Course Descriptions

 

 

MAT 1020-Communicating Quantitative Information

4 Credits. Spring
(core V) Students learn basic concepts in quantitative reasoning (numbers, probabilities, basic statistics) and the acquisition and evaluation of quantitative information (databases, searches, spreadsheets). This course directly serves the goal of preparing students for civic engagement by using current events (past and current news stories) as the focal point of study. Students are required to post to online discussion forums, complete short writing assignments, and produce longer articles.

 

MAT 1100 Intermediate Mathematics

4 Credits. Every semester
Expands students' knowledge of geometry, trigonometry and algebra. It is a prerequisite for and precalculus. Topics include: the Pythagorean Theorem and major theorems from geometry regarding congruence and similarity. Trigonometric concepts include radian measure, the definition and graphing of the six trigonometric functions and their inverses, and major identities involving these functions. Algebraic concepts include: negative and fractional exponents, radicals, quadratic equations (including completing the square and the quadratic formula) and solution of systems of linear and non-linear equations.

 

Mat 1150-Precalculus

4 Credits. Every semester
(Core V) Designed to prepare students with limited backgrounds in high school mathematics for calculus. Topics include: absolute values and inequalities, the properties of functions, graphs, logarithms, fractional exponents, and trigonometry. Placement exam is given at the beginning of each term to determine whether MAT 1100 is necessary as a prerequisite.

 

MAT 1500-Calculus I

4 Credits. Every Semester
(Core V) The basic concepts of the differential and integral calculus. Emphasis is placed on the applicability of these topics to a wide array of problems. The first course of a three-semester series.
Prerequisite: MAT 1150 or its equivalent.

 

Mat 1510-Calculus II

4 Credits. Spring
(Core V) Continuation of Calculus I. Topics include: differentiation and integration of logarithmic, exponential and inverse trigonometric functions, techniques of integration, arc length, infinite series, improper integrals. Applications include work, growth and decay problems and volumes of solids of revolution.
Prerequisite: MAT 1500.

 

Math 1520-Computer Science I

4 Credits. Fall
(core V) An introduction to problem solving using computers. Emphasis is placed on learning to program in the language C, including the study of syntax, semantics, logical structures and some data structures. The idea of algorithm development, formulating problems and finding methods for computer solutions is discussed. Experience is acquired through several programming projects in C++.
Prerequisite:MAT 1150 or the equivalent.

 

MAT 1530-History of Mathematics

4 Credits. Spring
(Core V) This course begins with the development of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry in Egypt, Babylon, and Greece roughly covering the time period from 2000 B.C. to 300 A.D. It continues with a brief look at Islamic mathematics, emphasizing its value in preserving the great works of antiquity and transmitting them to Medieval Europe - along with Hindu-Arabic numerals and efficient algorithms for basic arithmetical operations. The subsequent explosion of European mathematics culminating with the calculus and its impressive effects on technology is the subject of the remainder of the course. Some attention will be paid to the influence of mathematics on philosophy, science, and art.
Prerequisite:Satisfaction of the mathematics proficiency or permission of instructor.

 

MAT 1540-Computer Science II

4 Credits. Spring
A continuation of Computer Science I. Emphasis on the more advanced features of current high level programming languages including pointers (references), strings, classes, and the standard template library including templates, containers, and iterators. Also includes an introduction to some elementary data structures that are now incorporated into the template libraries. Students complete a number of additional programming assignments in C++.
Prerequisite: MAT1520 or equivalent

 

MAT 2730-Creating Web Documents

4 Credits. Fall

Interactive on-line media such as the World Wide Web are revolutionizing
the way we communicate. This course introduces students who have some
familiarity with computers and the Internet to tools and techniques for creating interactive documents. Topics covered will include HTML authoring, Cascading Style Sheets, scripting languages, interaction techniques, data retrieval, and incorporating sound, video, and images
in documents.

 

MAT 2800-Geometry and Art

4 Credits. Offered when staffing permits
The role of geometry in drawing, sculpting, and architecture is extensive. Topics include: Euclidean plane and solid geometry; symmetry; tilings of the plane; projective geometry; the golden ratio. The geometric basis of perspective is pursued in a historical setting. .

