What math course should I take?

Whether you are taking a course for a major requirement or for exploring your own interests, we have the right course for you. While making sure that mathematics majors have challenging and interesting courses, we dedicate ourselves to providing meaningful and interesting mathematics courses for all students.
Courses for Dabbling

Do you have an interest in mathematics, but you don't want to take calculus? Have you finished a calculus course and want something different to follow up? Are you an exploratory major? The following courses might interest you:

  • MATH 159 (Introduction to R Computing Software): An introduction to R, a free, open-access scientific computing platform that focuses on the use of R by covering a variety of applied problems. This is a 1 credit course.

  • Math 185 (Mathematical Experimentation): Experiments in mathematics? What does it mean to discover mathematics? Are you fascinated by patterns and pulling meaning out of these patterns? We use computers to help us model mathematical phenomena and answer these questions. 

  • MATH 187 (Introduction to Applied Linear Algebra)  Find out how linear algebra is used in modern and growing fields such as data science, machine learning, statistics, and computer science. 

  • Math 216 (Introduction to Mathematical Statistics): Statistics is one of the most powerful ways we have of drawing conclusions about the world we live in. This class will help you understand and use statistical tools and to investigate some of their mathematical underpinnings. This course does require Calculus II as prerequisite. a

  • MATH 240 (Basic Statistics with R): An introduction to R, a free scientific computing platform, as applied to basic statistics. Students learn how to manage data, create appropriate graphs, perform basic statistical tests (t-tests, chi-square, ANOVA, regression, etc), and compute confidence intervals. Additional topics include tests of assumptions (e.g., normality) and post hoc tests. This is a 1 credit course that requires a previous stats course.

Experiential Learning Courses

  • Math 185 (Mathematical Experimentation): Experiments in mathematics? What does it mean to discover mathematics? Are you fascinated by patterns and pulling meaning out of these patterns? We use computers to help us model mathematical phenomena and answer these questions. 

  • Math 397 (Junior Seminar): Engage in problem-solving with a goal of developing a research project for the Research Experience course. 

  • Math 39810 (Research Experience in Mathematics): Research is designed to give you insight into how mathematicians work and think. In particular, you will gain an enjoyment of discovering and exploring mathematics for yourself. To this end, we highlight that mathematics is a current and vibrant subject. In addition, you will learn to effectively communicate mathematical ideas both through writing and oral presentation. 

  • Math 498-499 (Capstone): Students reflect on the field of mathematics via an integrative project developed in concert with a faculty mentor. Students analyze mathematical ideas related to their projects and integrate this knowledge with ideas learned in the mathematics curriculum. 

Statistics Courses

We live in an increasingly data-driven world, filled with advertising claims, opinion polls, and reported results of medical experiments. Confronted with all of this data, statistics gives us a systematic way of drawing informed decisions about issues that affect our lives. 

  • Math 144 (Stats for Business, Economics, and Management): Statistics are used frequently in the world of business and finance; this class will help you understand where these statistics come from and how to use them yourself. This class is targeted at students in the business school but will be useful for everyone!  

  • Math 145 (Stats for Health/Life Sciences): Similar to Math 144, this class looks at statistics as it's used in the health, life, and natural sciences. 

  • Math 155 (Basic Statistical Reasoning): Statistics are increasingly used in the news and on the internet. This class will help you make sense of all the stats. It's a little less technical than Math 144/145, so it's perfect for students looking for ICC QL credit. 

  • Math 216 (Introduction to Mathematical Statistics): Statistics is one of the most powerful ways we have of drawing conclusions about the world we live in. This class will help you understand and use statistical tools and to investigate some of their mathematical underpinnings.  

  • MATH 221 (Spatial Data Analysis with ArcGIS) Provides an introduction to spatial data management, analysis, modelling and visualization, and their applications, with a focus on problem solving with a geographic information system. Requires and intro to stats course as a prerequisite. 

Calculus Courses

Calculus is the study of how things change and is used in the life sciences, physical sciences, and economics. Whether you need calculus for your major or you are interested in application or theory, we have the right calculus course for you. 

  • Math 108 (Applied Calculus): Looking for a course in calculus that focuses on applications?  This course explores calculus without worrying about the theoretical underpinnings of calculus. Applications include drug concentrations in the body via daily medication, credit card debt, and population growth. 

  • Math 111 (Calculus 1): Roughly 300 years ago, Newton and Leibniz asked three important questions: What is instantaneous rate of change? What is the area under a curve? And what is the amazing relationship between the first two questions? The answers to these questions helps solve problems in fields from physics to economics, from biology to the business world!  

