MATH 105 : Mathematics of Personal Finance - QR
Emphasizes financial transactions important to individuals and families: annuities, loans, insurance, interest, investment, time value of money. Prerequisite: Eligibility based on PLU Math Placement Exam, or permission of instructor. (4)
MATH 107 : Mathematical Explorations - QR
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: Eligibility based on PLU Math Placement Exam, or permission of instructor. (4)
MATH 115 : College Algebra and Trigonometry - QR
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 the solving 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 I: Number Sense and Algebraic Sense - QR
Numeration systems and concepts underlying traditional computations. Field axioms, number theory, set theory. Patterns and variables, functions, proportionality, linear versus exponential growth. Emphasis on conceptual understanding of mathematics through problem solving, reasoning, and communication. Analyzing children's problem solving strategies. Intended for elementary teaching majors. Prerequisites: A qualifying score on the math placement test or a grade of C or higher in MATH 115. (4)
MATH 124 : Modern Elementary Mathematics II: Measurement, Geometric Sense, Statistics and Probability - QR
The units, systems and processes of measurement. Classification and measurement of geometric objects. Symmetry, transformations, congruence, dilations, similar figures. Display, analysis, and interpretation of data. Basic probability. Emphasis on conceptual understanding of mathematics through problem solving, reasoning, and communication. Analyzing children's problem solving strategies. Intended for elementary teaching majors. Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in MATH 123. (4)
MATH 128 : Linear Models and Calculus: An Introduction - QR
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 : Precalculus - QR
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 145 : Statistics for Biologists - QR
An introduction to statistics with a focus on topics and data relevant to biologists. Descriptive statistics and data representations, correlation and regression, experimental design, basic probability, binomial and normal distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, chi-squared test, ANOVA. Cross-listed with STAT 145. Prerequisite: MATH 140 or proficiency through MATH 140 as determined by the math placement exam. (4)
MATH 151 : Calculus I - QR
Functions, limits, derivatives, the fundamental theorem of calculus, and an introduction to integrals with applications. Emphasis on derivatives. Prerequisite: MATH 140 or PLU Math Placement into MATH 151. (4)
MATH 152 : Calculus II - QR
Continuation of MATH 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
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 242 : Introduction to Mathematical Statistics - QR
Data description, probability, discrete and continuous random variables, expectations, 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). Cross-listed with STAT 242. Previously was MATH/STAT 341. Prerequisite: MATH 151. (4)
MATH 245 : Discrete Structures
Topics that are 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 151 or placement into MATH 152. (4)
MATH 253 : Multivariable Calculus
An introduction to vectors, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and vector analysis. Prerequisite: MATH 152. (4)
MATH 287 : Special Topics in Mathematics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
MATH 288 : Special Topics in Mathematics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
MATH 289 : Special Topics in Mathematics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 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 Proofs: Number Theory
Introduces ideas of elementary number theory while emphasizing the importance of proof-related concepts such as mathematical grammar, logical equivalence, direct proofs, indirect proofs, proof by contradiction, and proof by induction. Content may include modular arithmetic, prime numbers, divisibility, number systems, and Diophantine equations. Prerequisite: MATH 152. (4)
MATH 318 : Introduction to Proofs: Combinatorics
Introduces ideas of combinatorial reasoning while emphasizing the importance of proof-related concepts such as mathematical grammar, logical equivalence, direct proofs, indirect proofs, proof by contradiction, and proof by induction. Content may include basic counting principles, permutations and combinations, binomial coefficient identities, generating functions, recurrence relations, inclusion-exclusion, graph theory, and algorithms. Prerequisite: MATH 152. (4)
MATH 319 : Introduction to Proofs: Geometry
Introduces the foundations of geometry while emphasizing the importance of proof-related concepts such as mathematical grammar, logical equivalence, direct proofs, indirect proofs, proof by contradiction, and proof by induction. Content may include Euclidean, projective, and non-Euclidean geometries (possibly including spherical geometry and hyperbolic geometry). Prerequisite: MATH 152. (4)
MATH 331 : Linear Algebra
Vectors and abstract vector spaces, matrices, inner product spaces, linear transformations. Proofs will be emphasized. Prerequisites: MATH 253 or one of 317/318/319 or both MATH 245 and CSCI 270. (4)
MATH 342 : Probability and Statistical Theory
Continuation of MATH 242. Topics may include: joint and conditional distributions, correlation, functions of random variables, moment generating functions, Bayesian and non-parametric inference, convergence of distributions. Cross-listed with STAT 342. Prerequisite: MATH 152 and four hours from STAT 231, 232, 233, or MATH/STAT 242. MATH 253 (or concurrent enrollment) is strongly recommended. (4)
