DePauw University Catalog
Section III: Majors, Minors, Courses of Instruction

Section I:
The University

Section II:
Graduation Requirements

Section III:
Majors, Minors, Courses

School of Music

College of Liberal Arts
  • Art
  • Asian Studies
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Black Studies
  • Chemistry
  • Classical Studies
  • Communication and Theatre
  • Computer Science
  • Conflict Studies
  • Economics
  • Education
  • English
  • Geosciences
  • History
  • Honors Programs
  • Kinesiology
  • Latin American and Caribbean Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Modern Languages
  • Music (CLA)
  • Music, School of
  • Off Campus Study
  • Philosophy
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Religious Studies
  • Russian Studies
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • University Studies
  • Women's Studies
  • Section IV:
    Academic Policies

    Section V:
    the DePauw Experience

    Section VI:
    Campus Living

    Section VII:
    Admission, Expenses, Aid

    Section VIII:
    University Personnel

    Mathematics       (Program Homepage)

    Faculty: U. Dudley, M. Kannowski, N. Manickam, E. Maycock, M. Penner, R. Smock, L. Smogor

    The study of mathematics encourages the development of skills in analytical thinking and problem solving that have wide applicability. Students who graduate with a major in the department have continued their educations in fields as disparate as mathematics, computer science, physics, operations research, law, business, music, religion, dentistry and medicine; others have accepted employment in a wide variety of occupations. The department has a long tradition of successfully preparing students for the actuarial profession.

    A major and minor is offered in Mathematics. The basic sequence of courses for Mathematics majors is MATH 151, 152, 251, 253 and 270. Advanced placement and credit can be granted for satisfactory performance on national or departmental examinations.

    Students preparing for secondary teaching: review Section V, Teacher Education, and confer with the chair of the education department about requirements for admission and certification.

    Requirements for a major in Mathematics:
    Total courses required: Ten
    Core courses: MATH 151, MATH 152, MATH 223, MATH 251, MATH 270, MATH 495
    Other required courses: Students concentrating in actuarial mathematics should include MATH 331, MATH 441 and MATH 442.
    # 300 and 400 level courses: Four
    Senior requirement: The senior requirement consists of participation in an approved seminar.
    Additional information:

    Requirements for a minor in Mathematics:
    Total courses required: Five
    Core courses: MATH 151, MATH 152, MATH 223, MATH 270
    Other courses:
    # 300 and 400 level courses: One

    Requirements for a minor in Computational Mathematics:
    Total courses required: Five
    Core courses: MATH 123, MATH 223, CSC 121, CSC 122
    Other courses: The remaining course may be either a computer science or mathematics course, which must be at the 300-400 level.
    # 300 and 400 level courses: One

    Courses in Mathematics

    MATH 123. Computational Discrete Mathematics      1 course
    An introduction to the concepts of discrete mathematics with an emphasis on problem solving and computation. Topics are selected from Boolean algebra, combinatorics, functions, graph theory, matrix algebra, number theory, probability, relations and set theory. This course may have a laboratory component. Not open to students with credit in MATH 253.
     
    MATH 135. Calculus with Review I      1 course
    Extensive review of topics from algebra, trigonometry, analytic geometry, graphing and theory of equations. A study of functions, limits, continuity and differentiability of algebraic and transcendental functions with applications.
     
    MATH 136. Calculus with Review II  Group 1    1 course
    A continuation of MATH 135. Topics include further study of differentiation, integration of algebraic and transcendental functions with applications, and techniques of integration. Completion of this course is equivalent to completing MATH 151 and is adequate preparation for any course requiring MATH 151.
     
    MATH 141. Quantitative Reasoning Through Statistics      1 course
    This course is designed to develop in the student the ability to reason with quantities through the study of elementary statistics. Whenever possible, the context for the statistics will be from other disciplines. This course may, at the discretion of the instructor, include a laboratory. May not be counted toward a major or minor in mathematics.
     
    MATH 151. Calculus I  Group 1    1 course
    A study of functions, limits, continuity, differentiation and integration of algebraic and transcendental functions with elementary applications.
     
    MATH 152. Calculus II  Group 1    1 course
    Techniques of integration, parametric equations, infinite series and an introduction to the calculus of several variables. Prerequisite: MATH 151.
     
    MATH 197. First-Year Seminar      1 course
    The basic approach in this course will be to present mathematics in a more humanistic manner and thereby provide an environment where students can discover, on their own, the quantitative ideas and mathematical techniques used in decision-making in a diversity of disciplines. Students work with problems obtained from industry and elsewhere.
     
    MATH 205. Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers I      1 course
    A study of mathematical reasoning and problem solving, the number system through the rationals, the operations of arithmetic and other mathematical topics relevant to elementary education. Includes an introduction to uses of manipulative devices, field experiences and emphasis on how children learn mathematics. For those intending to teach in elementary school. Prerequisite: a major in Elementary Education or permission of instructor.
     
