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Mission Statement: Mathematics plays a key role in understanding the principles of our physical environment and is an important tool in successful utilization and conservation of human, physical, and financial resources. The mission of the Mathematics department is to instill in its students an understanding of the mathematical concepts necessary to be productive members of society, and to provide the mathematics foundation necessary for graduate study in mathematics and careers in mathematics, education, business, finance, science, medicine, and engineering. This mission follows from our Christian worldview which states, in part, that we are to live in harmony with the physical environment God has created for us and utilize its resources intelligently and conservatively.
For more information about the mathematics program that is housed within the Division of Natural Sciences contact Dr. Jerry Deese at (314) 392-2315 or by e-mail.
The student must complete at least 30 hours in Mathematics (including 9 hours of upper division electives), 8 hours in physics, and 3 hours in computer science, including the following courses or their equivalent:
Required Mathematics (MATH) courses (21 hours):
MATH 164 Calculus I
MATH 254 Calculus II
MATH 264 Calculus III
MATH 353 Linear Algebra
MATH 363 Differential Equations
MATH 433 Mathematics Seminar
Mathematics Electives: 9 hours upper division*
Required Physics (PHYS) courses (8 hours):
PHYS 213 & 211 General Physics I
PHYS 223 & 221 General Physics II
Required Computer Science (BCSC) Course (3 hours):
BCSC 253 C++ Programming for Science and Mathematics
*Students desiring certification to teach mathematics in secondary
schools in Missouri are required to take the following courses as
6 of the 9 hours of upper division electives required for a
Mathematics major:
MATH 323 Foundations of Geometry
MATH 333 Algebraic Structures
The student must complete at least 18 hours in Mathematics, including the following courses, or their equivalent, and 6 hours of upper division:
Required Mathematics (MATH) courses (12 hours):
MATH 164 Calculus I
MATH 254 Calculus II
MATH 264 Calculus III
Mathematics Electives: 6 hours upper division
Students interested in engineering should see the section on Dual-Degree Program(s) in Engineering.
MATH 013 ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA
This course is designed for students whose mathematics
preparation is insufficient for enrollment in MATH 113, as
indicated by placement test results or a poor performance in high
school algebra. This course does not grant any degree credit. Its
purpose is to prepare the student for MATH 113. The real
number system, rational and irrational numbers, polynomials,
linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and systems of
equations are the major areas studied.
Three Hours (non-degree credit), Fall
MATH 113 INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
This is a study of the real number system, linear equations and
inequalities, functions and graphs, rational expressions, roots,
radicals, and solutions of quadratic equations. Emphasis is placed
on practical applications and on building a proper foundation for
MATH 133 College Algebra or MATH 154 Precalculus.
Prerequisite(s): One year of high school algebra, MATH 013,
or satisfactory score on mathematics placement test. This course
carries elective credit only and does not meet any minimum
university mathematics requirement.
Three Hours, Fall, Spring
MATH 123 CONTEMPORARY COLLEGE MATHEMATICS
This course gives the student an overview of the role of mathematics
in today's society, and it gives practice in analytical and logical
thinking. It covers inductive and deductive reasoning, number
sequences, functions, logarithms, symmetry, mathematical curves,
polygons and polyhedra, counting principles, statistics, and topology.
Prerequisite(s): Two years of high school algebra, MATH 113, or a
satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination.
Three Hours, Fall, Spring
MATH 133 COLLEGE ALGEBRA
This course is a detailed study of functions and their graphs.
Graphing calculators are used extensively. Topics covered include
linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, polynomial and rational
functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of
equations. This course includes a component covering the real
number system and is recommended for elementary education
majors. Prerequisite(s): High school plane geometry and two years
of high school algebra, MATH 113, or a satisfactory score on the
mathematics placement test.
Three Hours, Fall, Spring
MATH 143 COLLEGE TRIGONOMETRY
College Trigonometry is the study of trigonometric and inverse
trigonometric functions. Topics covered include the definitions
and graphs of the trigonometric functions, the solutions of triangles,
trigonometric identities and equation, and complex number
applications. Prerequisite(s): Two years of high school algebra,
MATH 133 and consent of instructor.
Three Hours, On Demand
MATH 154 PRECALCULUS
This is a detailed study of various algebraic and trigonometric
functions and their graphs, which prepares a student for the study
of calculus. A graphing calculator is used extensively in this course.
The major areas of study are: linear, quadratic, polynomial, and
rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; inverse
and composite functions; the trigonometric functions; solutions of
triangles; trigonometric equations; and systems of equations.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 133 or two years of high school algebra and
satisfactory score on mathematics placement test.
Four Hours, Fall, Spring
MATH 163 BUSINESS CALCULUS
A brief review of algebra, especially absolute value and inequalities,
followed by elements of analytic geometry, limits and the derivatives
and antiderivatives of functions inclusive of exponential and
logarithmic, with applications to business and economics. Not
open to Mathematics majors or minors. Students desiring further
work in calculus must take MATH 164 instead of this course.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 133.
Three Hours, Spring, Even Years
MATH 164 CALCULUS I
This is the first course in the three-semester sequence of calculus
with analytical geometry. It covers limits, differentiation, and
integration of basic algebraic and trigonometric functions and their
applications, such as maxima and minima, areas, volumes and
lengths of curves. A graphing calculator is used extensively in this
course. Prerequisite(s): MATH 154 or both MATH 133 and MATH 143.