 

MAT 3120-Discrete Mathematics

4 Credits. Spring.
Discrete mathematics involves the study of objects and ideas that can be divided into separated or discontinuous parts. In fact, one definition of discrete mathematics is the study of mathematical properties of sets and systems that have only a finite number of elements. Discrete mathematics is central in many applications of mathematics, in particular in computer science and business. The course will touch upon many of the highlights of Discrete Mathematics including problem solving, reasoning, communication, decision making, graph theory, combinatorics, discrete probability, recursion, matrices, sets, logic, function and relations and algebraic structures.
Prerequisite:MAT 1510 or permission of instructor

 

MAT 3150-Calculus III

4 Credits. Fall.
Continuation of Calculus I and II. Topics include: polar coordinates, vectors in two and three dimensions, parametric equations, quadric surfaces, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, directional derivatives, gradients and their applications, and line integrals.
Prerequisite: MAT 1510

 

MAT 3160-Differential Equations

4 Credits.
An introduction to ordinary differential equations. The mathematical formulation of problems and solution techniques, linear equations, linear systems, series methods, and nonlinear first and second order equations are among the topics covered.
Prerequisite: MAT 3150

 

MAT 3170- Linear Algebra

4 Credits. Spring
Topics include: linear equations, row reduction, matrix algebra, determinants, vectors in three dimensions, abstract vector spaces, dimension, linear transformations, eigenvalues, and diagonalization.
Prerequisite: MAT 1510

 

MAT 3210 Advanced Calculus

4 Credits. Offered when staffing permits
Topics in this course include transformations and mappings, Jacobians, curves and surfaces, vectors and vector fields, gradient, divergence, curl, line and surface integrals, Green’s Theorem, divergence theorem, Stoke’s theorem, Lagrange multipliers, uniform convergence of series, and point-set topology. 
Prerequisite: MAT 3150.

 

MAT 3410-Probability and Statistics

4 Credits. Offered when staffing permits
Probability in discrete and continuous sample spaces, combinatorics, distributions, random variables, Poisson processes, Markov Chains, with applications to the natural and social sciences. Mathematical bases of common statistical tests with applications, sampling, hypothesis testing, and distributions commonly used in statistics are also covered.
Prerequisite:MAT 3150 or permission of instructor

 

MAT 3440-Creating User Interfaces

4 Credits. Offered when staffing permits
In this course, students will learn concepts and skills and gain experience analyzing and designing user interfaces for computer applications. They will study and apply techniques and 'rules of thumb' while also gaining appreciation of the fact that often the 'rules' do not apply and that each interface design and implementation is a unique challenge requiring consideration and creativity relating to technical, aesthetic and psychological factors.The course will include the use of XML (eXtended Markup Language) with discussion of the advantages and limitations of separating content from display. Depending on time and the preparation of the students, the course will include the use of Flash and ActionScript. The course will include usability studies.
Prerequisite:MAT2370 (Creating Web Documents) and some programming.

 

MAT 3525 - Creating Dynamic Web Documents

4 Credits. Spring.
This course builds on Creating Web Documents, a course that introduces basic web authoring techniques. While Macromedia's Flash is the emerging standard for such work much can be learnt from starting out with open standard technologies that usually are referred to as Dynamic HTML (DHTML). In particular we will devote a considerable amount of time to learning Javascript, the most important web scripting language. JavaScript can be combined with styles and document objects (scriptable elements of a page) to create rich, interactive web documents. Part way into the semester the focus will turn to learning how to create Flash presentations using Macromedia's Flash authoring software. Flash has evolved over the past few years from a web animation tool based on vector graphics to a sophisticated tool for creating interactive web content.
Prerequisite:MAT 2730 and programming experience, or permission of instructor

 

MAT 3530-Creating Databases for Web Applications

4 Credits. Fall.
This course introduces students to concepts and tools to build and operate applications involving information stored in databases, both directly and through a Web interface. Students will analyze and plan databases using entity-relationship modeling (E-R diagrams). They will build their own Web database applications using both commercial (Access) and open source (MySQL) database management systems and web interfaces using HTML and middleware (Active Server Pages/JavaScript and PHP). The course will include discussion of database reliability, integrity and robustness as well as the evolving interplay of proprietary versus open source software
Prerequisite:MAT 2730 and a Programming class or permission of instructor

 

MAT 3550-Numerical Analysis

4 Credits. Offered when staffing permits
The theory and implementation of numerical algorithms. Topics include: interpolation, approximation, numerical solution of non-linear equations, numerical integration, numerical linear algebra, process graphs, and error analysis.
Prerequisite:MAT 3150 and programming experience, or permission of instructor

 

MAT 3650-Networking and Security

4 credits. Fall
In an era of the Internet, Windows NT, and Unix, networking and security are taking on a growing importance. This course covers the key conceptual and practical aspects of these topics. The TCP/IP communications protocols are the dominant de facto standards, and we explore their basis at multiple levels of the protocol stack. Current performance and reliability issues are explored using the College's Intranet and Internet connections using protocol analyzer and network management tools. Security topics include encryption, authentication, and the likely change from clear-text passwords to Kereberos type tools. Prerequisite: Computer Science
1 or equivalent.