  • Math 112 (Calculus 2): Population growth and differential equations, physics and integrals, finance and series. This and much more is explore as we apply calculus to problems in the real world. 

  • Math 211 (Calculus 3): Differentiate and integrate in three dimensions! Add time for a thrilling fourth dimension! Impress your friends and amaze your acquaintances!  

Intermediate Courses

Have you completed two semesters of calculus and are now ready for the next level? Courses at level 2 are designed with a broad audience in mind while beginning the transition to deeper mathematics.

  • Math 211 (Calculus 3): Calculus in three, four, and even higher dimensions!  Partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and all that good stuff.  

  • Math 214 (Differential Equations): How do populations grow? Is it possible to sustainably harvest fish? How do pilots pursue and intercept enemy aircraft? These questions and more are addressed in the study of differential equations. We learn the how to model real phenomena in order to answer important questions. Using technology and visual techniques, we develop a systematic way of analyzing any differential equation. 

  • Math 216 (Introduction to Mathematical Stats): Statistics is one of the most powerful ways we have of drawing conclusions about the world we live in. This class will help you understand and use statistical tools and to investigate some of their mathematical underpinnings. 

  • Math 231 (Linear Algebra): How are graphics created in video games? How do you model an economy or build a fractal? We study vectors, matrices, and their operations and how these contribute understanding real problems. 

Advanced Courses

Are you ready to delve deeply into mathematics? Courses at levels 3 and 4 focus on theory and application of mathematics.  While designed for mathematics majors and minors, these courses are open to anyone with an interest. 

  • Math 303 (Abstract Algebra): How can we understand symmetries from a standard frame of reference? How are the integers fully described? This course explores these questions and teaches us how structure can be given to algebraic objects. 

  • Math 305 (Introduction to Analysis): We learn how to fully understand limits and how to prove the theorems that we learn in calculus. 

  • Math 316 (Probability): Probability is the branch of mathematics concerned with the study of mathematical techniques for making quantitative inferences about uncertainty. This course will develop an understanding of mathematical probability and its applications. Topics include probability systems, properties and distributions of random variables, stochastic processes and applications to several areas. 

  • Math 362 (Modern Geometry): Rigorous development of Euclidean and hyperbolic geometry from both a metric and synthetic point of view. Some topics in transformational geometry are also covered. 

  • Math 311 (Complex Analysis):  Students explore the theory of functions defined in the complex plane, highlighting the interplay between geometric visualization and analysis. Topics include the geometry of analytic mappings, power series, Cauchy's Theorem, and the Residue Theorem. Connections to other areas of mathematics and to other scientific fields will be explored through applications.  

  • Math 321 (Graph Theory & Combinatorics): Topics in graph theory include basic properties of graphs, Eulerian trails, Hamilton chains, trees, and may include the chromatic polynomial, planar graphs, and the independence number. Topics in combinatorics include the pigeonhole principle, permutations and combinations, the binomial theorem, and may include generating functions, Catalan numbers, and Stirling numbers. 

  • Math 331 (Numerical Analysis): Theory and applications of numerical techniques. Topics will include error analysis, solution of non-linear equations and systems of equations, interpolation, approximation, numerical integration and differentiation and numerical solution of initial-value problems. 

  • Math 348 (Modern Data Science with R) Students use theory together with programming and statistical methods to develop the capacity to create new and unique models, visualizations, and/or solutions in data-based multidisciplinary investigations into problems from a variety of fields. 

  • Math 397 (Junior Seminar): Engage in problem-solving with a goal of developing a research project for the Research Experience course. 

  • Math 39810 (Research Experience in Mathematics): Research is designed to give you insight into how mathematicians work and think. In particular, you will gain an enjoyment of discovering and exploring mathematics for yourself. To this end, we highlight that mathematics is a current and vibrant subject. In addition, you will learn to effectively communicate mathematical ideas both through writing and oral presentation. 

  • Math 480 (Connections in Advanced Mathematics): Study of connections and relationships among various disciplines within mathematics. Specific content varies. Topics may include, but are not limited to, the following: historical development of mathematics and various philosophies of mathematics, cultural similarities and differences in viewpoints and developments in mathematics, cross-discipline approaches that combine subdisciplines such as probability techniques in number theory and random graph theory, field theory and geometric constructions, and algebraic topology. 

  • Math 498-499 (Capstone): Students reflect on the field of mathematics via an integrative project developed in concert with a faculty mentor. Students analyze mathematical ideas related to their projects and integrate this knowledge with ideas learned in the mathematics curriculum.