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Mathematics

Mathematics

David Burns, Chair
        burnsd@wcsu.edu
        Higgins Hall 102, Midtown campus
        (203) 837-9346
        (203) 837-8289 (fax)

Cathy Desisto-Reynolds, Department Secretary
        reynoldsc@wcsu.edu
        Higgins Hall 102, Midtown Campus
        (203) 837-9299
        (203) 837-8289 (fax)

Faculty

D. Burns, Chair S. Christofi B. Hall
J. Hamer S. Hayes R. Kutz
S. Lightwood A. Lubell P. Maida
B. Mittag L. Novozhilova C. Rocca
X. Wang    

Adjunct Faculty

M. Aldrich W. Barrett G. Bocaccio
C. Boyhen J. Breen N. Caron
J. DiGiacomo M. Fogarty G. Green
R. Hopkins E. Kowalchuk E. Lehman
J. Prizio M. Sacucci C. Wallace
R. Wollkind S. Zencey  

Overview

The mathematics programs offered by the department are designed to meet the needs of students interested in pure or applied mathematics or mathematics education. The programs are flexible and kept up-to-date. They can accommodate students who plan to continue with graduate studies in mathematics or related fields as well as those who want to enter the profession directly from college.

Mission

It is the mission of the mathematics department to contribute to our society’s mathematical competency in a manner consistent with the university’s mission. To accomplish this, the department has defined its goals for the following three constituencies.

  1. The department supports the development of the mathematics student by providing students with:
    1. A breadth of knowledge in core areas of mathematics.
    2. A depth of knowledge in a specific area.
    3. Strong skills in mathematical communication, problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and applications to related areas.
    4. Personalized learning experience in mathematics.
  2. The department supports the mission of the university by:
    1. Developing mathematical literacy for all students.
    2. Meeting the mathematical needs of all majors.
    3. Providing expertise in mathematics, math education, and statistics.
    4. Conducting theoretical and applied research in the mathematical sciences.
    5. Maintaining a wide presence in the university community outside the department.
  3. The department supports the needs of the community by:
    1. Providing expertise in mathematics, math education, and statistics.
    2. Conducting research in the mathematical sciences.
    3. Providing continuing education and retraining in mathematics and mathematics-based fields.
    4. Fostering the appreciation of mathematical sciences.

University Mathematics Testing and Placement Program

All students admitted to the university are assigned mathematics placement prior to registration. Placement level is determined by SAT scores.  A placement test is available for students wishing to place higher that the SAT placement.  The purpose of the placement/testing is to determine whether the student possesses the basic quantitative skills needed for success in college-level quantitative studies.

If the student requires additional work in the skills area (SAT below 550), placement will be in MAT 100P Intermediate Algebra Enhanced or MAT 100 Intermediate Mathematics. Otherwise, the student may opt for any general education course appropriate to the student’s educational goals.  Students wishing to register for Calculus must have an SAT score of 600 or above.

Instruction in MAT 100 and MAT 100P

MAT 100 and 100P are taught following the Emporium Model of instruction.  Traditional lecture methods are removed from the course and replaced with individual work and one-on-one help from an instructor or tutor.  The text, homework assignments and course exams are part of an online delivery system.  This should not be confused with an online class as daily attendance is required.  Students will use a required Workbook that will guide them to the necessary videos, animations and required homework assignments needed during the learning process.  The completion of the Workbook is mandatory and will be incorporated into the student’s final grade.  These courses are designed to have the student constantly engaged in the learning process using adaptive learning technologies. There will always be a professor and/or Teacher’s Aide present and available to teach/help/guide a student when needed but there will be little “Chalk and Talk” in the traditional sense.

Degree Programs in Mathematics

Bachelor of Arts

Mathematics
Mathematics with Computer Science Option

Bachelor of Science

Elementary Education: Mathematics
Secondary Education: Mathematics

Minor Programs

Mathematics
Mathematics for Elementary Education Majors

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (B.A.)

Requirements:

Students must complete all general education requirements, the courses and credits listed below and additional free electives to total a minimum of 122 semester hours, including foreign language and exercise science.

CS 140 Introduction to Programming
MAT 141 Foundational Discrete Mathematics 
MAT 150 Math Seminar I
MAT 151 Math Seminar II
MAT 171 or 181, 182, 281 Calculus I, II, & III
MAT 185 Introduction to Symbolic Computation
MAT 207 Proofs
MAT 222 Introductory Statistics
MAT 272 Introduction to Linear Algebra
MAT 282 Differential Equations
MAT 332 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
MAT 375 Algebraic Structures
MAT 383 Introduction to Mathematical Analysis
MAT 450 Senior Seminar I
MAT 451 Senior Seminar II
* One elective course which completes a sequence in analysis, algebra or applied math. 
* One major mathematics course chosen from the department list; Refer to the major program sheet.
* A year sequence from one of the following (May also be used to satisfy general education requirement.) BIO 103-104 or CHE 110-111 or ECO 100-101 or PHY 110-111.
* Two mathematics electives chosen from the department.

Course Restrictions
For a complete list of prerequisites, corequisites and other restrictions for all courses, please consult the Course Description section of this catalog.

Bachelor of Arts: Mathematics with Computer Science Option (B.A.)

Requirements:

Students must complete all general education requirements, the courses and credits listed below, and additional free elective to total a minimum of 122 semester hours, including foreign language and exercise science.

