Applied Mathematics Degree Program

Math core courses (29 credits)

• MAT 240 Calculus II

  Credits: 5

  Description: Integration techniques, parametric equations, polar equations, conic sections, infinite sequences and series.

  Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 140 Calculus I

• MAT 270 Transition to Advanced Mathematics

  Credits: 3

  Description: A bridge course into abstract mathematics. Proof construction and craft, quantifiers, logical connectives, and structure of valid arguments.

  Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 140 Calculus I

• MAT 305 Discrete Mathematics

  Credits: 3

  Description: Sets, relations, functions, graphs, trees, combinatorics, logic, recurrence relations, algorithms, and proofs.

  Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 140 Calculus I, or at least Sophomore standing with an ACT math score of at least 27, or at least Sophomore Standing with a “C-” or better in CSC 310 Data Structures.

• MAT 340 Calculus III

  Credits: 5

  Description: Vectors and vector calculus, cylindrical and spherical equations, the theory and application of partial derivatives and multiple integrals, including Green’s and Stokes’ Theorems.

  Prerequisite: “C-” grade or better in MAT 240 Calculus II

• MAT 350 Linear Algebra

  Credits: 3

  Description: Topics in matrix algebra including determinants, abstract vector spaces, transformations, orthogonality, and eigensystems. Students perform calculations and construct proofs in each of these topics.

  Prerequisite: “C-” or better in either MAT 270 Transitions to Advanced Mathematics or MAT 340 Calculus III

• MAT 400 Real Analysis

  Credits: 4

  Description: Supremums and infimums, Cauchy sequences, limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, and point-set topology. Student proof construction is emphasized.

  Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 340 Calculus III

• MAT 410 Probability and Statistics

  Credits: 4

  Description: Calculus based probability and statistics with theory and applications. Topics include discrete, continuous, multivariate and sampling distributions; moment generating functions; confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, and analysis of variance. Traditional and resampling/bootstrapping methods are employed.

  Prerequisite: "C-" or better in MAT 340 Calculus III

• MAT 470 Connections

  Credits: 2

  Description: A capstone experience where students study mathematics, history and technology and do mathematical problems that require knowledge from several previous courses in the major.

  Prerequisite: At least 27 hours of MAT courses numbered 140 or above

• MAT 481 Mathematics Assessment

  Credits: 0

  Description: A review of students in their final semester of MAT courses. Students will take the Major Field Test in Mathematics and take an exit survey. Additional $25 course fee required. Carries no credit. (Graded S/NC)

  Prerequisite: Senior standing

• MAT 140 Calculus I

  Credits: 5

  Description: Mastery of algebra and trigonometry is necessary before taking this course. Theory and applications of limits, derivatives, antiderivatives, definite integrals, and differentials of algebraic, trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions.

  Prerequisite: Placement or “C-” or better in MAT 130 Precalculus

• MAT 250 Differential Equations

  Credits: 3

  Description: First- and second-order methods for ordinary differential equations including: separable, linear, Laplace transforms, linear systems, series solutions, and applications. Qualitative, analytic, and numerical techniques will be considered.

  Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 240 Calculus II

• MAT 335 Applied Mathematics and Modeling

  Credits: 3

  Description: Using mathematics to study the phenomena arising in nature and described by fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, or social sciences. Students will formulate and analyze models using methods such as optimization, simulation, dynamical systems, and other strategies. Current technologies will be utilized.

  Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 140 Calculus I

• MAT 440 Numerical Analysis

  Credits: 3

  Description: An introduction to numerical solutions to problems in various mathematical and scientific areas. Solution of equations and systems of equations, interpolation and curve fitting, approximation of polynomials, and numerical differentiation and integration. Use of technology emphasized.

  Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 240 Calculus II

• Emphasis area

  In addition to the above courses for the applied math concentration, you’ll choose one of the following emphases and take the corresponding courses.

  Upper-level courses may need supporting coursework completed before students can enroll. Students should contact their mathematics advisor(s) before enrolling.

  Mathematics emphasis (7 credits)

  • MAT 320 College Geometry (3 credits) – Formal axiomatic development of neutral and Euclidean geometry with an emphasis on valid arguments. Non-Euclidean geometry will also be investigated. Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 140 Calculus I.
  • MAT 425 Abstract Algebra (4 credits) – Abstract group theory including fundamental group homomorphism theorems. The course concludes with polynomial ring theory. Student proof construction is emphasized. Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 350 Linear Algebra.

  Biology emphasis (7-8 credits)

  Select two of the following courses:

  • BIO 320 Molecular Genetics (4 credits) - A study of the mechanisms of inheritance, the molecular basis of gene action and the use of molecular techniques and molecular technology in biomedical, agricultural, and industrial research. The lab component of this course focuses on hands-on use of molecular equipment and technologies used in graduate and industrial molecular-based research. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $20 required. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts, CHE 106 General Chemistry I.
  • BIO 325 Ecology (4 credits) – An evolution-based study of the interrelationships of organisms and their environment. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $20 required. Prerequisite: 8 hours of biology.
  • BIO 345 Conservation Biology (3 credits) – A study of habitat assessment, ecosystem management and ecological restoration. Students will integrate knowledge gained from various disciplines to develop conservation management plans. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
  • BIO 385 Microbiology (4 credits) – Topics of study detail the structure and physiology of microorganisms including mechanisms of pathogenesis. Beneficial aspects of microorganisms are also discussed with regard to both the human body and the environment. Lab techniques include microbial identification, enumeration procedures and student designed research. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $20 class fee required. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts, CHE 106 General Chemistry I.

