MA 019W Algebra Workshop
This course is the workshop portion of MA 119 Introduction to Problem Solving with Algebra Review, and must be taken concurrently with MA 119. This portion of the course provides students with refresher lectures in intermediate algebra, which is the most essential tool needed to successfully complete a college-level problem-solving course. Credits for MA 019W may not be applied toward any degree. Corequisite: MA 119. (2)
MA 090 Fundamentals of Mathematics
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. Credits may not be applied toward any degree. (2)
MA 095 Introduction to College Mathematics
This intermediate algebra course provides a review of 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. Credits may not be applied toward any degree. Prerequisite: self-placement or a grade of C- or better in MA 090. (2)
MA 119 Introduction to Mathematical Problem Solving with Algebra
This course is one part of a two-part module and must be taken concurrently with MA 019W Algebra Workshop. The course and its companion workshop review intermediate algebra while presenting a survey of topics in college-level mathematics that develop critical thinking skills, flexibility of thought, appropriate problem-solving strategies, and the ability to express ideas in mathematical language. Strategies include modeling, using symmetry, algebra, logical reasoning, set theoretical analysis, detecting patterns, and making predictions. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in analysis, estimation, and verification. MA 119 fulfills the Liberal Arts Core requirement in Mathematics, and counts toward graduation. Prerequisite: self-placement or a grade of C- or better in MA 090. Corequisite: MA 019W. (3)
MA 121 Introduction to Mathematical Problem Solving
A survey of topics in mathematics that develops critical thinking skills, flexibility of thought, appropriate problem solving strategies, and the ability to express ideas in mathematical language. Strategies include modeling, symmetry, algebra, logical reasoning, set theoretic analysis, and probability. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in analysis, estimation, and verification. Prerequisite: self-placement or a grade of C- or better in MA 095. (3)
MA 124 History of Elementary Mathematics
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. See department chair for course offering schedule. Prerequisite: self-placement or grade of C- or better in MA 095. (3)
MA 127 Elementary Applied Geometry
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 095. (3)
MA 132 Statistical Analysis
An introduction to basic descriptive and inferential statistical procedures used in the analysis of data. Students are required to use the TI-84 calculator in this course. No credit toward Mathematics major. Prerequisites: self-placement or a grade of C- or better in MA 095 and placement into or completion of EN 101. (3)
MA 142 Precalculus
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 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 095. (4)
MA 155 Finite Mathematics
Introduces common problems that can be modeled and solved using techniques of finite mathematics. Applies concepts from the study of functions, probability, counting techniques, and basic finance to business applications. Prerequisite: self-placement or a grade of C- or better in MA 095. (3)
MA 160 Discrete Mathematics for Information Technology
Introduces basic discrete mathematical ideas, many of which were developed in the late 20th century to solve problems in computer science. Topics include elementary logic, Boolean algebras and combinatorial circuits, number systems, sets, counting, elementary probability, and an introduction to graphs and trees. Prerequisite: a grade of C– or better in a college-level mathematics course, self-placement into MA 181, or permission of the instructor. (3)
MA 161 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning
A companion course to MA 160 for Mathematics majors and minors, MA 161 supplements the introduction to mathematical logic in MA 160 with primers on elementary proofs and mathematical induction. Corequisite: MA 160. (1)
MA 181 Calculus I
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 integration 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. (4)
MA 182 Calculus II
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 and computer algebra software are used to explore properties of functions and to facilitate computations. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisite: self-placement or a grade of C- or better in MA 181. (4)
MA 209 Mathematics Seminar
This weekly seminar is intended for Mathematics majors and minors. Includes lectures on interesting mathematical topics and careers in mathematics. Students will plan and give several small presentations and perhaps partner with other students for larger presentations on material of interest. Corequisite: MA 161. (1)
MA 215 Linear Algebra
An introduction to real vector spaces, linear transformations, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors. The course uses computer algebra software and emphasizes applications. Offered spring semester, odd-numbered years, only. Prerequisite: self-placement or a grade of C– or better in MA 161 or MA 181. (3)
MA 221 Calculus III
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. Offered fall semester, odd-numbered years, only. Prerequisite: self-placement or a grade of C– or better in MA 182. (4)
MA 225 Differential Equations
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. Offered fall semester, even-numbered years, only. Prerequisite: a grade of C– or better in MA 182. (3)