    MATH 206. Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers II      1 course
    A study of additional topics underlying elementary school mathematics, including informal geometry and probability and statistics. Includes field experiences and emphasis on how children learn mathematics. Prerequisite: a major in Elementary Education or permission of instructor. Prerequisite: MATH 205.
     
    MATH 223. Theory in Discrete Mathematics (formerly MATH 253)      1 course
    An introduction to the concepts of discrete mathematics with an emphasis on theorums and proof. Topics are selected from Boolean algebra, combinatorics, functions, graph theory, matrix algebra, number theory, probability, relations and set theory. This course may have a laboratory component.
     
    MATH 248. Introduction to Fractals      1 course
    The universe is organized chaos, and fractal geometry provides the mathematical framework for describing and understanding the chaos. Numerical and graphical analyses are the primary tools of investigation, but no prior programming is required. Prerequisite: MATH 151.
     
    MATH 251. Calculus III  Group 1    1 course
    An introduction to the calculus of several variables. Topics include vectors and solid analytic geometry, multidimensional differentiation and integration, and a selection of applications. Prerequisite: MATH 152.
     
    MATH 270. Linear Algebra      1 course
    Vector spaces, linear transformations, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors and applications. Prerequisite: MATH 152 or permission of instructor.
     
    MATH 321. Topics in Geometry      1 course
    Selections from advanced plane, differential, non-Euclidean or projective geometry. Prerequisite: MATH 253 or permission of instructor.
     
    MATH 331. Mathematics of Compound Interest      1 course
    A mathematical treatment of measurements of interest and discount, present values, equations of value, annuities, amortization and sinking funds and bonds. Also, an introduction to life annuities and the mathematics of life insurance. Prerequisite: MATH 151 or permission of instructor.
     
    MATH 340. Elementary Probability and Statistics  Group 1    1 course
    Designed for students not majoring in mathematics. The content is similar to that of MATH 441-442, with applications to other disciplines considered. May not be counted toward a major in Mathematics. May not be taken after credit is earned in ECON 350 or PSY 210 .
     
    MATH 361. Analysis      1 course
    A study of the theory of limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, sequences and series. Prerequisite: MATH 251 and MATH 270.
     
    MATH 363. Differential Equations  Group 1    1 course
    Equations of the first degree, linear differential equations, systems of equations with matrix methods and applications. Selected topics from power series solutions, numerical methods, boundary-value problems and non-linear equations. Prerequisites: MATH 251 and MATH 270.
     
    MATH 367. Introduction to Numerical Analysis      1 course
    Analysis of algorithms frequently used in mathematics, engineering and the physical sciences. Topics include sources of errors in digital computers, fixed point iteration, interpolation and polynomial approximation, numerical differentiation and integration, direct and iterative methods for solving linear systems, and iterative methods for nonlinear systems. Numerical experiments will be conducted using FORTRAN, C, or another appropriate high-level language. Prerequisites: MATH 270 and CSC 121 or permission of instructor.
     
    MATH 371. Algebraic Structures      1 course
    The structure of groups, group homomorphisms and selected topics from other algebraic structures, such as rings, fields and modules. Prerequisite: MATH 270.
     
    MATH 382. Number Theory      1 course
    Divisibility and factorization of integers, linear and quadratic congruences. Selected topics from diophantine equations, the distribution of primes, number-theoretic functions, the representation of integers and continued fractions. Prerequisite: MATH 270 or permission of instructor.
     
    MATH 400. Methods of Teaching Secondary Mathematics      1 course
    A study of effective methods used in presenting topics usually included in secondary school mathematics and a study of exemplary mathematics programs. May not be counted toward a major in Mathematics.
     
    MATH 422. Operations Research  Group 1    1 course
    Topics selected from linear and dynamic programming, network analysis, game theory and queueing theory are applied to problems in production, transportation, resource allocation, scheduling and competition. Prerequisite: MATH 251 and MATH 253 or permission of instructor.
     
    MATH 441. Probability and Statistics I      1 course
    Probability, sample spaces and events, discrete and continuous random variables, density and their distributions, including the binomial, Poisson and normal. Prerequisite: MATH 251 and MATH 223.
     
    MATH 442. Probability and Statistics II      1 course
    Sampling, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression and other selected topics. Prerequisite: MATH 441.
     
    MATH 490. Mathematics Topics      1/2-1 course
    A. Actuarial Mathematics; B. Algebra; C. Analysis; D. Foundations of Mathematics; E. Geometry; F. Probability and Statistics; G. Applied Mathematics; H. Special Topics. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
     
    MATH 495. Seminar: Mathematics      1 course
    Advanced topics considered individually or in small groups. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
     

    ©2001 DePauw University

    email: sbates@depauw.edu

    Last Updated: 4/15/2004