Academic Catalog

Mathematics

www.mcla.edu/math

(413) 662-5369
Chairperson: Elizabeth Hartung, Ph.D. (sabbatical, spring 2025)
Email: E.Hartung@mcla.edu

(413) 662-5361
Acting Chairperson (spring 2025 semester): Christopher Thomas, Ph.D. 
Email: C.Thomas@mcla.edu

Mathematics Major 

The Department of Mathematics offers a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science in mathematics. The program fosters insights and solutions to a variety of problems through symbolic and numerical analysis. The practice of the discipline requires and engenders precise modes of thinking. The use of calculus, numerical methods, probability, statistics, and logic is basic to the quantitative methods needed throughout society today.

Students graduating with a major in Mathematics will be able to:

  • Perform computations and procedures from a wide range of the various branches of mathematics;
  • Demonstrate mathematical growth by acquiring a solid grasp of key concepts and themes;
  • Develop fluency in reading and constructing mathematical proofs;
  • Apply mathematical ideas and problem-solving to real-life situations in the various disciplines.

Mathematics Courses

MATH 100 Math for Educators I3 cr

Reviews key concepts in numbers, operations, and algebra. Examines proofs and explanations suitable for elementary instruction. Covers: number bases other than ten, the order of operations, and the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of integers, fractions, and algebraic expressions.

MATH 101 Math for Educators II3 cr

Reviews key concepts in functions, algebra, and geometry. Examines proofs and explanations suitable for elementary instruction. Covers: decimals, percents, exponents, radicals, functions, sequences, equations, dimensional analysis, and basic geometry, including angles, areas, volumes, and basic proofs.

Prerequisite: MATH 100  
MATH 102 Mathematics for Liberal Arts3 cr

Presents mathematics topics designed to promote mathematical problem solving, reasoning, decision making and communication. Students will develop an understanding of the nature, purposes and accomplishments of mathematics. Topics selected from elementary set theory, logic, number theory, graph theory, voting theory, functions, difference equations and geometry.

Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning (CMA)  
MATH 150 Precalculus3 cr

Introduces topics necessary for the study of calculus. A detailed study of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions and equations, and their applications to modeling real world problems. Topics are considered from analytical, graphical and numerical points of view.

Prerequisite: Placement based on SAT scores and high school background  
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning (CMA)  
MATH 201 Math Modeling for Educators3 cr

Explores the tools necessary to create and adapt mathematical modelling projects suitable for K-12 mathematics students. Reviews current best practices in assessment and transparency, with a focus on writing and coding in mathematics. Students will create a final modelling project suitable for direct inclusion in a classroom setting, with lesson plans, assignment templates, rubrics, and plans for giving appropriate support and feedback.

MATH 220 Calculus I3 cr

Examines limits, continuity, the derivative, differentiation of elementary functions, applications of the derivative and an introduction to the antiderivative. The first of a four-part sequence.

Prerequisite: MATH 150, placement based on SAT and high school background or department approval  
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning (CMA)  
MATH 230 Calling Bullshit3 cr

Teaches students how to recognize persuasion, trickery, or lies that show a blatant disregard for facts and the truth - in a word bullshit. Because it is not enough in today's world to simply recognize bullshit when it appears in its myriad forms, students will also learn how to counter bullshit in powerful and persuasive ways, enhancing not only their own information literacy in the process, but that of people they encounter when they call bullshit.

MATH 232 Introduction to Statistics3 cr

Examines descriptive statistics, probability, sampling theory and inferential statistics. Mathematics majors cannot use this course for credit towards their major.

Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning (CMA)  
MATH 232H Honors: Introduction to Statistics3 cr

Examines descriptive statistics, probability, sampling theory and inferential statistics. Mathematics majors cannot use this course for credit towards their major.

Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning (CMA), Honors Program (HONR)  
MATH 240 Proof I3 cr

Introduces sets, Boolean logic, combinatorics, functions, and the basics of mathematical proof.

