253.535.7400
www.plu.edu/~math
Mathematics is a many-faceted subject that is not only extremely
useful in its application, but at the same time is fascinating and
beautiful in the abstract. It is an indispensable tool for industry,
science, government, and the business world, while the elegance of its
logic and beauty of form have intrigued scholars, philosophers, and
artists since earliest times.
The mathematics program at PLU is designed to serve five main objectives: (1) to provide backgrounds for other disciplines, (2) to provide a comprehensive pre-professional program for those directly entering the fields of teaching and applied mathematics, (3) to provide a nucleus of essential courses which will develop the breadth and maturity of mathematical thought for continued study of mathematics at the graduate level, (4) to develop the mental skills necessary for the creation, analysis, and critique of mathematical topics, and (5) to provide a view of mathematics as a part of humanistic behavior.
Faculty: B. Dorner, Chair; Benkhalti, C. Dorner, Heath, Meyer, Sklar, Stuart, Wu, Zhu.
Beginning Classes:
Majors in mathematics, computer science
and engineering, and other sciences usually take 151 and 152
(calculus). Math 151 is also appropriate for any student whose high
school mathematics preparation is strong. Those who have had calculus
in high school may omit 151 (see Advanced Placement section) and enroll
in 152 after consultation with a mathematics faculty member. Those who
have less mathematics background may begin with 140 before taking 151.
111 and 112 provide preparation for 140.
Business majors may satisfy the requirement for the business degree
by taking 128, 151, or 152. (Math 111 provides preparation for 128.)
Those
who have already taken 152 may want to take 331.
Elementary education majors may satisfy the requirement for the
education degree by taking Math 123. (Math 111 provides preparation for
123.)
For students who plan only one mathematics course, a choice from 105, 107, 123, 128, 140, 151 is advised, depending on interest and preparation.
Placement Test: A placement test and background survey are used to help insure that students begin in mathematics courses which are appropriate to their preparation and abilities. Enrollment is not permitted in any of the beginning mathematics courses (105, 107, 111, 112, 123, 128, 140, 151) until the placement test and background survey are completed.
MATHEMATICS AND GENERAL UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS (see General Univeristy Requirements): All mathematics courses (except 099) will satisfy the mathematical reasoning requirement (line 3 of the general university requirements). At least 4 hours are needed. All mathematics courses (except 099) will satisfy line 2e of Core I: The Distributive Core. At least 4 hours are needed. A course cannot simultaneously satisfy line 2e and line 3.
In fulfilling the Math Reasoning Requirement, students with documented disabilities will be given reasonable accomodations as determined by the Coordinator for Students with Disabilities and the appropriate faculty member in consultation with the student.
MATHEMATICS AND THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES REQUIREMENT (see College of Arts and Sciences Requirements): All mathematics courses (except 099) will satisfy the logic, mathematics, computer science or statistics part of Option III of the College of Arts and Sciences requirement. A course cannot simultaneously satisfy Option III of the College of Arts and Sciences requirement and the general university requirements.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT: The policy of the Mathematics Department
regarding mathematics credit for students who have taken the AP
Calculus exam is as follows:
| EXAM |
SCORE |
CREDIT |
| AB |
3* |
151* |
| AB |
4, 5 |
151 |
| BC |
3 |
151 |
| BC |
4, 5 |
151 and 152 |
*Consult with instructor if planning to take 152. If a student has taken calculus in high school and did not take an AP exam, then the student may enroll in 152 after consultation with a mathematics faculty member. In this case no credit is given for 151.
Mathematics Major: The foundation of the mathematics program for majors is the three-semester sequence of calculus (151, 152, 253), introduction to proof (317), and linear algebra (331). Students with a calculus background in high school may receive advanced placement into the appropriate course in this sequence.
Upper-division work includes courses in introduction to proof, linear algebra, abstract algebra, analysis, geometry, differential equations, statistics and numerical analysis. See the description of the courses and the major (either Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) for more detail. Students majoring in mathematics should discuss scheduling of these courses with their advisors. For example, 499 extends over two semesters beginning in the fall semester; May graduates begin this capstone course in the fall semester of the senior year, while December graduates must begin this course in the fall semester of their junior year.
Bachelor of Arts Major: 34 semester hours of mathematics, 4 hours supporting.
Required: 151, 152, 253, 317, 331, 341, 433, 455, 499.
Required supporting: Computer Science and Computer Engineering 144.
Also strongly recommended is one of the following: Computer Science and
Computer Engineering 371; Economics 345; Physics 153, or 163.
Bachelor of Science Major: 42 semester hours of mathematics, 8 or 9 hours supporting.
