Mathematics

MATH 117: Gateways to Mathematics

This course explores the nature of mathematics and its role in contemporary society. The content and format of the course vary depending on the instructor's interests. In particular, the course may focus on one or two mathematical topics in depth or survey a wider range of topics. Recent topics have included mathematics of voting, probability, game theory, finance, and connections between mathematics and the arts. Offered periodically.
Prerequisites: high school algebra and geometry.

MATH 119: Calculus I with Review

This course combines a full semester of differential calculus with reviews of algebra and pre-calculus topics for students who did not complete a pre-calculus course in high school, or are otherwise not prepared to enroll in Mathematics 120. Review of algebraic techniques and the language of functions are integrated with topics from the calculus of functions of a single real variable, including trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Topics are explored graphically, symbolically, and numerically. Class meets four times per week, including one laboratory meeting. Offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisite: mathematics placement recommendation.

MATH 120: Calculus I

This course introduces differential and integral calculus of functions of a single real variable, including trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Derivatives, integrals, and differential equations are explored graphically, symbolically, and numerically. Applications of these topics are emphasized throughout the course. Offered each semester and periodically during interim.
Prerequisite: mathematics placement recommendation.

MATH 126: Calculus II

This course covers methods and applications of integration, geometric and Taylor series, and introduces partial derivatives and double integrals. Credit may be earned for either MATH 126 or MATH 128, but not both. Offered each semester.
Prerequisite: MATH 119 or MATH 120 or equivalent, or mathematics placement recommendation.

MATH 128: Honors Calculus II

This course covers the material in MATH 126 in greater depth and breadth. Credit may be earned for either MATH 126 or MATH 128, but not both. Offered annually in the fall semester.
Prerequisite: 4 or 5 on AP Calculus AB exam or permission of the Mathematics Placement Director.

MATH 200: Topics in Mathematics (0.25)

Students explore special topics in mathematics. Topics may vary from year to year. Offered periodically.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

MATH 201: Topics in Mathematics (0.50)

Students explore special topics in mathematics. Topics may vary from year to year. Offered periodically.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

MATH 220: Elementary Linear Algebra

This course beautifully illustrates the nature of mathematics as a blend of technique, theory, abstraction, and applications. The important problem of solving systems of linear equations leads to the study of matrix algebra, determinants, vector spaces, bases and dimension, linear transformations, and eigenvalues. Offered each semester and periodically during Interim. Also counts toward management studies concentration.
Prerequisite: MATH 119, MATH 120 or CSCI 221.

MATH 226: Multivariable Calculus

This course extends important ideas of single-variable calculus (derivatives, integrals, graphs, approximation, optimization, fundamental theorems, etc.) to higher-dimensional settings. These extensions make calculus tools far more powerful in modeling the (multi-dimensional) real world. Topics include partial derivatives, multiple integrals, transformations, Jacobians, line and surface integrals, and the fundamental theorems of Green, Stokes, and Gauss. Offered each semester.
Prerequisites: MATH 126 or MATH 128, and MATH 220.

MATH 230: Differential Equations I

This course introduces differential equations and analytical, numerical, and graphical techniques for the analysis of their solutions. First- and second-order differential equations and linear systems are studied. Applications are selected from areas such as biology, chemistry, economics, ecology, and physics. Laplace transforms or nonlinear systems may be covered as time permits. Students use computers extensively to calculate and visualize results. Offered each semester. Also counts toward neuroscience, management studies, and mathematical biology concentrations.
Prerequisite: MATH 126 or MATH 128 and MATH 220.

MATH 234: Discrete Mathematical Reasoning

In this course students use topics in discrete mathematics to engage in problem solving, abstract mathematical thinking, and logical reasoning. Students practice proof writing in multiple contexts, including: propositional and predicate logic; the foundations of set theory, functions, and relations; elementary number theory; arithmetic and geometric progressions; permutations, combinations, and basic probability; and graph theory. Offered annually in the spring. Also counts toward computer science major and management studies concentration.
Prerequisite: CSCI 221, MATH 126 or MATH 128.

MATH 235: Discrete Mathematical Reasoning in Budapest (study abroad)

In this course students use topics in discrete mathematics to engage in problem solving, abstract mathematical thinking, and proof writing. Topics include logic, set theory, functions, and relations; elementary number theory; arithmetic and geometric progressions and graph theory. Also counts toward the computer science major and management studies concentration.
Prerequisite: MATH 126 or MATH 128 or CSCI 221.