Four Hours, Fall, Spring
MATH 173 FINITE MATHEMATICS
This is a course in applied mathematics for students with interest
in management, social sciences, life sciences, economics, and
other fields. It consists of a study of the algebra of straight lines,
systems of linear equations, matrix algebra, the geometry and
algebra of linear programming, aspects of probability, and
applications of Markov chains. Prerequisite(s): MATH 113 or
two years of high school algebra.
Three Hours, Spring, Odd Years
MATH 243 PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
This course includes descriptive and inferential statistics,
data summarization methods, concepts of probability theory,
random variables and their mathematic expectations, discrete and
continuous probability distributions, sampling theory, confidence
intervals, tests of hypotheses, and simple linear regression.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 133.
Three Hours, Fall, Spring
MATH 254 CALCULUS II
This is the second course in the three-semester sequence of calculus
with analytical geometry. It continues the study of differentiation
and integration of various functions such as exponential and
logarithmic functions, inverse trigonometric and hyperbolic
functions. Other topics studied are limits of indeterminate forms,
convergency and divergency of infinite series, and parametric and
polar equations. Prerequisite(s): MATH 164.
Four Hours, Spring
MATH 264 CALCULUS III
This is the third course in the three-semester sequence of calculus
with analytic geometry. It introduces multivariable calculus, with a
study of vectors, planes, lines and surfaces, partial differentiation and
multiple integration. Prerequisite(s): MATH 254.
Four Hours, Fall
MATH 323 FOUNDATIONS OF GEOMETRY
A study of the historical background of geometry, including a
detailed development of two-dimensional Euclidean geometry from
a selected set of postulates. Some comparisons will be drawn with
other categories of geometry. This course is required for certification
to teach mathematics in Missouri. Prerequisite(s): Satisfaction of the
general education mathematics minimum requirement, and a course
in high school geometry.
Three Hours, Spring, Odd Years
MATH 333 ALGEBRAIC STRUCTURES
This is a study of the fundamental principles of the basic algebraic
structures such as groups, rings, fields, and integral domains. This
course is required for certification to teach mathematics in Missouri.
Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 264.
Three Hours, Spring, Even Years
MATH 343 STATISTICAL METHODS
This is a more advanced course than MATH 243. It covers topics
including sampling theory, philosophy and techniques of statistical
inference, bivariate and partial correlation analysis, simple and
multiple linear regression, regression diagnostics, and CRD and
factorial analysis of variance. Appropriate class time will be devoted
to use of statistical software such as MINITAB and SPSS.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 133 and MATH 243.
Three Hours, Fall, Odd Years
MATH 353 LINEAR ALGEBRA
A course suitable for students majoring in engineering, science,
mathematics, computer information systems, or business
administration, linear algebra is the study of finite-dimensional
vector spaces, linear transformations and matices, quadratic forms,
systems of linear equations, and eignevalues and eigenvectors.
Some applications include computer programs using C++ or
MATLAB. Prerequisite(s): MATH 164.
Three Hours, Fall
MATH 363 DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Differential equations have important applications in the sciences,
engineering, and economics. This course is a study of separable
equations, homogeneous and non-homogeneous linear equations,
initial value and boundary value problems, Laplace transforms and
numerical methods. Prerequisite(s): MATH 264, MATH 353,
and BCSC 253.
Three Hours, Spring
MATH 433 MATHEMATICS SEMINAR
The mathematics seminar course will focus on the history of
mathematics, mathematics research, and application of the material
previously studied in the mathematics curriculum. An overview of
the history of mathematics will be presented. Students will select a
particular period of interest, study that period in depth, and make a
presentation to the class. Students will also select a current area of
mathematics research, study that in depth, and make a presentation
to the class. Problems which require application of several topics in
mathematics will be presented and discussed. Prerequisite(s): MATH
363 and consent of the instructor.
Three Hours, Fall
MATH 453A ADVANCED CALCULUS I
This course is an advanced study of calculus topics including:
functions of several variables, partial differentiation, Taylor’s formulas
and series, implicit functions, transformations and mappings, and
vectors and vector fields. Prerequisite(s): MATH 264
Three hours, Fall, Odd Years
MATH 453B ADVANCED CALCULUS II
This course is an advanced study of calculus topics involving
functions of several variables such as double and triple integrals,
arc length, surface area, line and surface integrals, the theory of
integration, improper integrals, infinite series, power series, and
convergence. Prerequisite(s): MATH 264.
Three hours, Spring, Even Years
MATH 463 NUMERICAL ANALYSIS
Today's high-speed computers enable analysts to solve equations
that cannot be solved analytically. This course covers the study of
numerical methods for the solution of nonlinear algebraic equations,
systems of algebraic equations, and ordinary differential equations as
well as numerical approximation, extrapolation, differentiation, and
quadrature. Programs will be written in the Natural Sciences
Computer Laboratory using C++ or MATLAB. Prerequisite(s):
MATH 363, or MATH 264 and consent of instructor.
Three Hours, Fall, Even Years
MATH 473 COMPLEX VARIABLES
Topics covered are the algebra and geometry of complex numbers,
analytic functions, complex integration, residues, and conformal
mapping. Prerequisite(s): MATH 453, or MATH 264 and
consent of instructor.
Three Hours, On Demand
