Mathematics

Stavros Christofi, Chair
christofis@wcsu.edu
Higgins Hall 102E, Midtown campus
(203) 837-9351
(203) 837-8289 (fax)

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

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

Faculty

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

Adjunct Faculty

M. Abdullah	M. Aldrich	M. Alexandru
W. Barrett	J. Breen	J. DiGiacomo
H. Fullman	K. Gancheva	R. Hopkins
E. Kowalchuk	E. Lehman	C. Myhill
W. Newsom-Stewart	J. Prizio	M. Saccucci
E. Tremonte	C. Wallace	E. Wood
T. Zaloski

Overview

In the exciting, technologically advanced, and dynamic age we live in, mathematics has become one of the primary players in developing useful solutions to practical problems, receiving its rightful recognition as one of the cornerstone components of discovery and innovation.

Employers from businesses and government agencies to schools and foundations understand more and more the benefits of hiring an employee able to think critically and problem-solve — an employee with the skills that mathematics teaches.

Math Students at WCSU may choose major options in pure or applied mathematics or math education and are challenged to gain mastery in a variety of mathematical areas while fulfilling all requirements of a liberal arts education. The programs are flexible and up-to-date.

Students have the opportunity to pursue their particular mathematical interests by working closely with Western’s dedicated mathematics professors on independent projects. These may be in such diverse areas as analytical and numerical methods for partial differential equations, combinatorics, actuarial math, axiomatic set theory, cryptology, wavelets, topological measure theory, scientific computing and more.

For students who plan to continue with graduate studies in math or a related field, as well as those who look forward to beginning a career upon graduation, studying mathematics at Western will provide the knowledge and skills required to achieve success.

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.

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.
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.
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 than 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 570), placement will be in MAT 098 Elementary Algebra, 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 620 or above. Detailed information can be found on the departmental website.

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 use a required Workbook that guides them to the necessary videos, animations and required homework assignments needed during the learning process. The completion of the Workbook is mandatory and is 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. A professor and/or Teacher’s Aide are always present and available to teach/help/guide a student when needed but there is little “Chalk and Talk” in the traditional sense.

Thomas Grant, Math Emporium Coordinator
granttt@wcsu.edu
Higgins Annex 114A, Midtown campus
(203) 837-9370
(203) 837-8289 (fax)

Degree Programs in Mathematics

Bachelor of Arts

Mathematics
Mathematics with Computer Science Option

Bachelor of Science

Secondary Education: Mathematics

Minor Programs

Mathematics

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (B.A.)

Requirements:

Students must complete all general education competency-based requirements, the courses and credits listed below and additional free electives to total a minimum of 120 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 Ordinary Differential Equations
MAT 332 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
MAT 375 Algebraic Structures
MAT 383 Introduction to Mathematical Analysis
MAT 453 Senior Seminar Experience
* 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 competency-based 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 Computer Science I
CS 205 Data Modeling and Database Concepts
CS 221 Object Oriented Prog & DS
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:

Students will communicate mathematics in written form, using appropriate mathematical writing conventions.
Students will read, explain and create mathematical exposition.
Students will analyze, model and solve problems.
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:

Knowledge of Mathematical Problem Solving
Knowledge of Reasoning and Proof
Knowledge of Mathematical Communication
Knowledge of Mathematical Connections
Knowledge of Mathematical Representation
Knowledge of Technology
Dispositions
Knowledge of Mathematics Pedagogy
Knowledge of Number and Operation
Knowledge of Different Perspectives on Algebra
Knowledge of Geometries
Knowledge of Calculus
Knowledge of Discrete Mathematics
Knowledge of Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability
Knowledge of Measurement
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 Secondary Education – Mathematics (B.S.)

Requirements:

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

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
MAT 251 Problem Solving
MAT 332 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
And two of the following:
MAT 281 Calculus III
MAT 212 Math in the Middle Grades
MAT 363 History of Mathematics
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 182
MAT 181

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
MAT 185	MAT 222
MAT 207	MAT 282
MAT 272	MAT 375
MAT 281

Junior Year

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

Senior Year

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Math elective	MAT 453
	Math elective

Mathematics – Secondary Education (B.S.)

Freshman Year

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

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
MAT 185	MAT 222
MAT 207	MAT 375
MAT 281	Math elective

Junior Year

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
MAT 242	MAT 342
MAT 272	MAT 383
Math elective	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.