MATH 236: Mathematics of Biology

This course introduces students to the essential modeling techniques of formulation, implementation, validation, and analysis. Students engage in these areas by combining experiment, mathematical theory, statistics, and computation to better understand a wide variety of biological systems. Offered annually in the spring semester. Also counts toward neuroscience, public health studies, and mathematical biology concentrations.
Prerequisite: MATH 126 or MATH 128, and MATH 220.

MATH 239: Number Theory - Budapest (study abroad)

This course introduces the study of patterns and relationships satisfied by natural numbers.Topics include divisibility, modular arithmetic, prime numbers, congruences, primitive roots, and quadratic residues. The course is offered in Budapest, Hungary, a world center for mathematics research. The course includes several hours of Hungarian language instruction and lectures by Hungarian mathematicians and scholars. Offered annually during Interim.
Prerequisite: MATH 220 or permission of instructor.

MATH 242: Modern Computational Mathematics

Modern mathematics is characterized by the interaction of theoretical and computational techniques. In this course, students study topics from pure and applied mathematics with the aid of computation. Symbolic, graphical, and numerical computational techniques are introduced. Students develop computational skills sufficient to investigate mathematical questions independently. No previous programming experience is required. Offered annually. Also counts toward mathematical biology concentration.
Prerequisite: MATH 220.

MATH 244: Real Analysis I

Students encounter the theory of calculus and develop tools for communicating mathematical ideas with technical accuracy and sophistication. The goal is mastery of the concepts (e.g., limit, continuity, derivatives, and integrals) necessary to verify such important results as the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, the Mean Value Theorem, and the Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorem. Emphasis is on theory and on developing the ability to write proofs. Offered each semester. Also counts toward computer science major.
Prerequisite: MATH 126 or MATH 128, and MATH 220. Permission of instructor required for first-year students.

MATH 252: Abstract Algebra I

Algebra is concerned with sets of objects and operations that satisfy a few basic properties. Using the properties we study axiomatic systems such as groups, rings, and fields, covering topics such as homomorphisms, cosets, quotient structures, polynomial rings,and finite fields. Emphasis is on theory and on developing the ability to write proofs. Offered each semester. Also counts toward computer science major.
Prerequisite: MATH 220. Permission of instructor required for first-year students.

MATH 257: Noether and Kovalevskaya: Algebra/Analysis/Access in Europe (abroad)

Students study the mathematics of Emmy Noether and Sonya Kovalevskaya, visit cultural and historical sites in Germany and Sweden associated with the women, and learn about the societal contexts in which they lived and worked. Noether was fundamental in the development of algebra, in particular the theory of how rings decompose into ideals. Kovalevskaya extended work of Cauchy to prove the main theorem for analytic solutions to partial differential equations. Offered alternate years during Interim. Apply through Smith Center for Global Engagement.
Prerequisites: MATH 252, or MATH 230 and MATH 244.

MATH 262: Probability Theory

This course introduces the mathematics of randomness. Topics include probabilities on discrete and continuous sample spaces, conditional probability and Bayes' Theorem, random variables, expectation and variance, distributions (including binomial, Poisson, geometric, normal, exponential, and gamma) and the Central Limit Theorem. Students use computers to explore these topics. Offered each semester. Also counts toward management studies concentration.
Prerequisite: MATH 126 or MATH 128.

MATH 266: Operations Research

Students are introduced to modeling and mathematical optimization techniques (e.g., linear programming, network flows, discrete optimization, constrained and unconstrained nonlinear programming, queuing theory). Students use computers to explore these topics, but prior computer experience is not assumed. Offered periodically. Also counts toward management studies concentration.
Prerequisites: MATH 126 or MATH 128, and MATH 220; MATH 226 and/or MATH 262 recommended.

MATH 267: Mathematics of Finance

This course investigates the mathematically sophisticated financial models used by large institutional investors to properly price exotic financial instruments and to perform analytic portfolio management. Offered periodically.
Prerequisites: MATH 126 or MATH 128, and MATH 220; MATH 262 is recommended.

MATH 282: Topics in Mathematics

Students work intensively on a special topic in mathematics or its applications. Topics vary from year to year. May be repeated if topic is different. Offered periodically.

MATH 294: Academic Internship

MATH 298: Independent Study

MATH 320: Advanced Linear Algebra

This course continues the study of vector spaces and linear transformations. Topics include: abstract vector spaces; linear transformations, including matrix representations, decompositions such as Jordan Canonical Form and Singular Value Decomposition; characteristic polynomials and the Cayley-Hamilton Theorem; invariant subspaces; and inner product spaces, including orthogonal bases, minimization problems, and the Spectral Theorem. Applications may include graph and network theory, principal component analysis and generalized eigenspaces, iterative solutions of large systems, and representation theory.
Prerequisites: MATH 220, and MATH 244 or MATH 252.