Mathematics Courses (35 SH)
MAT 171 or 181, 182, 281 Calculus I, II & III
MAT 150, 151 Mathematics Seminar I and II
MAT 165 Introductory Discrete Mathematics
MAT 207 Proofs
MAT 272 Introduction to Linear Algebra
MAT 375 Algebraic Structures
MAT 282 Ordinary Differential Equations or  MAT 222 Introductory Statistics
MAT 332 Intro to Applied Mathematics or MAT 359 Introduction to the Theory of Computation
MAT 450, 451 Senior Seminar I and II

Computer Science Courses (19 SH)
CS 170, 171 Computer Science I and II
CS 205 Data Modeling and Database Concepts
CS 315 Design and Analysis of Algorithms
CS 350 Object Oriented Software Engineering
Choose one CS elective from the following list:
     CS 305 Database Applications Engineering
     CS 350 Object Oriented Software Engineering
     CS 360 Design and Analysis of Algorithms

In addition, students must complete a one-year sequence in natural science from the following: PHY 110-111, or PHY 120-121, or CHE 110-111, or BIO 103-104.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of their B.A. in Mathematics:

  1. Students will communicate mathematics in written form, using appropriate mathematical writing conventions.
  2. Students will read, explain and create mathematical exposition.
  3. Students will analyze, model and solve problems.
  4. Students will be required to demonstrate proficiency in a variety of technological tools (computer algebra systems, visualization software, statistical packages and some computer programming language).

For those completing a BS in Secondary Education, students will demonstrate competence in the 16 standards for preparation of mathematics teachers as set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.  These standards are:

  1. Knowledge of Mathematical Problem Solving
  2. Knowledge of Reasoning and Proof
  3. Knowledge of Mathematical Communication
  4. Knowledge of Mathematical Connections
  5. Knowledge of Mathematical Representation
  6. Knowledge of Technology
  7. Dispositions
  8. Knowledge of Mathematics Pedagogy
  9. Knowledge of Number and Operation
  10. Knowledge of Different Perspectives on Algebra
  11. Knowledge of Geometries
  12. Knowledge of Calculus
  13. Knowledge of Discrete Mathematics
  14. Knowledge of Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability
  15. Knowledge of Measurement
  16. Field-Based Experiences

More information about specific indicators can be found on the Math department website at www.wcsu.edu/math.

Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Secondary Education – Mathematics (B.S.)

Requirements:

See the Department of Education and Educational Psychology within the School of Professional Studies.

Major Mathematics-Elementary Education (B.S.)

MAT 150 Math Seminar I
MAT 151 Math Seminar II
MAT 171 or 181, 182 Calculus I & II
MAT 120 Elementary Statistics
MAT 242 Foundations of Geometry
MAT 272 Introduction to Linear Algebra
MAT 342 Topics in Geometry
And one of the following:
MAT 250 Mathematical Modeling
or MAT 251 Posing & Solving Problems
or MAT 363 History of Mathematics
* Four mathematics elective course from the department list; see major program sheet.

Mathematics-Secondary Education (B.S.)

MAT 150 Math Seminar I
MAT 151 Math Seminar II
CS 140 Introduction to Programming
MAT 141 Foundational Discrete Mathematics
MAT 207 Proofs
MAT 171 or 181,182,281 Calculus I, II & III
MAT 242 Foundations of Geometry
MAT 272 Introduction to Linear Algebra
MAT 342 Topics in Geometry
And one of the following:
MAT 250 Mathematical Modeling
or MAT 251 Problem Solving
or MAT 332 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
And two of the following:
MAT 281 Calculus III
or MAT 212 Math in the Middle Grades
or MAT 363 History of Mathematics
or MAT 383 Introduction to Analysis
* One major mathematics course from the department list; see major program sheet.

The following are suggested course selections for mathematics majors. Due to the diversity of students’ backgrounds, students must consult with their (math faculty) adviser to select the program sequence that best fits their needs. For example, students with an inadequate math background may have to begin with MAT 170 instead of MAT 181. B.S. majors (elementary and secondary) have professional semester in the fall and student teaching in the spring of their senior year.

Mathematics (B.A.)

Freshman Year

Fall Semester Spring Semester
MAT 150 MAT 151
MAT 141 MAT 207
MAT 181 MAT 182

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester Spring Semester
MAT 185 MAT 222
MAT 272 MAT 282
MAT 281 MAT 375

Junior Year

Fall Semester Spring Semester
MAT 332 MAT 467
Science Sequence I Science Sequence II
  MAT 383

Senior Year

Fall Semester Spring Semester
MAT 450 MAT 451
Math elective Math elective

Mathematics – Elementary Education (B.S.)

Freshman Year

Fall Semester Spring Semester
MAT 150 MAT 151
MAT 105 MAT 120
MAT 181 MAT 182

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester Spring Semester
MAT 1242 MAT 342
MAT 281 Math Elective

Junior Year

Fall Semester Spring Semester
MAT 272 MAT elective
MAT elective MAT elective

Senior Year

Fall Semester Spring Semester
Professional semester Student teaching

Mathematics – Secondary Education (B.S.)

Freshman Year

Fall Semester Spring Semester
MAT 150 MAT 151
MAT 141 MAT 207
MAT 181 MAT 182

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester Spring Semester
MAT 185 MAT 222
MAT 242 MAT 342
MAT 281 Math elective

Junior Year

Fall Semester Spring Semester
MAT 272 MAT 375
Math elective MAT 383
   Math elective

Senior Year

Fall Semester Spring Semester
Professional semester Student teaching

Minor in Mathematics

At least 17 credits in major mathematics courses, including MAT 171 or 181, and MAT 182. In addition, the student must achieve a GPA of 2.0 or better in the courses used to fulfill the minor requirements.

Minor in Mathematics for Elementary Education Majors

At least 17 credits to include MAT 171 or 181, MAT 182, MAT 120, MAT 242 and at least one of the following: MAT 211, MAT 363 or MAT 251. Additionally, MAT 105 is required, as it is for all elementary education certification students.