Catalog & Student Handbook

Mathematics Courses

Please note that the frequency of course offerings below is subject to change without notice, because of changes in faculty availability, sabbaticals and leaves, and other circumstances. Please consult the latest Schedule of Classes (and supplement), myBerea, revisions to online Catalog & Student Handbook, and/or the Program Coordinator to determine if a course will be offered during a certain term or year, especially if Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a factor.

MAT 010

Pre-Algebra

Offered: Typically fall and spring terms

This course is designed for students who need to review and master pre-algebra topics including computation of whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and integers; ration, proportion, and percent; and
geometry. NOTE: This full-term course will provide students with one (1) load credit.
Noncredit Course

Non-Credit Course

MAT 011

Elementary Algebra I

Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 010

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring

This course is designed for students who need to review and master the first half of the elementary algebra topics; solving linear equations and inequalities; negative exponents; scientific notation; operations with polynomials; factoring polynomials; and operations with rational expressions. NOTE: This full-term course will provide students with one (1) load credit. Noncredit Course

Non-Credit Course

MAT 012

Elementary Algebra II

Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 011

Offered: Typically Fall, Spring, and Summer terms

This course is the third and final course in the developmental-math sequence; consequently, the content consists of review of the material covered in the first two developmental math courses, reinforcing and expanding that material, and also covers linear graphing; solving linear systems of equations; basic problem solving; rational expressions and exponents; roots and radicals; and quadratic equations. Students will be exposed to proper study skills for learning mathematics and will participate in group learning activities. The course is designed to prepare students for subsequent courses with quantitative reasoning/mathematics content. NOTE: This full-term course will provide students with one (1) load credit. Noncredit Course

Non-Credit Course

MAT 101

Math Modeling Using Computer

Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 012

Offered: Typically Spring term and as student interest and faculty availability allow

This course provides an introduction to computers and to mathematical modeling of problems from the real world with an emphasis on using the computer as a flexible problem-solving, predictive, and exploratory tool. A selected computer-application package is studied in depth and used to explore a variety of applied examples. This computer package may vary from section to section. Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ). NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed or waived MAT 110 (no longer offered at Berea College), 115, or 135. 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 104

Introduction to Statistics

Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 012

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

This course is designed for students with little mathematics background who wish to gain experience with the basic concepts of statistics and their applications. Topics include graphic representations of data; measures of central tendency and variability; probability; sampling distributions; estimation using confidence intervals; and significance testing. Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ). NOTE: This course is not intended for Mathematics majors and is noncredit for students who completed ECO 250 or MAT 311. 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 105

Intro to Discrete Math

Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 012

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

Discrete mathematics is the branch of mathematics that deals with arrangements of distinct objects. The course will focus on three basic questions related to these arrangements: the existence of such arrangements, the counting of such arrangements, and the selection of a 'best' arrangement based upon some criterion. Techniques from this branch of mathematics have application in a wide variety of practical everyday situations, such as how to find the best route for snowplows in a city or what voting method would best represent the will of the voters. Other useful applications include how to count the number of different possible combinations of color and type of a marketed product, and how best to schedule a list of tasks to be done. Discrete mathematical models are used by decision makers in our society, from workers in government to those in health care, transportation, and telecommunications. Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ). 1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit

MAT 108

Environ Issue:Math Model Appr

Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 012

Offered: Typically annually (next offered term yet to be determined)

The state of the planet will be discussed from differing points of view. Local and global issues such as air, land, and water pollution; energy production and consumption; forest, wetland, and other resource management; and waste disposal will be considered. Mathematical models will be developed and explored on the computer in order to make predictions and to consider solutions regarding the environmental problems that face our world. Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ). NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed or waived MAT 101, 110 (no longer offered at Berea College), 115, or 135. 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 115

College Algebra with Modeling

Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 012

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

This course offers a study of algebraic functions and their uses in mathematical modeling. Topics will include the real-number system; basic concepts of functions and graphs; linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions and models; and the solutions of systems of linear equations. Applications to various disciplines will be investigated through the development and analysis of mathematical models. Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ). NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed or waived MAT 135. 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 125

Trigonometry with Applications

Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 115

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

This course offers a study of trigonometry and trigonometric functions. Topics will include a review of basic concepts of functions and graphs; trigonometric functions; analytic trigonometry; trigonometric equations; and polar coordinates and vectors. Applications of trigonometry will be investigated through the development and analysis of mathematical models. Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ). 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 135

