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Mathematics Courses 2007-2008

Course lists from previous catalogs are available at the Registration Services Catalog page.

General course offering schedule (this is a pdf document).

MATH 099 Basic Algebra Review 3 credits
A review of the arithmetic of fractions and decimals, percentage problems, signed numbers, arithmetic, and topics of basic algebra, including simplifying algebraic expressions, solving and graphing linear equations, basic factoring, working with algebraic fractions, and solving rational and quadratic equations. This course is designed for students who need a review of the basic algebra skills necessary to complete required mathematics courses such as MATH 131, MATH 140, or MATH 209. MATH 099 is offered through Extended Studies and a fee is assessed. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Credit does not count toward graduation.

MATH 105 Mathematics for the Liberal Arts 3 credits
An investigation of a number of mathematical concepts, which may include ratios and proportions, descriptive statistics, sets and logic, geometry, right-angle trigonometry, counting, and probability. A variety of teaching methods are employed such as cooperative groups, writing about mathematics, and technology (calculators and computers). Prerequisite: ACT math score of 19 or above; SAT math score of 460 or above; MATH 099; or Accuplacer Elementary Algebra test score of 85 or above.

MATH 131 Mathematics for the Social Sciences 3 credits
A course for the student majoring in the social sciences. Topics may include the study of linear functions, linear regression, systems of linear equations and matrix inverses, linear optimization, financial calculations, sets and counting, basic and conditional probability, the binomial and normal probability distributions, and descriptive statistics. Prerequisite: ACT math score of 19 or above; SAT math score of 460 or above; MATH 099; or Accuplacer Elementary Algebra test score of 85 or above.

MATH 140 Algebraic Functions 3 credits
An integration of the essential algebraic manipulations, solving equations and inequalities, polynomial functions, rational functions, and techniques of graphing. Prerequisite: ACT math score of 19 or above; SAT math score of 460 or above; MATH 099; or Accuplacer Elementary Algebra test score of 85 or above.

MATH 141 Transcendental Functions 3 credits
A study of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and relations. The course emphasis is on the characteristics, properties, graphs, and applications involving these functions. Prerequisite: MATH 140 with a minimum grade of "C-"; pass Accuplacer College-Level Mathematics test with a score of 75 or above; or instructor permission.

MATH 161 Calculus I 3 credits
An introduction to functions, limits, continuity, differential calculus of a single variable, and applications of the derivative. Prerequisite: MATH 141 with a minimum grade of "C-"; pass Accuplacer College-Level Mathematics test with a score of 95 or above; or score 3 or above on AP Calculus.

MATH 162 Calculus II 3 credits
Topics include the definite integral, applications of the integral, inverse functions, and techniques of integration. Prerequisite: MATH 161 with a minimum grade of "C-."

MATH 197 Special Topics 1-6 credits

MATH 200 Discrete Mathematics 3 credits
Designed to provide some of the mathematical background necessary for advanced work in computer science. Topics include logic, set theory, Boolean algebra, switching theory, counting and enumeration, number theory, mathematical induction, linear modeling, basic matrix algebra, and the graphical and simplex methods of linear programming. Applications of the topics covered are emphasized. Prerequisites: CIS 190 and MATH 140 with a minimum grade of "C-."

MATH 209 Theory of Arithmetic and Geometry I 3 credits
A presentation of the theory of arithmetic exclusively for students in elementary education. The sequence covers topics of set theory, arithmetic operations, functions and variables, numeration systems, informal geometry, measurement, and basic probability and statistics. Students learn to use many of the manipulatives that are utilized in the elementary classroom. Prerequisite: ACT math score of 19 or above; SAT math score of 460 or above; MATH 099; Accuplacer Elementary Algebra test score of 85 or above; or instructor permission.

MATH 210 Theory of Arithmetic and Geometry II 3 credits
A continuation of MATH 209. Prerequisite: MATH 209 with a minimum grade of "C-."

MATH 213 Probability and Statistics 3 credits
An introduction to descriptive statistics, probability concepts, and inferential statistics. The topics for the course include presentation of data, counting principles, probability rules, and discrete and continuous probability distributions. Prerequisite: MATH 141 with a minimum grade of "C-," or Accuplacer College-Level Mathematics test score of 85 or above.

MATH 220 Introduction to Advanced Mathematics 3 credits
Students develop and use elementary logic and set theory to construct deductive proofs with relations, functions, and some algebraic structures. Topics include indexing, equivalence relation theory, and cardinality. Prerequisite: MATH 161 with a minimum grade of "C-."

MATH 232 Applied Calculus for the Managerial & Social Sciences 3 credits
An introduction to differential and integral calculus for students majoring in business, accounting or the social sciences. The calculus is presented using a variety of real-world business and economic applications, stressing marginality, elasticity, and accumulation. Offered upon sufficient demand. Prerequisite: MATH 131 or MATH 140 with a minimum grade of "C-"; or Accuplacer College-Level Mathematics test score of 75 or above.

MATH 261 Calculus III 3 credits
Topics include infinite sequences and infinite series, power series, vectors, and elementary differential equations. Prerequisite: MATH 162 with a minimum grade of "C-."

MATH 262 Calculus IV 3 credits
The fourth calculus course. The topics include partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and vector calculus. Prerequisite: MATH 261 with a minimum grade of "C-."

MATH 266 Secondary Mathematics from an Advanced Perspective 3 credits
A course designed to help Secondary Licensure Emphasis majors understand the core mathematical content of high school mathematics courses before calculus. These concepts are treated from an advanced standpoint, emphasizing connections and extensions. Topics include number systems, polynomial and transcendental functions, analytic geometry, theory of equations, and measurement. Prerequisite: MATH 161 with a minimum grade of "C-."