MA 228 Probability and Statistical Inference
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. Offered spring semester, odd-numbered years, only. Prerequisite: a grade of C– or better in MA 182. (3)
MA 257 Introduction to Number Theory and Proof Techniques
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. Offered spring semester, even-numbered years, only. Prerequisite: a grade of C– or better in MA 161. (3)
MA 258 Advanced Calculus
An introduction to proof techniques using the many methods of proof that arise in the study of number systems and in continuous mathematics, with emphasis on the proofs of calculus. Offered spring semester, odd-numbered years, only. Prerequisite: a grade of C– of higher in MA 161 and MA 182. (3)
MA 309 Mathematics Seminar
This weekly seminar is intended for Mathematics majors and encouraged for Mathematics minors. Includes lectures on mathematical topics or careers in mathematics. Students will plan and give at least one large presentation, and partner with other students for smaller presentations. The large presentation must be researched using articles supported by MathSciNet investigations. Prerequisite: MA 209 or permission of the instructor. (1)
MA 328 Stochastic Modeling
A survey of real-world phenomena that are modeled using statistical methods. Topics include decision analysis (tables, trees, and utility theory); applications of Bayes’ Theorem; forecasting; regression; Markov chains; and game simulations. Offered spring semester, even-numbered years, only. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of C- in MA 228. (3)
MA 340 Topics in Mathematics for Secondary Teachers
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. See department chair for course offering schedule. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or better in MA 182. (3)
MA 385 Approaches to Teaching Secondary Mathematics
Prepares the student to teach mathematics at the secondary level by integrating content mastery with effective pedagogical strategies. Field experience: 20 hours. Prerequisites: ED 245S, ED 327S, and PSY 312. (3)
MA 390A Topics in Mathematics: Mathematical Modeling
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. See department chair for course offering schedule. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (3)
MA 390B Topics in Mathematics: Topology
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. See department chair for course offering schedule. Prerequisite: MA 257 or permission of instructor. (3)
MA 390C Topics in Mathematics: Mathematical Logic
This is an introduction to some of the basic concepts of logic. Studies will include propositional and predicate calculus, recursive functions, and computability. See department chair for course offering schedule. Prerequisite: MA 161 or permission of instructor. (3)
MA 390D Topics in Mathematics: Complex Analysis
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. See department chair for course offering schedule. Prerequisite: MA 182 or permission of instructor. (3)
MA 391A Topics in Computational Mathematics: Combinatorics
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. See department chair for course offering schedule. Prerequisite: MA 161 or permission of instructor. (3)
MA 391B Topics in Computational Mathematics: Numerical Analysis
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 appropriate software. Offered fall semester, odd-numbered years, only. Prerequisite: MA 182 or permission of instructor. (3)
MA 391C Topics in Computational Mathematics: Graph Theory
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. See department chair for course offering schedule. Prerequisite: MA 161 or permission of instructor. (3)
MA 391D Topics in Computational Mathematics: Theory of Computation
A study of models of computation, formal languages, and measures of complexity. See department chair for course offering schedule. Prerequisites: a grade of C- or better in IT 230 and MA 161 or permission of instructor. (3)
MA 400 Internship
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 teaching certification fulfill internship requirements through student teaching. Prerequisite: junior status. (6)
MA 409 Mathematics Seminar
This weekly seminar is intended for Mathematics majors and encouraged for Mathematics minors. Includes lectures on mathematical topics or careers in mathematics. Students will be expected to be a senior partner with other seminar participants preparing smaller investigations, and will give a larger presentation explaining an approved mathematical topic from a refereed mathematics journal. Offered fall semester only. Prerequisite: MA 309 or permission of the instructor. (1)
MA 420 Abstract Algebra
An introduction to abstract reasoning in mathematics in the context of algebraic structures such as rings, fields, and groups. Offered fall semester, even-numbered years, only. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or better in MA 257 or MA 258. (3)
MA 421 Project
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. (1-3)
MA 427 Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometries
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. See department chair for course offering schedule. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or better in MA 257 or MA 258. (3)
MA 433 Research
A student in this course will conduct collaborative research (scholarly work leading to new knowledge) under the direction of a faculty member. Refer to the Marymount Academic Research Initiative (MARI) guidelines. Prerequisite: application and approval of department chair. (1-6)