  Chemistry emphasis (6 credits)

  • CHE 456 Physical Chemistry I (3 credits) -  Investigations into the properties of ideal and real gases, the first, second, and third laws of thermodynamics, the thermodynamics of pure substances, simple mixtures, chemical equilibrium, and equilibrium electrochemistry with special applications for the life sciences. Prerequisite: PHY 301 University Physics I.
  • CHE 457 Physical Chemistry II (3 credits) - Investigations into quantum theory, atomic structure, atomic spectra, molecular structure, and molecular spectroscopy: including rotational, vibrational, electronic, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Prerequisite: C- or better in CHE 456 or by permission of instructor.

  Computer science emphasis (6 credits)

  Select two of the following courses:

  • CSC 310 Data Structures (3 credits) - A study of common abstract data types (stacks, queues, lists, trees, etc.) and their implementation using a modern object-oriented programming language; techniques for operating on these data structures; and the distinction between specification and implementation. Topics include sorting and searching, analysis of algorithms, and algorithm design techniques. Prerequisite: CSC 160 Programming Fundamentals II.
  • CSC 345 Computer Graphics (3 credits) - The study of the fundamental mathematical, algorithmic, and representational issues in computer graphics, with emphasis of 3-dimensional graphics. The topics to be covered are: overview of the graphics process, projective geometry, homogenous coordinates, projective transformations, line-drawing, surface modelling and object modelling using spatial sampling and parametric functions, approaches to rendering including ray tracing and radiosity, texture synthesis, and mapping. Prerequisite: CSC 160 Programming Fundamentals II.
  • CSC 365 Scripting Languages (3 credits) - This course is a study of modern scripting languages and their role in traditional and emerging information systems. Focus is in the ability of these server-side languages to extend the capabilities of HTML by providing greater control over content, style, and functionality. In addition, special emphasis will be placed on the integration of these languages with a popular database engine and/or other information systems technologies. Prerequisite: CSC 150 Programming Fundamentals I or instructor approval.
  • CSC 378 Robotics (3 credits) - An introduction to the fundamental concepts of robotics and robotic programming. Students will work in teams to construct and test progressively more complex mobile robots. There is a possibility of participation in one or more robotics competitions. Basic concepts will be discussed, including coordinate transformations, sensors, path planning, stressing the importance of integrating sensors, effectors, and control. Prerequisite: CSC 150 Programming Fundamentals I.
  • CSC 380 Operating Systems (3 credits) - An overview of the structure and design of an operating system – the software interface between the user and the hardware. Topics include process management, memory management, device management, file management, concurrency, distributed systems, and security.

  Economics emphasis (6 credits)

  • BUS 322 Managerial Finance (3 credits) - A study of the financial function within a business enterprise. Areas addressed include financial analysis, working capital management, capital budgeting, sources and forms of long-term financing, financial structure, and cost of capital. Prerequisites: BUS 226 Business Statistics, and BUS 241 Accounting I or BUS 142 Accounting II.
  • ECO 430 International Economics (3 credits) - A study of the principles and theories of international trade, finance, foreign investment, barriers to trade, and international economic cooperation. This course provides the necessary tools to interpret, evaluate, and analyze the changing international economy. Prerequisite: 3 hours of economics.

  Physics (6-8 credits)

  Select two of the following courses:

  • PHY 302 University Physics II with PHY 322 Physics Lab II (5 credits) - A second semester calculus-based general physics course intended primarily for scientists, pre-engineers, computer and math majors, and advanced health professional students. Topics include electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Lab experiments, appropriate to the level of the lecture, include topics in electricity, magnetism, and basic optics. $20 lab fee required. Prerequisite: PHY 301 University Physics I.
  • PHY 336 Classical Mechanics (3 credits) - An upper level course in classical mechanics. Topics include a vector language description of motion, dynamics of a particle, mechanical energy, periodic motion, systems of interacting particles, dynamics of a rigid body and Lagrangian dynamics. Prerequisite: 1 year of physics.
  • PHY 345 Thermodynamics (3 credits) - An upper level course in thermodynamics. Topics include energy conservation, the first and second laws of thermodynamics, energy and entropy, work and heat, thermodynamic systems analysis, and properties of state. Application of these fundamentals to energy conversion systems will be presented. Prerequisite: 1 year of physics.
  • PHY 356 Electricity and Magnetism (3 credits) - An upper level course in electricity and magnetism. Topics include electrostatics, a microscopic analysis of current and circuits, theories of dielectrics, magnetic properties of matter, and Maxwell’s equations. Prerequisite: 1 year of physics.
  • PHY 457 Modern Physics (3 credits) - An upper level course in modern physics. Topics include special and general relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic physics, particle physics, and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: 1 year of physics or instructor permission.
  • PHY 465 Optics (3 credits) - An upper level course in modern optics. Topics include the electromagnetic nature of light, Huygen’s principle, interference, diffraction, polarization, dispersion, absorption, and scattering. Prerequisite: 1 year of physics.