Required: Math 151, 152, 253, 317, 331, 341, 433, 455, 499.
8 more hours from: Math 321, 342, 348, 351, 356, 381, 480.
Required supporting: Computer Science and Computer Engineering 144
and one of the following: Computer Science and Computer Engineering
348, 371; Economics 345; Physics 153, or 163.
Bachelor of Arts in Education: See School of Education section of this catalog.
Minor in Mathematics: 20 semester hours of mathematics courses, including 151, 152, 253 or 245 and 8 hours of upper- division mathematics courses excluding 446.
Minor in Statistics: A minimum of 16 semester hours to include
Computer Science and Computer Engineering 120 or 144; Statistics 341,
and at least 8 hours from among the other statistics courses (342 and
348 are strongly recommended). See the Statistics
section of this catalog for more detail. Statistics courses taken for
the statistics minor may not be simultaneously counted as elective
credit for the Bachelor of Science major.
Minor in Actuarial Science: A minimum of 24 semester hours chosen from the following courses: Business 302, 335, 342, 405; Economics 152, 322, 343, 352; and Math 331, 342, 348, 356. Also strongly recommended: Math 253. At least 12 hours must be from mathematics and at least 4 from economics.
Students who have taken calculus in high school but do not have credit for 151 do not need to take 151 for the mathematics major or minor. However, they still need to complete the number of hours in mathematics stated in the requirements.
A grade of C or higher is required in all prerequisite courses. A placement test and background survey are required before registering for beginning mathematics courses if prerequisites have not been completed at PLU.
99 Intermediate Algebra
A review of high school algebra; solving linear equations and
quadratic equations, factoring, simplifying expressions, exponents, and
graphing. Designed for students whose mathematical preparation is
inadequate for Math 111. Does not count toward graduation. Available
through Middle College only. F (4)
105 Mathematics of Personal Finance – MR, NS
Emphasizes financial transactions important to individuals and
families: annuities, loans, insurance, interest, investment, time value
of money. Prerequisite: PLU math entrance requirement. F S (4)
107 Mathematical Explorations – MR, NS
Mathematics and modern society. Emphasis on numerical and logical
reasoning. Designed to increase awareness of applications of
mathematics, to enhance enjoyment of and self-confidence in
mathematics, and to sharpen critical thought in mathematics. Topics
selected by the instructor. Prerequisite: PLU math entrance
requirement. J (4)
111 College Algebra – MR, NS
A review of algebra emphasizing problem solving skills. Appropriate
as preparation for 112, 123 or 128. Appropriate as preparation for 140. Prerequisites: two years
of high school algebra. F S (2)
112 Plane Trigonometry – MR, NS
Trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential
functions, identities, graphing, solution of triangles. For students
who are proficient in algebra but do not know trigonometry.
Prerequisite: 111 or at least two years of high school algebra. F S (2)
123 Modern Elementary Mathematics – MR, NS
Concepts underlying traditional computational techniques; a
systematic analysis of arithmetic; an intuitive approach to algebra and
geometry. Intended for elementary teaching majors. Prerequisite: a
qualifying score on the math placement test or a grade of C or higher
in 111. F S (4)
128 Linear Models and Calculus, An Introduction – MR, NS
Matrix theory, linear programming, and introduction to calculus.
Concepts developed stressing applications, particularly to business.
Prerequisites: two years of high school algebra or 111. Cannot be taken
for credit if 151 (or the equivalent) has been previously taken with a
grade of C or higher. F S (4)
140 Analytic Geometry and Functions – MR, NS
Different types of functions, their properties and graphs,
especially trigonometric functions. Algebraic skill, problem solving,
and mathematical writing are emphasized. Prepares students for
calculus. Prerequisites: 111 and 112 or equivalent high school
material. F S (4)
151 Introduction to Calculus – MR, NS
Functions, limits, derivatives and integrals with applications.
Emphasis on derivatives. Prerequisite: Math analysis or pre-calculus in
high school or 140. F S (4)
152 Calculus II – MR, NS
Continuation of 151. Techniques and applications of integrals,
improper integrals, ordinary differential equations and power series,
with applications. Prerequisite: 151. F S (4)
203 History of Mathematics – MR, NS
A study in the vast adventure of ideas that is mathematics from
ancient cultures to the 20th century. The evolution of the concepts of
number, measurement, demonstration, and the various branches of
mathematics in the contexts of the varied cultures in which they arose.
