Mathematics & Information Technology

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the mathematics program is to develop students who understand mathematics as an academic discipline, who can use mathematics as a problem-solving tool in other disciplines, and who are skilled in mathematical reasoning, problem solving, critical thinking and communication.

The mathematics program achieves this purpose when its students

• receive a coherent, broad-based coverage of the discipline of mathematics;
• demonstrate conceptual and procedural understanding of mathematics;
• apply their knowledge to specific, constrained problems and produce solutions;
• possess a foundation of theory that will enable lifelong learning and development;
• meet State Department of Education standards for licensure in the area of mathematics (applies to education majors in mathematics only).

The department offers a major and minor in mathematics. Mathematics is a discipline essential to all facets of the employment world and an excellent background for a variety of specific professions. Secondary teaching licensure is available. Mathematics is also an excellent background for graduate studies in diverse fields.

Mathematics Major

G-MA 111 Calculus I (4 hours)
MA 112 Calculus II (4 hours)
G-MA 123 Discrete Mathematics (3 hours)
MA 211 Linear Algebra (3 hours)
MA 212 Calculus III (4 hours)
G-MA 221 Elementary Applied Statistics (4 hours)
MA 311 Introduction to Analysis (4 hours)
MA 366 Differential Equations (4 hours)
MA 411 Introduction to Algebraic Structures (4 hours)
MA 342 Modern Geometry (4 hours)
MA 375 Junior Seminar (1 hour)
*MA 475 Senior Project (2 hours)

Required Supporting courses (all mathematics majors)

G-PH 205 College Physics I (5 hours)
PH 206 College Physics II (5 hours)

Total: 51 hours

Mathematics Major for Teacher Licensure

G-MA 111 Calculus I (4 hours)
MA 112 Calculus II (4 hours)
G-MA 123 Discrete Mathematics (3 hours)
G-MA 153 Principles of Geometry (3 hours)
MA 211 Linear Algebra (3 hours)
MA 212 Calculus III (4 hours)
G-MA 221 Elementary Applied Statistics (4 hours)
MA 366 Differential Equations (4 hours)
MA 411 Introduction to Algebraic Structures (4 hours)
MA 342 Modern Geometry (4 hours)
MA 375 Junior Seminar (1 hour)
*MA 475 Senior Project (2 hours)

Total: 40 hours 

Required Supporting Courses:

G-PH 205 College Physics I (5 hours)
See Teacher Education Handbook for Curriculum and Instruction course requirements.

Mathematics Minor

Requirements

G-MA 111 Calculus I (4 hours)
MA 112 Calculus II (4 hours)
G-MA 221 Elementary Applied Statistics (4 hours)

Plus one course from the following list:
   G-MA 123 Discrete Math (3 hours)
   G-MA 153 Principles of Geometry (3 hours)
   G-MA 201 Survey of Mathematics (3 hours)
   MA 211 Linear Algebra (3 hours)

Plus one course from the following list:
   MA 212 Calculus III (4 hours)
   MA 366 Differential Equations (4 hours)
   MA 342 Modern Geometry (4 hours)
   MA 411 Algebraic Structures (4 hours)

Total: 19 hours

Data Science Minor

Requirements

IT 115 Introduction to Data Science (3 hours)
IT 200 Introduction to Programming (3 hours)
IT 201 Data Structures (3 hours)
IT 215 Data Wrangling and Visualization (3 hours)
IT 315 Exploratory Data Analysis (3 hours)
MA 462 Mathematical Theory of Statistics (4 hours)

Total: 19 hours

Data Analytics Minor

Requirements

IT 115 Introduction to Data Science (3 hours)
IT 215 Data Wrangling and Visualization (3 hours)
MA 211 Linear Algebra (3 hours)

Plus three courses from the following list:
   IT 200 Introduction to Programming (3 hours)
   IT 201 Data Structures (3 hours)
   BI/CH 310 Statistical Data Analysis (3 hours)
   IT 315 Exploratory Data Analysis (3 hours)
   MA 462 Mathematical Theory of Statistics (4 hours)

Biology or Biochemistry Majors may include the following courses on their list: 
       BI 235 Introduction to Biocomputing (3 hours)
       BI 365 Evolution and Ecology (4 hours)

