| MA 100A | Fundamentals of Mathematics (2) In this elementary algebra course, mathematical operations are reviewed with emphasis on developing a solid foundation in algebraic principles. Topics include operations with signed numbers, equations, graphing of quantitative information, elementary number theory, and practical problem solving. |
| MA 100B | Introduction to College Mathematics (2) This intermediate algebra course provides an introduction to topics, techniques, terminology, and applications of algebra. This course is intended as remedial preparation for MA 121, MA 127, MA 132, MA 142, and MA 155. Prerequisite: self-placement or a grade of C- or better in MA 100A. |
| MA 121 | Introduction to Mathematical Problem Solving (3) A survey of topics in mathematics that develops critical thinking skills, flexibility of thought, appropriate problem solving strategies, and ability to express ideas in mathematical language. Strategies include modeling, using symmetry, algebra, logical reasoning, set theoretic analysis, detecting patterns, and making predictions. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in analysis, estimation, and verification. This course is not a direct prerequisite for further algebra or algebra-dependent study. Prerequisite: self-placement or a grade of C- or better in MA 100B. |
| MA 124 | History of Elementary Mathematics (3) Further develops students' understanding of elementary mathematics using the history of the subject. Topics include numeration, computation, geometry, and the use of mathematics in problem solving. Prerequisite: self-placement or grade of C- or better in MA 100B. |
| MA 127 | Elementary Applied Geometry (3) A survey of elementary geometrical topics stressing numerical relations rather than proofs. Emphasis is given to topics needed for design and for teacher preparation below the secondary level (proportion, area and volume, elementary trigonometry, symmetry). Prerequisite: self-placement or a grade of C- or better in MA 100B. |
| MA 132 | Statistical Analysis (3) An introduction to basic descriptive and inferential statistical procedures used in the analysis of data. Students are required to use the TI83 calculator in this course. No credit toward Mathematics major. Prerequisites: self-placement or a grade of C- or better in MA 100B and placement into or completion of EN 101. |
| MA 142 | Precalculus (4) Intended as a calculus preparation course for students who already have solid high school-level algebra skills. The course will study functions from both algebraic and graphical viewpoints, and will involve the daily use of graphing calculators. Specifically, the course will consider (where appropriate) graphs, inverses, intercepts, and basic identities/properties for linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonomic functions. Prerequisite: self-placement or a grade of C- or better in MA 100B. |
| MA 150 | Discrete Mathematical Structures I (3) Introduces basic discrete mathematical ideas, many of which were developed in the late 20th century to solve problems in computer science. Topics include mathematical induction, elementary logic, Boolean algebras and combinatorial circuits, number systems, sets, and sequences. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or better in MA 142 or permission of instructor. |
| MA 151 | Discrete Mathematical Structures II (3) Intended for Computer Science majors, this course continues the introduction to basic discrete mathematical ideas begun in Discrete Mathematical Structures I. Topics include elementary graph theory, trees, counting methods, probability, functions, O-notation, and relations. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or better in MA 150. |
| MA 155 | Finite Mathematics (3) Introduces common problems that can be modeled and solved using techniques of finite mathematics. Among the techniques are the uses of matrices and systems of linear equations applied to elementary linear programming, probability, and stochastic processes. Prerequisite: self-placement or a grade of C- or better in MA 100B. |
| MA 181 | Calculus I (4) Emphasizes separate visual, analytical, and numerical approaches to the fundamental ideas of elementary differential and integral calculus. Topics include differentiation and applications of the derivative, as well as integrals and anti-differentiation. Graphing calculators are used to explore properties of functions and to facilitate computations. Prerequisite: self-placement or a grade of C- or better in MA 142. |
| MA 182 | Calculus II (4) A continued study of differential and integral calculus of a single variable. Topics include techniques of integration, applications of the definite integral, improper integrals, and infinite sequences and series. Graphing calculators are used to explore properties of functions and to facilitate computations. Students are introduced to the appropriate use of software to solve problems in calculus. Prerequisite: self-placement or a grade of C- or better in MA 181. |
| MA 215 | Linear Algebra (3) An introduction to real vector spaces, linear transformations, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors. The course uses computer algebra software and emphasizes applications. Prerequisite: self-placement or a grade of C- or better in MA 150 or MA 182. |
| MA 221 | Calculus III (4) A study of multivariable calculus. Includes elementary three-dimensional geometry, vector-valued functions, partial differentiation, multiple integration, and computations using Green's and Stokes' theorems. Students are introduced to the appropriate use of computer algebra software to create three-dimensional graphs and to perform difficult numerical integration. Prerequisite: self-placement or a grade of C- or better in MA 182. |
| MA 225 | Differential Equations (3) Provides students with a first look at Ordinary Differential Equations that focuses on concepts rather than techniques, and equally addresses qualitative, numeric, and analytic approaches to this subject. Students must work intelligently with a computer algebra system to analyze various differential equations and models that arise in the course. Topics include basic modeling, slope fields, bifurcations, some standard forms of differential equations, numerical methods, properties of linear systems, and the analysis of nonlinear systems. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or better in MA 182. |
| MA 228 | Probability and Statistical Inference (3) A study of the theory of probability, related to use in statistical inference in daily life. Includes solution of problems using the probability laws, random variables, mathematical expectation, and binomial probability, testing of null and alternative hypotheses, and application of the Central Limit Theorem to statistical inference. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or better in MA 182. |
