Requirements for the Mathematics Major and Minor

Students who complete a major in the MATH department will: 1. Understand how mathematics is placed in the hierarchy of human knowledge. 12. Be able to write a well constructed mathematical proof. 13. Be able to apply proper reasoning to mathematical problem solving. 14. Understand the critical developments in the concepts of number and magnitude from antiquity to present time. 15. Have a familiarity with the basic concepts of modern mathematics such as: a group, a real number, a set, cardinality, isomorphism, continuum and limit.

Courses listed below are for 3 credit hours unless otherwise noted.

Foundational Curriculum

MATH 101 Introduction to Mathematical Thought This course focuses on our changing conception of the notion of extension leading to the rise of the various branches of mathematics and the application of mathematics to describing the universe.

MATH 102 The Integers Explores the fundamental properties of the integers. Topics include: natural numbers, integers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, prime numbers, the division algorithm, prime factorization, modular arithmetic, and RSA encryption. This course has no prerequisites and satisfies the College core requirement in mathematics. (3 credits)

MATH 103 Euclidean Geometry A study of selected books from Euclid’s Elements. Topics covered include plane geometry, theory of proportions, and classical arithmetic. Students will also investigate the relation between mathematics and more comprehensive philosophical issues.

MATH 150 Introduction to Statistics The purpose of the course is to introduce the student to the ideas and concepts of statistics and the statistical models used for the decision making in different areas of life. Topics covered include description of sets of data, elementary probability, discrete and continuous random variables, the binomial and normal random variables, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing.

MATH 153 Computer Programming An introduction to problem solving methods and algorithm development. Programming in a high-level language including how to design, code, debug, and document programs using techniques of good programming style.

MATH 201 Calculus I Basic course in differential calculus with an introduction to integration. Topics covered include limits and continuity, the notion of the derivative, techniques of differentiation, the definite and indefinite integral, and the fundamental theorem of calculus. Prerequisite: Precalculus or permission of the instructor. (4 credit hrs)

82