Finance and Accounting Majors may include the following course on their list:  
       BA 426 Financial Analysis (3 hours

Total: 18-20 hours

G-MA 105 College Algebra

3 hours
A study of elementary concepts of sets, fundamental properties of the real number system, linear and nonlinear relations, functions and their graphical representations, matrices and determinants, permutations and combinations, and mathematical induction.  (Fall, Spring)

G-MA 106 Pre-Calculus

4 hours
A detailed study and analysis of algebraic and transcendental functions. Includes their properties, related analytic geometry, limits and continuity. This course is recommended for student who have taken College Algebra with a grade of C or better, or have successfully completed a high school Trigonometry course. (Fall)

G-MA 111 Calculus I

4 hours
Review of functions, graphs and models; introduction to limits, derivatives and integrals of algebraic and trigonometric functions; applications of differentiation and integration. Prerequisite: Pre-calculus or significant high school mathematics coursework highly recommended.  (Spring)

MA 112 Calculus II

4 hours
Limits, derivatives and integrals of exponential, logarithmic and inverse trigonometric functions; techniques of integration; calculus of parametric and polar-coordinate equations; infinite sequences and series; first-order differential equations. Prerequisite: G-MA 111 Calculus I with a grade of C or better. (Fall)

G-MA 123 Discrete Mathematics

3 hours
A study of some of the basic topics of discrete mathematics, including elementary logic, properties of sets, functions and relations, mathematical induction, counting problems using permutations and combinations, trees, elementary probability, and an introduction to graph theory.  (Fall, even years)

G-MA 153 Principles of Geometry

3 hours
A coverage of the basic principles of Euclidean geometry. Topics include points, lines, segments, rays, angles, congruence, parallel lines, polygons (special attention is given to triangles and quadrilaterals), geometric similarity, properties of right triangles, area of various plane regions, solid geometry, and an introduction to trigonometry.  (Fall)

G-MA 201 Survey of Mathematics

3 hours
A study of the philosophy, nature, significance and use of mathematics from early times to the present. Topics may include the use of graph theory to solve optimization problems in management science; conflict resolution using fair division; mathematical analysis of voting systems; applications of geometry to the size and shape of objects and to calculating inaccessible distances; geometric growth and decay; non-Euclidean geometry; number systems; logic; and probability and statistics.  (Fall, odd years and Spring, odd years)

MA 211 Linear Algebra

3 hours
An in-depth study of vectors, matrices and vector spaces. Includes systems of equations, eigenvectors and eigenvalues, linear independence, dimension and linear transformations. (Spring)

MA 212 Calculus III

4 hours
Three-dimensional coordinate systems; vectors and vector-valued functions; partial derivatives; multiple integrals; vector calculus; second-order differential equations. Prerequisite: MA 112 Calculus II with a grade of C or better, or instructor approval. (Spring)

G-MA 221 Elementary Applied Statistics

4 hours
A study of the principles of descriptive statistics, probability, sample and population relationships, estimation, and hypothesis testing. The computer is used as an aid in problem solving. (Fall and Spring)

MA 311 Introduction to Analysis

4 hours
Fundamental concepts of analysis, functions of bounded variation, integration, sequences of functions.  Fourier series, functions of a complex variable. Prerequisite: MA 212. Also recommended: G-MA 123. (Fall)

MA 342 Modern Geometry

4 hours
A survey of selected topics in Euclidean geometry, projective geometry, non- Euclidean geometry, foundations of geometry and convex figures. Required for secondary education mathematics majors. Prerequisite: MA 112 Calculus II with a grade of C or better. (Spring, even years)

MA 366 Differential Equations

4 hours
Introduction to methods and applications of ordinary differential equations. Topics include first order differential equations and applications, higher order linear differential equations with applications, Laplace transforms and an introduction to numerical methods. Prerequisite: MA 112 Calculus II with a grade of C or better and MA 211 with a grade of C or better. (Fall, odd years)

MA 375 Junior Seminar

1 hour
A colloquium-type seminar. Junior mathematics majors prepare for an independent senior project in mathematics and select a project topic. (Fall)