MATH 275 Scientific Programming, Modeling and Simulation 3 credits
Designed to develop programming skills appropriate for scientific and industrial applications. Emphasis is placed on problem modeling, algorithm development and data visualization. Standard techniques such as linear and non-linear equation solving, discrete difference equations and curve fitting are applied to typical industrial problems to give dynamic simulations. The use of a standard programming language, currently FORTRAN, and ancillary applications such as Maple, or a spreadsheet, allow the rapid prototyping required of industrial development. Prerequisites: CIS 190 and MATH 161 with a minimum grade of "C-."

MATH 297 Special Topics 1-6 credits

MATH 300 Introduction to Mathematical Modeling 3 credits
Designed to teach the basic principles of mathematical modeling and applied mathematics. Techniques from calculus, statistics, and probability are utilized to model real-world problems. Analytic and numeric tools are used to implement the models, obtain predictions and investigate underlying mechanisms. Topics include dimensional analysis, curve fitting, simulations, differential and difference equations. Prerequisites: MATH 162 and MATH 213 with minimum grades of "C-."

MATH 330 Topics in Geometry 3 credits
An introduction to modern geometries. Topics include synthetic, analytic, vector, and transformational approaches to geometry. Classification of geometries, axiomatics, and the application of geometry may also be included. Prerequisite: MATH 220 with a minimum grade of "C-."

MATH 354 Differential Equations 3 credits
A study of the theory and methods for solving ordinary differential equations. Prerequisite: MATH 162 with a minimum grade of "C-."

MATH 360 Linear Algebra 3 credits
An introduction to systems of linear equations, matrix operations, vector spaces, properties of determinants, eigenvalues, and orthogonality and least-squares. Prerequisite: MATH 220 with a minimum grade of "C-."

MATH 366 Methods of Teaching Secondary Mathematics 3 credits
Secondary Licensure Emphasis majors learn to use the latest teaching techniques and technologies to prepare valid mathematics tests, to be able to effectively evaluate their students, to know the latest developments in secondary mathematics curriculum, and to become familiar with professional mathematics teaching organizations and their journals. Prerequisite: MATH 220 and MATH 266 with minimum grades of "C-."

MATH 370 History of Mathematics 3 credits
Acquaints the student with the historical development of mathematics. Includes an introduction to the proper methods and accepted formats of written, graphical, and oral communication in mathematics. Prerequisites: MATH 162 and MATH 220 with minimum grades of "C-."

MATH 375 Numerical Methods 3 credits
A study of techniques of computation for power-series calculation of functions; roots of equations; nonlinear simultaneous equations; matrices, determinants, and linear simultaneous equations; numerical integration; and differential equations. Prerequisites: MATH 162; and either CIS 275 or CIS 310 with minimum grades of "C-."

MATH 390 Mathematics Lab Practicum 2 credits
Secondary Licensure Emphasis majors learn to coordinate and run a mathematics laboratory. Students coordinate and run the tutoring laboratory for students enrolled in freshman-level mathematics courses. Prerequisite: MATH 162 with a minimum grade of "C-," and permission of the department.

MATH 391 Seminar in Mathematics 1 credit
A selected topic from areas of mathematics not usually included in the regular curriculum. Student involvement through presentations is emphasized. May be taken under different topics for a total of two credits.

MATH 392 Independent Study in Mathematics 1-4 credits

MATH 397 Special Topics 1-6 credits

MATH 451 Analysis I 3 credits
An introduction to the theory of calculus. Topics include the usual topology of the reals, sequences, limits, continuity, differentiation, and Riemann integration. Prerequisites: MATH 220 and MATH 262 with minimum grades of "C-."

MATH 452 Analysis II 2 credits
A continuation of the study of the theory of calculus. Topics include series, sequences and series of functions, pointwise and uniform convergence and the transcendental functions defined as power series. Prerequisite: MATH 451 with a minimum grade of "C-."

MATH 456 Introduction to Complex Analysis 3 credits
An introduction to the theory and applications of complex variables. Topics include analytic and elementary functions, integrals, series, residues, and conformal mapping. Prerequisite: MATH 220 and MATH 262 with minimum grades of "C-."

MATH 471 Abstract Algebra I 3 credits
An introduction to the theory of groups and rings. The fundamental group properties and concepts including cyclic groups, subgroups, direct products, symmetric groups, cosets, normal subgroups, and the group homomorphism theorems are discussed. Prerequisite: MATH 220 with a minimum grade of "C-."

MATH 472 Abstract Algebra II 2 credits
A continuation of the study of abstract algebra. This course develops the ring properties and continues the development of algebra from integral domains to the field concept. Discussion includes the basic theory of factorization and unique factorization domains. Prerequisite: MATH 471 with a minimum grade of "C-."

MATH 490 Workshop 2 credits
A study of a variety of mathematical topics generally dictated by student interest. The course may be taken for credit three times if the content of the workshop differs.

MATH 495 Senior Seminar 2 credits
A Capstone Course for the Mathematics Standard Major and for the Secondary Licensure Emphasis. Each student selects an area of interest, researches the selected area, generates a reference list and research paper, and presents the paper to a seminar of faculty and students. Prerequisite: senior status.

MATH 497 Special Topics 1-6 credits




  • Administrative Assistant: 
    Pam French
    970.943.2015
    pfrench@western.edu
  • Department Chair:
    Heidi Keck
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    hkeck@western.edu
  • Address:
    Mathematics Program
    Western State College of Colorado
    Gunnison, CO 81231