| Faculty | BA Major | BS Major |
| Advanced Placement | Minors | Course Offerings |
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.
Majors in mathematics, computer science
and engineering, and other sciences usually take MATH 151 and MATH 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 MATH 151 (see Advanced Placement section) and enroll
in MATH 152 after consultation with a mathematics faculty member. Those who
have less mathematics background may begin with MATH 140 before taking MATH 151.
MATH 115 provides preparation for MATH 140.
Business majors may satisfy the requirement for the business degree
by taking MATH 128, 151, or 152. (Math 115 provides preparation for MATH 128.)
Elementary education majors may satisfy the requirement for the
education degree by taking Math 123. (Math 115 provides preparation for
MATH 123.)
For students who plan to take only one mathematics course, a choice from MATH 105, 107, 123, 128, 140, or 151 is advised, depending on interest and preparation.
A placement test and background survey are
used to help insure that students begin in mathematics courses that
are appropriate to their preparation and abilities. Enrollment is not
permitted in any of the beginning mathematics courses (MATH 105, 107, 115, 123, 128, 140, 151) until the placement test and background survey
are completed. The placement exam is available at http://banweb.plu.edu/pls/pap/hxskmplc.P_MathIntro.
All mathematics courses (except MATH 099) will satisfy the mathematical reasoning requirement (line two of the general university requirements). At least four semester hours are needed. All mathematics courses (except MATH 099) will satisfy the natural sciences, computer science, mathematics (NS) GUR Core I: The Distributive Core. At least four semester hours are needed. A course cannot simultaneously satisfy mathematical reasoning (MR) and science and scientific method (SM) GURs..
In fulfilling the Math Reasoning Requirement, students with documented disabilities will be given reasonable accommodations as determined by the Coordinator for Students with Disabilities and the appropriate faculty member in consultation with the student.
All mathematics courses (except MATH 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 a general university requirement.
The policy of the Mathematics Department
regarding mathematics credit for students who have taken the AP
Calculus exams (AB or BC) or the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Mathematics Exam (IBHL) is as follows:
| EXAM |
SCORE |
CREDIT |
| AB |
3* |
MATH 151* |
| AB |
4, 5 |
MATH 151 |
| BC |
3 |
MATH 151 |
| BC |
4, 5 |
MATH 151 and 152 |
| IBHL |
4.5 |
MATH 151 |
| IBHL |
6.7 |
MATH 151 and 152 |
*Consult with instructor if planning to take MATH 152.
If a student has taken calculus in high school and did not take an AP exam or IBHL exam, then the student may enroll in MATH 152 after consultation with a mathematics faculty member. In this case no credit is given for MATH 151.
The foundation of the mathematics program for
majors is:
- The three-semester sequence of calculus (MATH 151, 152, 253
- Introduction to Proof (MATH 317) and Linear Algebra (MATH 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, MATH 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.
Required: MATH 151, 152, 253, 317, 331, 341, 433, 455, 499
Required Supporting: CSCE 144
Also strongly recommended is one of the following:
CSCE 371; ECON 345; PHYS 153 or 163
Required: MATH 151, 152, 253, 317, 331, 341, 433, 455, 499
Eight semester hours from: MATH 321, 342, 348, 351, 356, 381, 480
Required supporting: CSCE 144
and one of the following:
CSCE 348, 371; ECON 345; PHYS 153, 163
20 semester hours of mathematics courses, including:
MATH 151, 152, 253 or 245 and eight hours of upper-division mathematics courses, excluding MATH 446.
A minimum of 16 semester hours to include:
CSCE 120 or 144; STAT 341, and at least eight hours from among the other statistic courses (MATH 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.
A minimum of 24 semester hours chosen from the following courses:
BUSA 302, 304, 335, 342
ECON 101, 301, 323, 343
MATH 331, 342, 348, 356
Also strongly recommended: MATH 253At least 12 hours must be from mathematics and at least four from economics.