Prerequisite: Completion of Tier I Quantitative Reasoning or instructor approval  
MATH 250 Discrete Mathematics3 cr

Provides a foundation in mathematical topics central to the study of computer science, emphasizing mathematical reasoning and algorithms. Topics include propositional logic, Boolean algebra, mathematical proofs and induction, computer arithmetic, elementary combinatorics, recursion, graphs and trees, matrices, sequences and summation.

MATH 261 Linear Algebra3 cr

Investigates the theory of vector spaces, linear equations, linear transformations, determinants, inner product spaces, eigenvalues and eigenvectors.

Prerequisite: MATH 240  
MATH 270 Statistics and Data Analysis4 cr

Examines descriptive statistics, probability, discrete and continuous random variables, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, regression and correlation. Includes normal distribution, t-distribution, chi square distribution. Required computer programming laboratory.

Corequisite: MATH 270L  
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning (CMA)  
MATH 286 Topics in Mathematics1-4 cr

Examines sophomore level topics in mathematics that complement departmental offerings in mathematics or math competency courses. Emphasis is on the nature of mathematical thought and applications of mathematics.

Prerequisite: Completion of Tier I Quantitative Reasoning or instructor approval  
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits  
MATH 301 Math for Middle and High School Educators3 cr

Provides in-depth explanations for the mathematics taught in middle and high school: algebra, equations, and functions. Covers methods for providing differentiated instruction - reviewing topics from arithmetic (fractions, numbers, and operations) while simultaneously introducing new topics.

Prerequisite: Completion of Tier I Quantitative Reasoning  
MATH 310 Proof II3 cr

Examines a wide variety of proof techniques (e.g. direct, by contradiction, by contrapositive, bi-directional, uniqueness, by induction, by counter-example). Students will practice these techniques and learn how and when to apply each one. Functions and relations will provide many examples, and be covered in-depth.

Prerequisite: MATH 240  
MATH 320 Calculus II3 cr

Studies antiderivatives, the definite integral, transcendental functions, techniques and applications of integration, an introduction to improper integrals. The second of a four-part sequence.

Prerequisite: MATH 220  
MATH 330 Calculus III3 cr

Studies infinite series, plane curves, polar coordinates, vectors, vector-valued functions and analytic geometry in three-dimensional space. The third of a four-part sequence.

Prerequisite: MATH 320  
MATH 331 Probability and Statistics I3 cr

Examines probability laws, discrete and continuous random variables and their probability distributions, expectation, moments and moment generating functions, sequences of random variables and Markov chains.

Prerequisite: MATH 430 or concurrent enrollment in MATH 430, and MATH 270  
MATH 332 Probability and Statistics II3 cr

Examines functions of random variables, sampling distribution, limit theorems, estimation, hypotheses testing, linear regression, correlation, analysis of variance and analysis of enumerative data.

Prerequisite: MATH 331  
MATH 340 Graph Theory3 cr

Investigates definitions and examples of graphs, graph isomorphism, paths and circuits, connectivity, trees, planar graphs, Euler's formula, graph coloring, four and five color theorems and applications.

Prerequisite: MATH 240  
MATH 340H Honors: Graph Theory3 cr

Investigates definitions and examples of graphs, graph isomorphism, paths and circuits, connectivity, trees, planar graphs, Euler's formula, graph coloring, four and five color theorems and applications.

Prerequisite: MATH 240  
Attributes: Honors Program (HONR)  
MATH 344 Geometry3 cr

Studies geometries from an advanced standpoint. Some of the topics that may be covered are non-Euclidean geometry, geometry of the complex plane, affine geometry or projective geometry.

Prerequisite: MATH 310  
MATH 345 Game Theory3 cr

Introduces game theory terminology, zero-sum, two-person games, minimax theorem, optimal mixed strategies and applications to economics.

Prerequisite: MATH 261  
MATH 360 Number Theory3 cr

Introduces the basic concepts of number theory: the Euclidean algorithm, primes, divisibility theorems, Mersenne and Fermat numbers, linear Diophantine equations, congruences, unique factorization and quadratic reciprocity.

