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Mathematics

MA110: Mathematical Explorations

An introduction to mathematical thinking through specified topics drawn from number theory, geometry, graph theory, algebra or combinatorics. The course will focus on giving students the opportunity to discover mathematics on their own. No previous mathematical background is required, but students will be expected to come with curiosity and a willingness to experiment. Not recommended for math majors.

Block 2:	Mathematical Explorations: Bits, Bots, and Bugs - Introduction to Computing and Its Societal Impact. *Prerequisite:* FYE Course. 1st Years Only. Must take Computer Science 122 block one for credit. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit — Bredin.
Block 4:	Mathematical Explorations: The Joys and Perils of Mathematics. Mathematics can be described as the search for patterns and abstractions. Along the way there have been remarkable successes and spectacular failures. This course will explore the vast beauty and splendor of theoretical mathematics through active participation. Some topics include Pascal's triangle, the Fibonacci numbers, geometrical symmetry, fractals and chaos theory, game theory, voting systems, and representative democracies. No mathematical background is necessary, only a desire to meet some interesting ideas. *Prerequisite:* Not recommended for Math majors. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit — Erickson.
Block 6:	Mathematical Explorations: The Mathematics of Music. Mathematics and music are disciplines with much in common - from Ancient Greek times when music was classified as one of the mathematical arts, to the present day when composers regularly use mathematical ideas (set theory, magic squares, fractals, block designs) in their compositions. The purpose of this introductory course is to explore some of the many links between mathematics and music. No previous knowledge of either will be assumed, as the course is partly designed to introduce both subject areas. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) (Also listed as Music 228.) 1 unit — Wilson.

MA117: Probability & Statistics

An introduction to the ideas of probability, including counting techniques, random variables and distributions. Elementary parametric and non-parametric statistical tests with examples drawn from the social sciences and life sciences. (No credit if taken after any other college-level statistics course.) Not recommended for mathematics majors. Prerequisite: No credit after BY220/EC200. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit — Bredin, Brown, Janke, Maxwell, Siddoway, Tinsley.

MA125: Pre-Calculus & Calculus

The same calculus as 126 together with materials from algebra, trigonometry, analytic geometry and the study of functions. Intended solely for students not sufficiently prepared for 126. (Fulfills one unit of the divisional requirement in the natural sciences.) Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and (equals 1 unit N, 1 unit Outside). (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 2 units — Maxwell.

MA126: Calculus 1

Differential and integral calculus of algebraic and transcendental functions and applications. Students normally begin the calculus sequence with this course. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit — Anderson, Brown, Department, Erickson, Maxwell, Siddoway, Taylor, Tinsley.

MA127: Calculus 1 & 2 Review

A review of the differential and integral calculus of one variable, including techniques, some applications and an introduction to infinite series. This course is intended for students who have had a previous two-semester course in calculus covering basic techniques of both differentiation and integration, and wish to review this material. This course fulfills all requirements met by 128; no credit given if taken after 128. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and 1yr Studies in Humanities calculus. No credit after Mathematics 128. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) (Not offered 2008-09.) 1 unit.

MA128: Calculus 2

Techniques of integration, applications of the definite integral, differential equations, infinite series. (No credit if taken after 127.) Prerequisite: Mathematics 125 or 126 No credit after Mathematics 127. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit — Anderson, Erickson, McDougall, Siddoway.

MA155: Independent Study

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. 1 unit.

MA161: Mathematics in a Cultural Context

Prerequisite: FYE Course. 1st Years Only. (Not offered 2008-09.) 2 units.

MA201: Foundations of Discrete Mathematics

An introduction to sets and logic, relations and functions, combinatorics, graphs, recursion, and algorithms. The topics are fundamental for the study of many areas of mathematics as well as for the study of computer science. Prerequisite: Any 100 level Mathematics course or consent of instructor. 1 unit — Bredin.

MA202: Foundations of Discrete Mathematics: A Cross-

Opportunity to study new mathematical ways of thinking in a cultural context. Much like the division between plants and animals in biology, mathematics can be divided into continuous mathematics (e.g. calculus) and discrete mathematics, the latter of which is the subject of this course. Includes concepts that are fundamental to modern mathematics and computer science. We will also introduce mathematics with important applications to the social sciences. Mathematical topics will be illuminated by examining their treatment in a variety of non-Western cultures, both historical and traditional. Prerequisite: 1 high school course in calculus or computer science. (Not offered 2008-09.) 2 units.

MA203: Calculus 3

Vectors in two and three dimensions, and the calculus of functions of several variables. Prerequisite: Mathematics 128. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit — Anderson, Maxwell, McDougall, Tinsley.

MA217: Probability and Statistical Modeling

Introduction to probability distribution theory and statistical inference. Descriptive methods for building models with emphasis on linear regression models including variance and covariance. Analysis of model fit and discussion of modern robust techniques. (This course is an appropriate first course in statistics for students with stronger mathematical backgrounds.) Prerequisite: Mathematics 117 or 126. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit — Tinsley.

MA218: Analysis of Environmental Data

This course will focus on the fundamentals of exploratory data analysis, hypothesis testing, and experimental design in the ecological, environmental, and the earth sciences. Topics will include theory and practice of project design, data distribution and description, the central limit theorem, characterization of uncertainty, correlation, univariate hypothesis testing, and multivariate analyses (ANOVA, linear regression). Students will complete a final project using environmental data collected in the field and analyzed using statistical computer software. Prerequisite: Mathematics 126 or 125 or 127 or Studies in Humanities equivalent (Calculus I). (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) (Also listed as Environmental Science 228.) 1 unit — McDougall.

MA220: Linear Algebra

Matrix algebra and Gaussian elimination. The geometry of vectors in R2, R3 and Rn. Vector spaces and linear transformation. Introduction to orthogonal geometry and eigenvalue problems. Prerequisite: Mathematics 203. 1 unit — Brown, Taylor.

MA227: Mathematical Software

An introduction to one of the major mathematical software packages such as Mathematica or Matlab. Investigation of symbolic computation, numerical algorithms, and graphics as used in these programs. Students may take the course more than once to learn additional software packages, but they may take it a maximum of two times for credit. (May be taught either in the extended format or as a half-block.) Prerequisite: Mathematics 128. (Not offered 2008-09.) .5 unit.

MA228: Mathematical Problem Solving Seminar

Students will meet regularly during the semester, in order to learn problem solving techniques as applied to interesting mathematical problems, often drawn from the national William Lowell Putnam competition, or the COMAP Mathematical Modeling Contest. Students may take the course more than once, but at most two times for credit (in different years). Prerequisite: Mathematics 128 or consent of instructor. .5 unit — Siddoway.

MA229: Seminar in Mathematical Biology

This course will provide a forum for discussing current research and classic papers in mathematical biology. Topics will be chosen that both relate to students' research experiences and broaden their knowledge of mathematical biology. The seminar will also provide a forum for discussing research with visiting scientists. It will meet twice per block for one semester. Prerequisite: Mathematics 126-Calculus I May be taken for credit twice. .5 unit — Brown.

MA240: Topics in Mathematics

Special topics in mathematics not offered on a regular basis. (Not offered 2008-09.) 1 unit.

MA251: Number Theory

A careful study of major topics in elementary number theory, including divisibility, factorization, prime numbers, perfect numbers, congruences, Diophantine equations and primitive roots. Prerequisite: Mathematics 203 or (MA 128 and Computer Science 222). 1 unit — Erickson, Watkins.

MA255: Independent Study

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. 1 unit.