Prerequisite: 151 or consent of instructor. a/y S (4)
245 Discrete Structures – MR, NS
Sets, relations, functions combinatorics, and graph theory and their
relation to topics in computer science and engineering. Techniques for
logical reasoning including methods of quantified logic, deduction,
induction, and contradiction will be taught and applied. Prerequisite:
152. S (4)
253 Multivariable Calculus – MR, NS
An introduction to vectors, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and vector analysis. Prerequisite: 152. F S (4)
291 Directed Study
Supervised study of topics selected to meet the individual's needs
or interests; primarily for students awarded advanced placement.
Admission only by departmental invitation. (1 or 2)
317 Introduction to Proof in Mathematics – MR, NS
Introduces the logical methods of proof and abstraction in modern
mathematics. Explores mathematical topics, including discrete
mathematics, while familiarizing students with proof-related concepts
such as mathematical grammar, logical equivalence, proof by
contradiction, and proof by induction. Prerequisite: 152. F (4)
321 Geometry – MR, NS
Foundations of geometry and basic theory in Euclidean, projective,
and non-Euclidean geometry. Prerequisite: 152 or consent of instructor.
S (4)
331 Linear Algebra – MR, NS
Vectors and abstract vector spaces, matrices, inner product spaces,
linear transformations. Proofs will be emphasized. Prerequisite: 152
and one of 245, 253, or 317. F S (4)
341 Introduction to Mathematical Statistics – MR, NS
Data description, probability, discrete and continuous random
variables, expectation, special distributions, statements of law of
large numbers and central limit theorem, sampling distributions, theory
of point estimators, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests, regression
(time permitting). Prerequisite: 152. F (Crosslisted with STAT 341.) (4)
342 Probability and Statistical Theory – MR, NS
Continuation of 341. Topics may include: joint and conditional
distributions, correlation, functions of random variables, moment
generating functions, inference in regression and one-way ANOVA,
Bayesian and non-parametric inference, convergence of distributions.
Prerequisite: 341. a/y (even years) S (Crosslisted with STAT 342.) (4)
348 Applied Regression Analysis and ANOVA – MR, NS
Linear and multiple regression with inference and diagnostics;
analysis of variance; experimental design with randomization and
blocking. Substantial use of statistical software and emphasis on
exploratory data analysis. Prerequisite: 341 or consent of instructor.
a/y (odd years) S (Crosslisted with STAT 348.) (4)
351 Differential Equations – MR, NS
An introduction to differential equations emphasizing the applied
aspect. First and second order differential equations, systems of
differential equations, power series solutions, non-linear differential
equations, numerical methods. Prerequisite: 253. a/y (odd years) S (4)
356 Numerical Analysis – MR, NS
Numerical theory and application in the context of solutions of
linear, nonlinear, and differential equations, matrix theory,
interpolation, approximations, numerical differentiation and
integration and Fourier transforms. Prerequisites: 152 and CSCE 144.
a/y (even years) S (4)
381 Seminar in Problem Solving – MR, NS
Designed to improve advanced problem solving skills. A goal is
participation in the Putnam Competition. Pass/Fail only. May be taken
more than once for credit. Prerequisite: 152 or consent of instructor.
F (1)
433 Abstract Algebra – MR, NS
The algebra of axiomatically defined objects, such as groups, rings
and fields with emphasis on theory and proof. Prerequisite: 317, 331. F
(4)
446 Mathematics in the Secondary School
Methods and materials in secondary school math teaching. Basic mathematical concepts; principles of number operation,
relation, proof, and problem solving in the context of arithmetic,
algebra, and geometry. Prerequisite: 253 or 331. FI (Crosslisted with
EDUC 446.) (4)
455 Mathematical Analysis – MR, NS
Theoretical treatment of topics introduced in elementary calculus.
Prerequisite: 253, 331; 317 or 433 (with consent of instructor 433 may
be taken concurrently). S (4)
480 Topics in Mathematics – MR, NS
Selected topics of current interest or from: combinatorics, complex
analysis, dynamical systems chaos and fractals, graph theory, group
representations, number theory, operations research, partial
differential equations, topology, transform methods, abstract algebra,
analysis. May be taken more than once for credit. Prerequisites vary
depending on the topic. S (1–4)
491 Independent Studies
Prerequisite: consent of department chair. (1–4)
499 Capstone: Senior Seminar – SR
Oral and written presentation of information learned in individual
research under the direction of an assigned instructor. Discussion of
methods for communicating mathematical knowledge. Lasts two semesters
beginning in the fall semester; May graduates should start the course
in the fall of their senior year and December graduates should begin
the course in the fall of their junior year. Final presentations given
during spring semester. Prerequisite: senior (or second semester
junior) math major. F S (2)
598 Non-thesis Research Project
Open to master's degree candidates only. Prerequisite: consent of department chair. (1–4)