics, distributions of sample statistics, introduction to inferential statistics, including using normal and t distributions for hypothesis testing and parameter estimation; correlation and regression. Prerequisites: MA 165 and 273 or consent

Fall Even Years

MA 481 Seminar in Mathematical Sciences               (1)

Students will present lectures and discuss topics from various aspects of the mathematical sciences. Prospective teachers will give their lectures and papers on history and cultural contexts of mathematical topics relevant to secondary mathematics instruction. Students will prepare for and take a nationally normed mathematics examination as part of the department’s assessment program. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent

Fall

MA 490 Independent Study                           (1-4)

Supervised study of selected topics in the mathematical sciences at an advanced level. Prerequisite: Consent

Fall, Spring

Medicine Pre-Professional Program

See Pre-Medical Study under Degrees and Programs and contact a pre-medical advisor in either the Department of Biology or Chemistry

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