Students who have taken calculus in high school but do not have credit for MATH 151 do not need to take MATH 151 for the mathematics major or minor. However, they still need to complete the number of hours in mathematics stated in the requirements.
| Fall |
MATH 099, 105, 111, 112, 123, 128, 140, 151, 152, 253, 317, 331, 341, 381, 433, 446, 499, |
| January Term |
MATH 107, 123, 203 |
| Spring |
MATH 105, 115, 128, 140, 151, 152, 245, 253, 321, 331, 342, 348, 351, 356, 455, 480, 499 |
| Alternate Years |
Odd Years: MATH 203, 348, 351; Even Years: MATH 342, 356 |
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.
MATH 099: 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 115. Does not count toward graduation. Available
through Challenge Program only. (4)
MATH 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. (4)
MATH 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. (4)
MATH 111: College Algebra – MR, NS (Fall 2006 only)
A review of algebra emphasizing problem solving skills. Appropriate
as preparation for MATH 112, 123 or 128. Appropriate as preparation for MATH 140. Prerequisites: Two years
of high school algebra. (2)
MATH 112: Plane Trigonometry – MR, NS (Fall 2006 only)
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: MATH 111 or at least two years of high school algebra. (2)
MATH 115: College Algebra and Trigonometry - MR, NS (Begins Spring 2006)
A review of algebra emphasizing problem solving skills. The notion of function is introduced via examples from polynomial, rational, trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions. We also explore inverse trigonometric functions, identities, graphing and solution of triangles. Appropriate as preparation for MATH 123, 128 and 140. Prerequisite: PLU math placement exam and two years of high school algebra. (4)
MATH 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 MATH 115. (4)
MATH 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 MATH 115. Cannot be taken
for credit if MATH 151 (or the equivalent) has been previously taken with a
grade of C or higher. (4)
MATH 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: MATH 115 or equivalent high school
material. (4)
MATH 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 MATH 140. (4)
MATH 152: Calculus II – MR, NS
Continuation of 151. Techniques and applications of integrals,
improper integrals, ordinary differential equations and power series,
with applications. Prerequisite: MATH 151. (4)
MATH 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: MATH 152 or consent of instructor. (4)
MATH 245: Discrete Structures - MR, NS
Topics of relevance to computer scientists and computer
engineers, including quantified logic, sets, relations, functions, recursion,
combinatorics, and probability. Tools of logical reasoning, such as induction,
proof by contradiction, and predicate calculus will be taught and applied.
Prerequisite: MATH 152 (4)
MATH 253: Multivariable Calculus – MR, NS
An introduction to vectors, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and vector analysis. Prerequisite: MATH 152. (4)
MATH 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 to 4)
MATH 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: MATH 152. (4)
MATH 321: Geometry – MR, NS
Foundations of geometry and basic theory in Euclidean, projective,
and non-Euclidean geometry. Prerequisite: MATH 152 or consent of instructor.
(4)
MATH 331: Linear Algebra – MR, NS
Vectors and abstract vector spaces, matrices, inner product spaces,
linear transformations. Proofs will be emphasized. Prerequisites: MATH 152
and one of MATH 245, 253, or 317. (4)
MATH 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). (Crosslisted with STAT 341.) Prerequisite: MATH 152. (4)
MATH 342: Probability and Statistical Theory – MR, NS
Continuation of MATH 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.
(Cross-listed with STAT 342.) Prerequisite: MATH 341. (4)
MATH 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. (Cross-listed with STAT 348.) Prerequisite: MATH 341 or consent of instructor. (4)
MATH 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: MATH 253. (4)
MATH 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: MATH 152 and CSCE 144. (4)
MATH 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: MATH 152 or consent of instructor. (1)
MATH 433 Abstract Algebra – MR, NS
The algebra of axiomatically defined objects, such as groups, rings
and fields with emphasis on theory and proof. Prerequisite: MATH 317, 331. (4)
MATH 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. (Cross-listed with
EDUC 446.) Prerequisite: MATH 253 or 331. (4)
MATH 455: Mathematical Analysis – MR, NS
Theoretical treatment of topics introduced in elementary calculus.
Prerequisite: MATH 253, 331; 317 or 433 (with consent of instructor MATH 433 may
be taken concurrently). (4)
MATH 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. (1–4)
MATH 491: Independent Studies
Prerequisite: consent of department chair. (1–4)
MATH 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. (2)