Mathematics

An investigation of the application of mathematical reasoning and problem solving. Topics may include networks, linear programming, data sampling and analysis, voting systems, game theory, measurement analysis, and coding.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

A study of various aspects of mathematics pertinent to a democracy including voting methods, logic of argumentation, statistics in the media, and financial mathematics.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

A study of functions from algebraic, graphical, numerical and modeling perspectives. The functions are chosen from among linear, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic.
Prerequisite(s): Math ACT score of at least 21.
(Normally offered each semester.)

A course for elementary education majors designed to promote a deep understanding of elementary mathematics topics, including the decimal system, fractions, percentages, arithmetic operations and problem-solving. Emphasis is placed on communicating mathematics, both in writing and orally.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

An introduction to statistics concepts with an emphasis on applications. Topics include descriptive statistics, discrete and continuous probability distributions, the central limit theorem, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, and linear regression.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

A study of elementary functions, their graphs, and applications, including polynomial, rational, algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions.
Prerequisite(s): Math ACT score of at least 24 or grade of "C" or better in MATH 1100 College Algebra.

A survey of specialized mathematical techniques used to solve contemporary problems in business, economics and the social sciences. Topics may include linear regression, mathematical finance, systems of equations, matrix algebra, linear programming, enumeration, probability, and statistics.
Prerequisite(s): Math ACT of at least 24 or a grade of "C "or better in MATH 1100 College Algebra.
(Normally offered each semester.)

A study of trigonometric functions, identities, equations, and their applications.
Prerequisite(s): Math ACT score of at least 24 or a grade of "C" or better in MATH 1100 College Algebra.
MATH 1100 College Algebra and MATH 1470 Trigonometry may be taken concurrently with the permission of the Trigonometry instructor or department chair.
(Normally offered during the last 8 weeks of each semester in an online format.)

A calculus course for non-mathematics majors. Topics include limits, continuity, differentiation, and integration with emphasis on relevant applications.
Prerequisite(s): Math ACT score of at least 24 or grade of "C" or better in MATH 1100 College Algebra.
(Normally offered once a year.)

A calculus course that emphasizes biological applications. Topics include Malthusian growth, limits, continuity, differentiation, optimization, differential equations, and integration. Assignments are given that involve spreadsheets and computer algebra systems.
Prerequisite(s): Math ACT score of at least 24 or grade of "C" or better in MATH 1100 College Algebra.

An introduction to calculus of a single variable. Topics include limits, continuity, differentiation, and beginning integration with applications. Assignments are given that help build proficiency in the use of a computer algebra system.
Prerequisite(s): Math ACT score of at least 27 or a grade of "C" or better in MATH 1470 Trigonometry or MATH 1400 Pre-Calculus.
(Normally offered each semester.)

A continuation of MATH 1600 Calculus I. Topics studied include integration techniques and applications, differential equations, numerical approximations, sequences and series, and vectors. Assignments are given that help build proficiency in the use of a computer algebra system.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair or grade of "C" or better in MATH 1600 Calculus I.
(Normally offered each semester.)

This is a course where a student works independently on a topic. The student initially meets with the department chair to select a study topic. At this time the student will be assigned a faculty resource person to guide his or her work and assist in an advisory capacity. A copy of the student's work is filed in the archives for the department. Independent Study may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

An on-the-job experience oriented toward the student’s major interest. The student is to secure a position in an organization that satisfies the mutual interests of the instructor, the sponsor, and the student. P/F Only.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

A study of mathematical induction and other methods of proof, recursion, formal logic, and set theory.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MATH 1610 Calculus II or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

An introduction to multivariable calculus. Topics include vector-valued functions, functions of several variables, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and analysis. Assignments are given that help build proficiency in the use of a computer algebra system.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department chair or grade of "C" or better in MATH 1610 Calculus II.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

A tutoring experience comprised of at least 20 hours of mathematics tutoring. Tutoring may include, but is not limited to, these types: volunteer tutoring, tutoring at NWU's Math Tutoring Center or private tutoring. A reflection component is required.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Department Chair.
Pass/Fail Only.