 

 

MAT 3660-Advanced Security

4 Credits. Spring
Builds on the concepts of MAT 3650. Building and maintaining networks, servers, and individual workstations to prevent malicious interference are growing concerns. Topics include viruses, worms, spam, spyware, denial-of-service attacks, open-source vs. proprietary systems, and legal and international efforts.
Prerequisite:MAT 3650 or equivalent

 

MAT 3710-Data Structures

4 Credits. Spring
An in-depth study of basic data structures including stacks, queues, lists, and trees. Abstract definitions of these structures are examined, and common operations on them are presented in the form of algorithms. Concrete implementations of these structures, as well as applications, are discussed. Searching and sorting techniques are also covered. This course builds upon the foundational knowledge acquired in an introductory C programming course. Serves as a second course in C programming.
Prerequisite:MAT 1520 or its equivalent

 

MAT 3745-Building XML Applications with Java

4 Credits. Fall
XML is revolutionizing the way data are shared and applications are deployed over the Web. This course introduces students who have experience with object oriented programming in Java to tools and techniques used to create and manage XML documents and the theory and practice of analyzing, designing, developing, testing, and deploying XML based applications using Java technologies.
Prerequisite:MAT 1540


 

MAT 3750-Operating Systems

4 Credits. Fall
The design, implementation, and maintenance of the programs that form the systems portion of a data processing system. Stress is on the conceptual problems and tradeoffs faced by operating system designers. Practical examples include the campus UNIX systems. .
Prerequisite:MAT 3710 or MAT 3720

 

MAT 3900 (MAT 4900)-Independent Study and Tutorial

1-3 Credits. Every semester
Students with special interests may study independently under the sponsorship of a faculty member qualified in the area of study. Independent Study in general subjects are permitted if the Board of Study offers no formal course covering the material. Independent Study may not be substituted for any course specifically required except with permission of the Board of Study. Workload in Independent Study is assumed to approximate 4 hours per week per credit

 

MAT 4225-Topics in Advanced Mathematics

4 Credits. Offered when staffing permits
Topics, which may vary depending on instructor, will be selected from: (a) group theory: groups, subgroups, symmetric group, dihedral group, cyclic groups, Zn, cosets, homomorphism and isomorphism, applications; (b) point-set topology: open and closed sets, limit points, cauchy sequences, Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorem; (c) analysis: axiom of continuity, least upper bounds, nested intervals, uniform continuity, Heine-Borel Theorem, theory of integration, series, uniform convergence.
Prerequisite: Calculus III


 

MAT 4410-Graph Theory and Applications

4 Credits. Offered when staffing permits
Topics include: graphs, subgraphs, cographs, paths, cycles, connectivity, eulerian and hamiltonian graphs, adjacency matrices, trees, planarity, chromatic number, eccentricities, extremal graph theory, product graphs, and digraphs. Includes applications and a research project. Prerequisites: MAT 3170 or permission of instructor.

 

MAT 4870-Mathematics Teaching Assistant

1-3 Credits. Every semester
Students with excellent academic standing may be eligible for assignment as Teaching Assistant for academic credit. The assignments may be as tutors, as homework graders, or as leaders of discussion sections. Assignment does not satisfy any Board of Study requirement for the major, but the experience is particularly recommended for students anticipating graduate school. Four credits as TA may be applied toward the minimum required for graduation. Workload is assumed to approximate 4 hours per week per credit.

 

MAT 4880-Mathematics Senior Seminar I

1 Credit. Fall
Advanced topics in selected areas of mathematics are explored. Includes required oral presentation by students. Grading is pass/no-credit. Required for seniors majoring in mathematics.


 

MAT 4890_Mathematics Senior Seminar II

1 Credit. Spring
Advanced topics in selected areas of mathematics are explored. Oral presentation by students required. Grading is pass/no-credit. Required of seniors majoring in mathematics..


 

MAT 4890-Senior Project

8 Credits. Every year
Two semester eight-credit independent study leading to a baccalaureate thesis. The project and thesis may take one of several forms. Research may be carried out in a faculty member's area of interest and expertise. Library work may be done on a topic in mathematics or computer science or on the history or philosophy of Mathematics. A computer project may be written. Internships at companies in which a students mathematical abilities or computer knowledge is used are also possible.