Calculus I

Prerequisite: A knowledge of trigonometry and MAT 110, 112, or 125 with a grade of C or higher, or waiver of same based on placement test

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

A study of analytic methods in geometry precedes an introduction to differential calculus. Main topics include exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, limits, continuity, differentiation, indeterminate forms, and applications of differential calculus. Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ) Requirement.. 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 186

Special Topics

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/4 to 1 Course Credit

MAT 201

Found/Tchg Elementary Math I

Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 012

Offered: Typically every Fall Term

This course will be a study of basic ideas of sets, operations on sets, the counting numbers, and the extension of the numbers to include the rational and real number systems. Throughout the course, the emphasis will be on understanding ideas in mathematics through problem solving and the use of manipulatives, and using this understanding to investigate and develop strategies for teaching elementary mathematics. Field experiences with children are required for all students enrolled. 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 202

Found/Tchg of Elem Math II

Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 012; MAT 201 with a grade of C or higher
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
This course is a continuation of MAT 201. Topics in mathematics to be covered include: definitions, axioms, similarity, congruence, areas, and volumes. Throughout the course, the emphasis will be on understanding ideas in mathematics through problem solving and the use of manipulatives, and using this understanding to investigate and develop strategies for teaching elementary mathematics. Field experiences with children are required of all students enrolled. 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 203

Geometry-Midl Grades/Elem Tchr

Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in MAT 201.

Typically offered as student interest and faculty availability allow

A study of geometric concepts, mathematical justification, and methods for teaching geometry to elementary and middle grade students. The geometric concepts include: the properties of lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, tessellations and geometric solids. These concepts will be explored through problem solving, manipulatives, educational software and cooperative learning. Practical Reasoning Requirement (PR). 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 214

Linear Algebra

Prerequisite: MAT 135 or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically every Spring Term

This course illustrates the nature of mathematics as a blend of techniques, theory, abstraction, and applications. The problem of solving linear equations leads to the algebra of matrices, determinants, vector spaces, bases and dimensions, linear transformations and eigenvalues. Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ). 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 225

Calculus II

Prerequisite: MAT 135 with a grade of C or higher

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

This course is a continuation of MAT 135 . Main topics include the definite integral, applications of the definite integral, integration techniques, numerical integration, and series. Microcomputer graphics and computational packages will be introduced and used in the analysis of selected problems. Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ) Requirement. 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 286

Special Topics

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit

MAT 308

Teaching of Mathematics

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

This course is designed to acquaint prospective secondary-school teachers with the issues affecting the teaching of mathematics including theory, research, content, and methodology; the resources available to assist them in teaching mathematics; and the NCTM's Professional Standards. Particular emphasis will be given to the use of manipulatives, technology, problem solving, and cooperative learning in the teaching of mathematics. Observing and teaching youths are required of all students enrolled. 1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit

MAT 311

Probability

Prerequisite: MAT 135 with a grade of C or higher; MAT 225 or concurrent enrollment; or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically alternate Fall Terms (next offered Fall 2014)

Designed to provide a solid foundation in probability theory. The student should gain an understanding to mathematical concepts and techniques necessary to study statistical inference. Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ). 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 312

Operations Research

Prerequisite: MAT 135 or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2013-2014)

Operations Research is an applied area employing both mathematics and computer science in addressing certain kinds of decision problems arising in a wide variety of disciplinary and professional contexts. The goals of the course will be to develop skills in identifying typical problems; formulating, solving, and interpreting appropriate models; and developing interactive feedback with the problem environment. Topics include linear programming and network formulations; the simplex algorithm and its computer implementation; sensitivity analysis; duality; network algorithms; and dynamic programming. Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ). 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 315

Fundamental Concepts of Math

Prerequisite: MAT 135

Offered: Typically every Fall Term

Designed to acquaint students with some of the concepts and methods fundamental to all areas of mathematics. Topics will include set theory, relations, functions, logic, methods of proof, cardinality, and selected properties of the real number system. Practical Reasoning (PR). 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 321

Foundations of Geometry

Prerequisite: MAT 315

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2013)

This course will include an overall view of the structure of geometry evolving from the basic axioms of Euclidean geometry. The interrelationships between various geometries such as affine, neutral, hyperbolic, projective, elliptic, and others will be studied, as well as some of the easier, important results of each. Because this material is necessary for a good understanding of Euclidean geometry, it is important that those students considering a high-school teaching career in mathematics enroll in this course. 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 330