MA 411 Algebraic Structures

4 hours
A survey of abstract algebra. Topics include bijections, projections, groups, rings, and fields. Prerequisite: MA 112 Calculus II with a grade of C or better (Spring, odd years)

MA 441 Combinatorics and Graph Theory

3 hours
A study of directed graphs, trees, circuits, paths, network flows, basic combinatorics, generating functions, difference equations. Emphasis on applications and on use of computer in problem solutions. Prerequisite: MA 112 Calculus II with a grade of C or better. (on demand)

MA 462 Mathematical Theory of Statistics

4 hours
The theory and proof of discrete and continuous statistical distributions, including probability mass functions, probability density functions, conditional distributions, independence of variables, joint distributions, and analysis of distributions of means. Prerequisite: MA 112 Calculus II or permission of instructor. Recommended: MA212 (Fall, odd years)

MA 475 Senior Project

2 hours (Language Intensive)
Students will investigate an advanced topic in a field of mathematics outside their classroom experience. Students will work in continual consultation with their research advisor. Regular informal oral and written updates of the project are required. The project culminates with a formally written project and a formal oral presentation of the project. (Spring)

Special Course Options
295/495 Field Experience (1-4 hours)
297  Study Abroad (12-16 hours)
299/499 Independent Study (1-4 hours)
388 Career Connections (3-10 hours)
445 Readings and Research (1-4 hours)

Information Technology Major – This program is dormant at present

The department offers a major and minor in information technology. The major will prepare students for a variety of careers in computer science but emphasizes data management with web site development applications..

Requirements

39 hours of information technology courses including:

IT 100  Computers and Information Technology (3 hours)
IT 110  Web Development Tools (3 hours)
IT 200  Introduction to Programming (3 hours)
IT 201  Data Structures (3 hours)
IT 210  Information Technology Systems (3 hours)
IT 220  Programming in a Second Language (3 hours)
IT 301  Computer Systems (3 hours)
IT 360  Human Computer Interaction (3 hours)
IT 401  Operating Systems (3 hours)
IT 421  Database Management Systems (3 hours)
IT 431  Data Communications and Networks (3 hours)
IT 460  Information Security (3 hours)
IT 375  Junior Seminar (1 hour)
IT 475  Senior Project (2 hours)

Required supporting courses:

MA 123  Discrete Mathematics (3 hours)
G-MA221  Elementary Applied Statistics (4 hours)
AR340  Web-Based Design (3 hours)

Recommended supporting courses

AR230  Graphic Design I

Information Technology Minor

Requirements

21 hours of information technology including:

IT 100  Computers and Information Technology (3 hours)
IT 200  Introduction to Programming (3 hours)
IT 201  Data Structures (3 hours)
IT 210  Information Technology Systems (3 hours)
IT 301  Computer Systems (3 hours)
IT 360  Human Computer Interaction (3 hours)

Two courses at the 300 or above level (6 hours)

Required supporting courses

MA 123  Discrete Mathematics (3 hours)
G-MA221  Elementary Applied Statistics (4 hours)
AR240  Web-Based Design (3 hours)

Recommended supporting courses

AR 320  Graphic Design I

IT 100 Computers and Information Technology

3 hours
An overview of computer technology and its relation to society. Through a hands-on approach, students will learn basic concepts of computer architecture, operating systems, computer communications, software engineering, programming languages, and applications software. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on the integration of computer technology and society (past/present/future).

IT 110 Web Development Tools

3 hours
This course introduces students to one or more web development tools. The specific tool(s) introduced will vary depending on the interest and needs of the students and faculty. The list of tools that may be introduced includes but is not limited to the following: Flash, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, or 3-D Studio Max. This course may be taken multiple times provided the emphasis is different for each time enrolled.

IT 115 Introduction to Data Science

3 hours
An introduction to programming in R. The development of design skills and programming style is emphasized through practice with increasingly complex data structures and programming projects. Students are introduced to several classic algorithms, functions, recursion, and R as a programming language. Prerequisites: MA 106 Pre-calculus or permission of instructor. (Spring odd years)

IT 200 Introduction to Programming

3 hours
An introductory course for computer science majors. A rigorous study of problem solving using a high-level procedural language. Topics covered will include simple types, expressions, structure types, fundamental control structures, simple and formatted input and output, procedures, documentation, file manipulation, design methodologies, and debugging techniques. Students will complete several programming projects. Prerequisite: Mathematics equivalent to high school algebra.