| MA 257 | Introduction to Number Theory and Proof Techniques (3) An introduction to proof techniques using the many methods of proof that arise in number theory. This course takes a formal look at the properties of the integers and includes topics such as congruencies, quadratic reciprocity, and solution of Diophantine equations. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or better in MA 150. |
| MA 330 | History of Mathematics (3) A traditional survey of the development of mathematics from ancient to modern times. The student learns how mathematics grows from the intellectual and practical problems of the culture and, in turn, contributes to that culture. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or better in MA 182. |
| MA 340 | Topics in Mathematics for Secondary Teachers (3) A survey of selected topics from the secondary school curriculum at an advanced level. The student studies mathematics as a direct extension and expansion of secondary mathematics topics. Included in this study is a history of the changes in the American school mathematics curriculum. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or better in MA 182. |
| MA 385 | Approaches to Teaching Secondary Mathematics (3) Prepares the student to teach mathematics at the secondary level by integrating content mastery with effective pedagogical strategies. A field experience (20 hours) is required. Prerequisites: ED 245S, ED 327S, and PSY 312. |
| MA 390A | Topics in Mathematics: Mathematical Modeling (3) Provides a thorough introduction to the mathematical modeling process while allowing students the opportunity to practice modeling skills. The course will provide an introduction to model types, with an emphasis on model construction. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. |
| MA 390B | Topics in Mathematics: Topology (3) This is an introduction to some of the basic concepts of point-set topology. Topics include basic set theory, continuous functions, open and closed sets, metric spaces, connectedness, compactness, and their extensions to arbitrary topological spaces. Prerequisite: MA 257 or permission of instructor. |
| MA 390C | Topics in Mathematics: Mathematical Logic (3) This is an introduction to some of the basic concepts of logic. Studies will include propositional and predicate calculus, recursive functions, and computability. Prerequisite: MA 150 or permission of instructor. |
| MA 390D | Topics in Mathematics: Complex Analysis (3) A study of functions of a complex variable and their applications. Topics include mappings, limits, continuity, differentiation formulas, and integration formulas for functions of a complex variable. Prerequisite: MA 182 or permission of instructor. |
| MA 391A | Topics in Computational Mathematics: Combinatorics (3) A survey of modern combinatorics, a field that has grown rapidly in the last few years and which has extensive applications in computer science. Students will be expected to state and prove results about counting principles, equivalence relations and partitions, inclusion and exclusion, recurrence relations, generating functions, Latin squares, block designs, affine and projective planes, and the relationship between linear codes and designs. Prerequisite: MA 151 or permission of instructor. (Also listed as CS 391A.) |
| MA 391B | Topics in Computational Mathematics: Numerical Analysis (3) Introduces numerical methods for solving applied problems in analysis. Students will develop solutions (or approximate solutions) of mathematical equations which model real-world phenomena. The numerical routines will be implemented using Maple. Prerequisite: MA 182 or permission of instructor. (Also listed as CS 391B.) |
| MA 391C | Topics in Computational Mathematics: Graph Theory (3) An introduction to elementary graph theory and its applications in a wide variety of areas. Students should develop facility with mathematical proof, show how graphs are applicable to a wide variety of subjects, and solve applied problems. Prerequisite: MA 151 or permission of instructor. (Also listed as CS 391C.) |
| MA 391D | Topics in Computational Mathematics: Theory of Computation (3) A study of models of computation, formal languages, and measures of complexity. Prerequisites: a grade of C- or better in CS 111 and MA 151, or permission of instructor. (Also listed as CS 391D.) |
| MA 400 | Internship (6) Senior students register for an internship with a cooperating employer in the Washington metropolitan area. The experience is monitored by a supervising professor and a representative of the cooperating firm. Students completing requirements for mathematics certification fulfill internship requirements through student teaching. Prerequisite: senior status. |
| MA 420 | Abstract Algebra (3) An introduction to abstract reasoning in mathematics in the context of algebraic structures such as rings, fields, and groups. Prerequisites: a grade of C- or better in MA 215 and MA 257. |
| MA 421 | Project (1-3) This course is for the independent study of a particular area of Mathematics under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: approval of department chair. |
| MA 424 | History and Theory of Calculus (3) Students are provided with a thorough understanding of the history of the mathematics that led to the invention of calculus and the age of analysis, with an emphasis on the paradoxes of infinity and the strange examples that necessitate a rigorous approach to calculus. This course also incorporates a rigorous study of limits. Prerequisites: a grade of C- or better in MA 182 and MA 257. |
| MA 425 | Real Analysis (3) Examines fundamental analytical concepts such as continuity, convergence of sequences, and series of numbers and of functions, differentiation, and integration. Students will read and write proofs. Prerequisites: a grade of C- or better in MA 221 and MA 257. |
| MA 427 | Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometries (3) A study of plane geometry based on Euclid's axioms, both with and without the parallel postulate. Includes formal study of the consequences of these axioms and algebraic models of both Euclidean and non-Euclidean systems. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or better in MA 257. |
| MA 433 | Research (1-6) The student in this course conducts collaborative research (scholarly work leading to new knowledge) in Mathematics under the direction of a full-time faculty member. Refer to the Marymount Academic Research Initiative (MARI) guidelines. Prerequisite: approval of department chair. |