This is a course where a student works independently on a topic. The student initially meets with the department chair to select a study topic. At this time the student will be assigned a faculty resource person to guide his or her work and assist in an advisory capacity. A copy of the student's work is filed in the archives for the department. Independent Study may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing and permission of the department chair.

An on-the-job experience oriented toward the student’s major interest. The student is to secure a position in an organization that satisfies the mutual interests of the instructor, the sponsor, and the student. P/F Only.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

A study of ordinary differential equations. Topics include first- and higher-order, linear and nonlinear differential equations with applications. Additional topics may be chosen from systems of differential equations, transform techniques, and numerical methods. Use will be made of a computer algebra system.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MATH 1610 Calculus II.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

A study of vector spaces, determinants, linear transformations, matrices, matrix equations, and their applications in the natural and social sciences.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MATH 1610 Calculus II.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

An introduction to basic probability and statistics concepts with an emphasis on applications. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, Bayes' Theorem, discrete and continuous probability distributions, joint probability distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MATH 1610 Calculus II.
(Normally offered fall of even-numbered years.)

Selected topics from Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry, geometry as a mathematical structure, and geometry as a study of invariants of set transformations.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MATH 2200 Introduction to Higher Mathematics.
(Normally offered fall of odd-numbered years.)

A seminar on problem solving skills and their application to nontrivial problems. May be repeated.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MATH 2200 Introduction to Higher Mathematics or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

A course that explores applications of mathematics to real-world problems. One or more topics may be chosen from the non-inclusive list: dynamical systems, linear programming, queueing theory, game theory, numerical analysis, wavelets, coding theory, and partial differential equations. Computer-based exercises will be a component of the course.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MATH 1610 Calculus II.

An introduction to the numerical approximation of solutions of various types of problems. Topics include root-finding, interpolation and numerical differentiation and integration. Additional topics may be drawn from numerical solutions of ordinary differential equations and linear systems.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MATH 1610 Calculus II.
(Normally offered fall of odd-numbered years.)

This is a course where a student works independently on a topic. The student initially meets with the department chair to select a study topic. At this time the student will be assigned a faculty resource person to guide his or her work and assist in an advisory capacity. A copy of the student's work is filed in the archives for the department. Independent Study may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of the department chair.

An on-the-job experience oriented toward the student’s major interest. The student is to secure a position in an organization that satisfies the mutual interests of the instructor, the sponsor, and the student. P/F Only.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

A study of various algebraic systems arising in modern mathematics, such as groups and rings.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MATH 2200 Introduction to Higher Mathematics.
(Normally offered fall of even-numbered years.)

A formal approach to limits, continuity, differentiation, and integration with emphasis on the proofs of theorems. Additional topics may include topology, uniform continuity, and uniform convergence.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MATH 2200 Foundations of Modern Mathematics and MATH 1610 Calculus II.
(Normally offered spring of even-numbered years.)

An independent research experience involving survey and synthesis of literature in a particular mathematical topic. In some cases, the student may undertake novel investigations. The experience will culminate in a conference-style presentation and written report. Students will keep a reflection journal throughout the experience.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.
Pass/Fail Only.

This is a course where a student works independently on a topic. The student initially meets with the department chair to select a study topic. At this time the student will be assigned a faculty resource person to guide his or her work and assist in an advisory capacity. A copy of the student's work is filed in the archives for the department. Independent Study may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing or permission of the department chair.

An on-the-job experience oriented toward the student’s major interest. The student is to secure a position in an organization that satisfies the mutual interests of the instructor, the sponsor, and the student. P/F Only.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

A study of topics of special interest in mathematics. Students begin the course by studying an advanced topic in mathematics. Students then work on individualized projects culminating in a symposium presentation and survey paper.
Prerequisite(s): Major in mathematics, senior standing, grade of "C" or better in either MATH 4200 Abstract Algebra I or MATH 4300 Real Analysis, and permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)