Prerequisite: MATH 310 or concurrent enrollment in MATH 310  
MATH 362 Abstract Algebra3 cr

Introduces the study of algebraic structures with a detailed examination of groups, their properties, and their mappings, including both isomorphic and homomorphic mappings. Cyclic, symmetric, and quotient groups will be studied, as well as groups of permutations, cosets, and normal subgroups. Also covers the Fundamental Homomorphism Theorem.

Prerequisite: MATH 310  
MATH 365 Mathematical Modeling3 cr

Explores the development of mathematical models that solve different types of problems, including both discrete and continuous real-world problems that are either deterministic or probabilistic. Determines solutions analytically and through the use of mathematical software.

Prerequisite: MATH 320 and either MATH 270 or CSCI 120 or other programming course  
MATH 372 History of Mathematics3 cr

Examines the historical development of mathematics and its impact from ancient to modern times.

Prerequisite: MATH 320  
MATH 380 Differential Equations3 cr

Examines first- and second-order differential equations with particular emphasis on nth order equations with constant coefficients, differential operators, systems of equations, series solutions, and Laplace transforms.

Prerequisite: MATH 330  
MATH 390 Numerical Analysis3 cr

Studies the approximation of polynomials at points and over intervals; numerical solutions of algebraic and transcendental equations in one unknown using geometric and arithmetic methods; numerical differentiation; and integration.

Prerequisite: MATH 330 and either MATH 270 or CSCI 120 or other programming course  
MATH 430 Calculus IV3 cr

Concludes the four-semester sequence of calculus with the study of functions in two or more variables, their derivatives and partial derivatives, multiple integrals, line and surface integrals, Green's Theorem and Stoke's Theorem.

Prerequisite: MATH 330  
MATH 440 Topology3 cr

Covers various topological spaces. Continuity, connectedness, and compactness are analyzed and compared. Applications of continuity will be applied to the contraction mapping principle. Analysis of product spaces and quotient spaces. Alternate topics may be discussed.

Prerequisite: MATH 310  
MATH 444 Operations Research3 cr

Covers various interrelated topics such as linear programming, network analysis, game theory, probability and queuing theory, and optimization theory.

Prerequisite: MATH 430  
MATH 455 Complex Variables3 cr

Studies the basic theory of functions of a complex variable including complex numbers and their algebra; analytic functions; Cauchy-Riemann conditions; and the differential and integral calculus of analytic functions.

Prerequisite: MATH 430  
MATH 460 Real Analysis3 cr

Examines the basis of calculus with a rigorous exploration of the function concept from both a set-theoretic and topological viewpoint with particular attention to the completeness of the real number system, limits, continuity and convergence of sequences and series.

Prerequisite: MATH 310, MATH 330  
MATH 465 Financial Mathematics3 cr

Introduces the concepts of probability theory: discrete and continuous random variables, and their probability distributions. Covers Brownian motions and geometric Brownian motion, the binomial model, the Black-Scholes formula; the markets for futures, options, and other derivatives. Discusses the mechanics of trading, pricing, hedging, and managing risk using derivatives.

Prerequisite: MATH 320  
MATH 486 Special Topics in Mathematics1-4 cr

Introduces theory that is an extension of various upper-division mathematics courses. Special topics may explore, but are not restricted to: analysis, geometry and theory related to modern technology.

Prerequisite: To be determined by the instructor  
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits  
MATH 500 Independent Study1-3 cr

Open to juniors and seniors who wish to read in a given area or to study a topic in depth. Written reports and frequent conferences with the advisor are required.

Prerequisite: Junior/senior status, department approval  
Repeatable: Maximum of 12 credits  
MATH 540 Internship in Mathematics1-15 cr

Qualified students may be placed as interns in mathematically oriented positions. The internship is designed to supplement and apply classroom study.

Prerequisite: Junior/senior status, department approval  
Repeatable: Maximum of 15 credits  

MATHEMATICS: TEACHER LICENSURE

Students majoring in mathematics may choose to pursue initial teacher licensure as an early childhood teacher or elementary teacher. Also, mathematics majors may pursue initial licensure as a teacher of mathematics for the middle school or secondary levels. Students seeking any of these licenses must complete a mathematics major and a licensure program in education.