MATH 348 : Statistical Computing and Consulting
Topics include qualitative data analysis, as well as the use of R statistical software to create data visualizations and to conduct, present, and interpret statistical analyses such as multiple regression and nonlinear (e.g. logistic) regression. Students will learn about issues that arise when working with real data such as data cleaning, data preparation, ethical guidelines for statistical practice, and the logical connections between study design and the appropriate inferences that can be made. Statistical consulting strategies and communication of statistical ideas to nonstatistical clients will guide the course topics as students perform consulting services for peers, faculty, and/or the surrounding community. Cross-listed with STAT 348. Prerequisite: DATA 133, CSCI 144, or MATH 151, and one of MATH/STAT 145, 242, STAT 231, 232, or 233. Strongly recommended: Prior experience with the programming languages R or Python. (4)
MATH 351 : Differential Equations
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
How computers store and handle numbers, how to efficiently perform mathematical computations, how to build useful functions to interpolate from discrete data, and how to create algorithms to find or approximate mathematical solutions. Topics and applications will be selected from the solution of linear, nonlinear and differential equations; computational matrix theory; numerical integration and differentiation; and other areas of instructor interest. Prerequisites: MATH 152 and CSCI 144. (4)
MATH 381 : Seminar in Problem Solving
Designed to improve advanced problem solving skills for mathematical competitions, especially the Putnam Competition and the Mathematical Contest in Modeling. Pass/Fail only. May be taken more than once for credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (1)
MATH 387 : Special Topics in Mathematics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
MATH 388 : Special Topics in Mathematics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
MATH 389 : Special Topics in Mathematics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
MATH 422 : Mathematical Modeling
This course introduces students to mathematical modeling of various problems in biology, environmental science, and physics using curve fitting, difference and differential equations, simulations, discrete probabilistic models, and other methods. In addition to mathematical techniques, the formulation and analysis of models and the interpretation of mathematical results in context are also emphasized. Students will have a chance to work on a project of their choosing and to build writing skills. Prerequisites: MATH 245 or 253 and one of MATH 331, 351, or PHYS 354. (4)
MATH 433 : Abstract Algebra
The algebra of axiomatically defined objects, such as groups, rings, and fields, with emphasis on theory and proof. Prerequisites: MATH 317 or 318 or 319 and 331. (4)
MATH 442 : Statistical Modeling
Continuation of MATH/STAT 242. Introduction to multiple linear regression models, indicator variables, interactions. Uses R statistical software to explore applications of course topics. Topics may also include extensions to generalized linear models, multilevel models, Bayesian inference, or other statistical modeling techniques. Cross-listed with STAT 442. Prerequisites: MATH 331 and any of MATH/STAT 145, STAT 231, 232, 232, or MATH/STAT 242. (4)
MATH 446 : Mathematics in the Secondary School
Methods and materials in teaching secondary mathematics. Introduction to Common Core State Standards in Mathematics, effective and equitable mathematics teaching practices, and curriculum design. This course includes a field experience component. Cross-listed with EDUC 446. Prerequisite: EDUC 205 and MATH 253 or 331. (4)
MATH 455 : Mathematical Analysis
Theoretical treatment of topics introduced in elementary calculus. Prerequisites: MATH 253, one of 317, 318, or 319, and 331. (4)
MATH 480 : Topics in Mathematics
Selected topics of current interest or from: combinatorics, complex analysis, differential geometry, 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 to 4)
MATH 487 : Special Topics in Mathematics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
MATH 488 : Special Topics in Mathematics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
MATH 489 : Special Topics in Mathematics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
MATH 491 : Independent Study
To provide individual undergraduate students with advanced study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as IS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. Prerequisite: consent of department chair. (1 to 4)
MATH 499A : Capstone: Senior Seminar I - SR
Preparation for oral and written presentation of information learned in individual research under the direction of an assigned instructor. Discussion of methods for communicating mathematical knowledge. Selection of topic and initial research. With MATH 499B meets the senior seminar/project requirement. Prerequisites: MATH 331 and senior (or second semester junior) standing, or permission of instructor. (2)
MATH 499B : Capstone: Senior Seminar II - SR
Continuation of MATH 499A with emphasis on individual research and oral and written presentation. With MATH 499A meets the senior seminar/project requirement. Prerequisite: MATH 499A. (2)
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