Calculus III

Prerequisite: MAT 225 with a grade of C or higher

Offered: Typically every Spring Term

This course is a continuation of MAT 225. Main topics include three dimensional vectors, space, curves, solid analytic geometry, differential calculus of several variables, and multiple integration. Microcomputer graphics and computational packages will be introduced and used in the analysis of selected problems. Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ) Requirement. 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 386

Special Topics

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit

MAT 390A

Independent Study

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit

MAT 390B

Independent Study w/o ALE

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit

MAT 395

Internship

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.
1 to 3 Course Credits

MAT 397A

Team Initiated Study

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director's approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit

MAT 397B

Team Initiated Study w/o ALE

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director's approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit

MAT 398

Directed Study

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
1 Course Credit

MAT 426

Math Lit: Rdg & Communication

Prerequisite: Senior standing and permission of instructor

Offered: Typically annually

The main goal of this course is to introduce students to research and communication in mathematics. Teams of students will work together reading and discussing selected articles from selected mathematical
journals, writing team papers, and giving team presentations on the material read. The emphasis will be placed on developing reading comprehension of mathematics above the textbook level and on developing effective methods for communicating this information. The course will culminate in the completion of individual student projects, with students selecting their own article or topic to research, and presenting the material both in a formal research paper and in an oral presentation. The satisfactory completion of this individual project will satisfy the senior seminar requirement for the Mathematics Major. 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 432

Abstract Algebra

Prerequisite: MAT 315 and 330 or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2014-2015)

A course designed to introduce students to the methods and topics essential to the study of algebraic structure and its implications. An introduction to group theory will serve to launch an investigation of more highly structured algebras such as rings, integral domains, and fields. 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 433

Numerical Analysis (CSC)

Prerequisites: MAT 225; one course chosen from CSC 125, 126, or 226; AND one course chosen from MAT 214, 315, or 330

Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms

An investigation of numerical methods for computer solutions of diverse applied problems. In this course, we will discuss and develop various algorithms that form the basis for computer applications including root finding, interpolation, differentiation and integration, and system of linear equations. 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 434

Real Analysis

Prerequisite: MAT 315 and 330, or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2013-2014)

Basic algebraic and topological properties of the real number system will be established and then applied to the study of such concepts as limit, continuity, differentiation, integration, and infinite series. 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 435

Complex Analysis

Prerequisite: MAT 330

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2012-2013)

The main objective will be to study functions of a complex variable. The study will draw heavily on the student's previous experience with functions of a real variable. Topics will include the complex numbers differentiation and integration of functions of a complex variable; power series representation; analytic functions; and the calculus of residues. 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 436

Topology

Prerequisite: MAT 315 and 330, or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

Topological spaces will be approached by abstracting from a preliminary study of metric spaces. Topics in metric and/or topological settings include open and closed sets; open base and subbase; first and second countability; dense sets; continuity; metrizability; and compactness, connectedness, and separation properties. 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 437

Differential Equations

Prerequisite: MAT 330

Offered: Typically every Fall Term

This course provides an introduction to both pure and applied aspects of differential equations. Topics to be studied include first-order equations, second-order linear equations, power-series solutions, Laplace Transforms, systems of first-order equations, and nonlinear equations. Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ). 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 438

Statistics

Prerequisite: MAT 311 and 330

Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2013)

A continuation of MAT 311. The student should gain an appreciation of the nature, scope, and theoretical basis of methods of statistical inference. Topics will include estimation, hypotheses testing, and linear regression. Applications will be discussed. 1 Course Credit

1 Course Credit

MAT 486

Special Topics

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit

MAT 490A

Independent Study

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit

MAT 490B

Independent Study w/o ALE

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit

MAT 492

Senior Mathematics Seminar

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and senior standing

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Spring 2011)

During the senior year, each Mathematics major is required to register for this course. Each student’s project will begin with a lead paper provided by a faculty-resource person. The project will involve preparation of a 4-10 page research paper and will conclude with an oral presentation. Successful completion of this course will satisfy the major’s field-writing requirement.
1/4 Course Credit

MAT 495

Internship

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.
1 to 3 Course Credits

MAT 497A

Team Initiated Study

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director's approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit

MAT 497B

Team Initiated Study w/o ALE

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director's approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit

MAT 498

Directed Study

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
1 Course Credit

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This online publication is the official text of the Berea College Catalog & Student Handbook. Berea College reserves the right to amend, revise, or modify content within this publication at any time.