MATH 330: Differential Equations II

This course covers partial differential equations from an applied perspective and emphasizes simple models involving phenomena such as wave motion and diffusion. Topics and techniques such as separation of variables, boundary value problems, Fourier series, and orthogonal functions are developed carefully. Mathematical computing is used freely. Offered annually. Also counts toward neuroscience and mathematical biology concentrations.
Prerequisite: MATH 226 and MATH 230.

MATH 332: Graph Theory

This course covers fundamental concepts of graph theory and their applications, including topics such as simple graphs and directed graphs, degree sequences, Eulerian and Hamiltonian graphs, trees and spanning trees, matchings, networks and feasible flows, connectivity, and graph colorings. Other applications and algorithms may include greedy algorithms for minimum spanning trees, Prüfer codes, Hall's Theorem, the Gale-Shapley Algorithm, Menger's Theorem, the Max-Cut/Min-Flow Theorem, the Committee Scheduling Problem, Kuratowski's Theorem, and Ramsey's Theorem.
Prerequisites: MATH 244 or MATH 252.

MATH 340: Complex Analysis

Complex analysis treats the calculus of complex-valued functions of a complex variable. Familiar words and ideas from ordinary calculus (limit, derivative, integral, maximum and minimum, infinite series) reappear in the complex setting. Topics include complex mappings, derivatives, and integrals; applications focus especially on the physical sciences. Offered annually.
Prerequisite: MATH 220, and MATH 226 or MATH 244.

MATH 344: Real Analysis II

The main topics of this course are measure theory on the real line, the Lebesgue integral and its relation to the Riemann integral, and convergence theorems for the Lebesgue integral. Applications to probability and harmonic analysis may be included. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: MATH 244.

MATH 348: Topology

This course is an introduction to topological spaces and their structures mainly from the point-set perspective. Standard topics include separation axioms, compactness, and connectedness. Other topics from geometric and algebraic viewpoints may be included. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: MATH 244.

MATH 352: Abstract Algebra II

This course is a continuation of the study of the theory of groups, rings, and fields. Topics include group actions, Sylow theory, and Galois theory. Other topics may include representation theory, module theory, and others. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: MATH 252.

MATH 356: Geometry

Properties of axiomatic systems are illustrated with finite geometries and applied in a synthetic examination of Euclid's original postulates, well-known Euclidean theorems, and non-Euclidean geometries. Euclidean, similarity, and affine transformations are studied analytically. These transformations are generalized to obtain results in hyperbolic geometry and used to generate fractals in an exploration of fractal geometry. Dynamic geometry software and hands-on labs are used to explore both the transformations and properties of these geometries. Offered annually during Interim.
Prerequisite: MATH 220, and MATH 244 or MATH 252.

MATH 364: Combinatorics

This course covers basic enumeration, including generating functions, recursion, and the inclusion-exclusion principle. Basic combinatorial objects such as set partitions, permutations, integer partitions, and posets are discussed. Making conjectures and proving theorems combinatorially are emphasized. Students also explore topics in graph theory, matrix theory, and representation theory. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: MATH 252; some previous exposure to counting methods (e.g., counting permutations and combinations) is helpful but not required.

MATH 382: Topics in Mathematics

Students work intensively on a special topic in mathematics. Topics vary from year to year. May be repeated if topic is different. Offered annually.

MATH 384: Topics in Applied Mathematics

Students work intensively on a special topic in applied mathematics. Topics vary from year to year. May be repeated if topic is different. Offered periodically.

MATH 394: Academic Internship

MATH 396: Directed Undergraduate Research

This course provides a comprehensive research opportunity, including an introduction to relevant background material, technical instruction, identification of a meaningful project, and data collection. The topic is determined by the faculty member in charge of the course and may relate to his/her research interests. Offered based on department decision. May be offered as a 1.00 credit course or .50 credit course.
Prerequisite: determined by individual instructor.

MATH 398: Independent Research

CSCI 333: Theory of Computation

Students learn about formal languages, automata, and other topics concerned with the theoretical basis and limitations of computation. The course covers automata theory including regular languages and context-free languages, computability theory, complexity theory including classes P and NP, and cryptographic algorithms. Offered alternate years. Also counts toward neuroscience and linguistic studies concentrations.
Prerequisite: a proof writing course (such as MATH 232, MATH 244, or MATH 252) or permission of instructor.