IT 201 Data Structures

3 hours
A continuation of Introduction to Programming. The improvement of design skills and programming style is emphasized through practice with increasingly complex data structures and programming projects. Students are introduced to several classic algorithms, pointers, functions, recursion, and a second programming language. Prerequisite: IT200 Introduction to Programming

IT 210 Information Technology Systems

3 hours
Information Technology (IT) is a field which includes the development of systems for educational, business, and civil use. This course provides a foundation for the student of Information Technology. Various IT systems and terminology used in the field will be introduced. The systems development lifecycle, project management, and the role of IT personnel in selecting and developing new systems will be explored.

IT 215 Data Wrangling and Visualization

3 hours
Students will learn to apply the R language tools to data preparation and visualization. Prerequisites: IT 115 Introduction to Data Science (Fall, odd years)

IT 220 Programming in a Second Language

3 hours
This course introduces students to current languages used in web development. The specific language(s) or language applications introduced will vary depending on the interest and needs of the students and faculty. The list of languages that may be introduced includes but is not limited to the following: Visual BASIC .NET or Visual C++ .NET Implementing Web Applications; or Visual BASIC .NET or Visual C++ .NET developing XML Web Services; or Javascript; or PHP. This course may be taken multiple times provided the emphasis is different for each time enrolled. Prerequisite: IT 201 Data Structures in C++.

IT 301 Computer Systems

3 hours
A study of machine organization, using assembly language. Alternative architectures, instruction formats, addressing modes, logic and arithmetic operators, and appropriate programming techniques are explored through several programming projects and lectures. Prerequisite: IT 201 Data Structures.

IT 315 Exploratory Data Analysis

3 hours
Introduction to statistics and probability with R with attention to use these tools to perform exploratory data analyses. Prerequisites: IT 215 Data Wrangling and Visualization, MA 211: Linear Algebra, or permission of instructor. Strongly recommended: MA 462 Mathematical Theory of Statistics or equivalent. (Spring even years)

IT 360 Human Computer Interaction

3 hours
The discipline of Information Technology (IT) requires an understanding of the user when developing IT applications and systems. This course provides a basis for learning user centered systems design and development. An introduction to the basic concepts of human-computer interaction, including human factors, performance analysis, cognitive processing, usability studies, environment, and training will be given.

IT 375 Junior Seminar

1 hour
A colloquium-type seminar studying an advanced topic or a collection of topics. Junior computer science majors prepare for an independent senior project in computer science and select a project topic.

IT 401 Operating Systems

3 hours
An introduction to the major concept areas of operating systems, including process, memory, device, and file systems management; concurrency; synchronization; historical development of operating systems; and system structure. Prerequisite: IT 301 Computer Systems.

IT 421 Database Management Systems

3 hours
Levels of abstraction found in typical database management systems. A study of various models for databases. Query processing and data manipulation. Database design theory. Implementations of various models discussed. Security and integrity of system. Role of database administration. Prerequisite: IT 201 Data Structures in C++ and IT 110 Information Technology Systems.

IT 431 Data Communications and Computer Networks

3 hours
A survey of data communications and networks. Covers practice, theory and applicable standards in the areas of transmission systems, network architectures, network controllers and virtual environments for application programs. Prerequisite: CS 301 Computer Systems.

IT 460 Information Security

3 hours
Information Security is paramount in today’s business world. This course provides an overview of the field of Information Security. Students will be exposed to security issues, practices, and tools. In addition, disaster recovery planning, security planning and threat analysis will be fully explored.

IT 475 Senior Project

2 hours (Language Intensive)
Students will investigate an advanced topic in a field of information technology outside their classroom experience. Students will work in continual consultation with their research advisor. Regular informal oral and written updates of the project are required. The project culminates with a formally written project and a formal oral presentation of the project.

Special Course Options
295/495 Field Experience (1-4 hours)
297  Study Abroad (12-16 hours)
299/499 Independent Study (1-4 hours)
388 Career Connections (3-10 hours)
445 Readings and Research (1-4 hours)