MSCS 124: A Four-Dimensional Excursion

This elementary introduction to the geometry of four-dimensional Euclidean space begins with an examination of lower-dimensional spaces and their relationships to one another. Generic objects are examined with the goal of understanding how a four-dimensional counterpart might be generated. Students explore what it means to "see" four-dimensional objects and in alternative ways. The term ends with group projects realized as a short research paper, a virtual reality show/object, and a class presentation. Offered periodically during Interim. No prerequisite.

MSCS 150: Statistical and Data Investigations

Students learn basic techniques to analyze, manage, visualize, and model data. Instruction focuses on the analysis of "real," salient datasets in a computer-equipped classroom. In small groups students discuss, analyze, and solve case study-based problems. Class sessions include the Inquiry-Based Learning technique, which engages students in frequent presentations of their solutions to the class. Students use the R statistical software to perform statistical computing and data visualizations. Offered annually.

MSCS 264: Introduction to Data Science

Data is the currency of the modern world, and data science is a field that sits at the intersection between statistics and computer science. At its heart, data science is about gleaning information and making decisions from data; this course provides a solid foundation to the most important data science tools. Students develop a common language for creating visualizations, wrangling with data, programming in a literate manner, producing reproducible research, and communicating results. Offered each semester. Counts toward statistics and data science concentration.

MSCS 341: Algorithms for Decision Making

This course introduces students to the subject of machine learning. The primary focus is the development and application of powerful machine learning algorithms applied to complex, real-world data. Topics covered include linear regression, nearest neighbor models, k-means clustering, shrinkage methods, decision trees and forests, boosting, bagging, support vector machines, and hierarchical clustering. Applications are taken from a wide variety of disciplines, including biology, economics, public policy, public health, and sports. Familiarity with a programming language such as R or Python is highly recommended. Offered on a regular basis. Counts toward computer science and mathematics majors and statistics and data science concentration.
Prerequisite: MATH 220, CSCI 251, or STAT 272 or permission of the instructor.

MSCS 389: Math, Statistics, and Computer Science Research Methods (0.50)

Students focus on writing scientific papers, preparing scientific posters, and giving presentations in the context of a specific, year-long, interdisciplinary research project. In addition, this weekly seminar series builds collaborative research skills such as working in teams, performing reviews of math, statistics, and computer science literature, consulting effectively, and communicating proficiently. Exposure to post-graduate opportunities in math, statistics, and computer science disciplines is also provided. Open to students accepted into the Center for Interdisciplinary Research.

STAT 212: Statistics for the Sciences

A first course in statistical methods for scientists, this course addresses issues for proposing/designing an experiment, as well as exploratory and inferential techniques for analyzing and modeling scientific data. Topics include probability models, exploratory graphics, descriptive techniques, statistical designs, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and simple/multiple regression. Offered each semester. Enrollment limited for seniors. STAT 110, STAT 212, and ECON 260 all provide an introduction to statistics and students should not take more than one; they all can serve as a prerequisite for further courses. Also counts toward environmental studies major (natural science and social science emphases), kinesiology major, and management studies, mathematical biology, and public health studies concentrations.

STAT 272: Statistical Modeling

This course takes a case-study approach to the fitting and assessment of statistical models with application to real data. Specific topics include multiple regression, model diagnostics, and logistic regression. The approach focuses on problem-solving tools, interpretation, mathematical models underlying analysis methods, and written statistical reports. Offered each semester. Also counts toward environmental studies major (natural science and social science emphases) and management studies, mathematical biology, neuroscience, and public health studies concentrations.
Prerequisite: STAT 110 or STAT 212 or ECON 260 or equivalent preparation, or permission of instructor.

STAT 316: Advanced Statistical Modeling

This course extends and generalizes methods introduced in STAT 272 by introducing generalized linear models (GLMs) and correlated data methods. GLMs cover logistic and Poisson regression, and more. Correlated data methods include longitudinal data analysis and multi level models. Applications are drawn from across the disciplines. Offered annually. Also counts toward neuroscience concentration.
Prerequisite: STAT 272.

STAT 322: Statistical Theory

This course is an investigation of modern statistical theory along with classical mathematical statistics topics such as properties of estimators, likelihood ratio tests, and distribution theory. Additional topics include Bayesian analysis, bootstrapping, Markov Chain Monte Carlo, and other computationally intensive methods. Offered annually. Also counts toward neuroscience concentration.
Prerequisite: STAT 272 and MATH 262.