Mathematics

Stavros Christofi, Chair
christofis@wcsu.edu
Higgins Hall 101N, Midtown campus
(203) 837-9351
(203) 837-8289 (fax)

David Burns, Associate Chair
burnsd@wcsu.edu
Higgins Hall 101A, Midtown campus
(203) 837-9346

Cathy Desisto-Reynolds, Department Secretary
reynoldsc@wcsu.edu
Higgins Hall Office Suite 101 Reception, 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
L. Novozhilova
C. Rocca
M. Shoushani
T. Trimble (Vis. Assistant Prof.)
X. Wang

Adjunct Faculty

M. Aldrich	M. Alexandru	W. Barrett
J. Breen	J. DiGiacomo	K. Gancheva
R. Hopkins	E. Kowalchuk	E. Lehman
W. Newsom-Stewart	C. Peterson	K. Pisano
M. Saccucci	K. Sherman	E. Tremonte
C. Wallace	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 foundational 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 with quantitative competencies able to think abstractly, 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 research projects. These may be in such diverse areas as analytical and numerical methods for partial differential equations, combinatorics, actuarial math, axiomatic set theory, cryptology, machine learning, 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 Plus 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. A 3, or higher, in AP Calculus AB allows a student to earn credit for Calculus I MAT 181. Detailed information can be found on the departmental website (http://www.wcsu.edu/math/placement-testing/ ).

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 Hall 122A, Midtown campus
(203) 837-9370
(203) 837-8289 (fax)

Degree Programs in Mathematics

Bachelor of Arts

Mathematics with Computer Science Option

Bachelor of Science

Secondary Education: Mathematics

Minor Programs

Mathematics

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (B.A.)

Requirements:

Part 1: General Education Competency Requirement

See: ( http://wcsu.edu/catalogs/undergraduate/academic-programs-degrees/ )

All math majors must complete the university’s general education requirements. See description here:

Part 2: General Education Exploration Requirements (40 cr.)

You need to complete a total of 40 credits outside your major; this includes the required cognate courses listed below as well as any other courses outside your major.

WRT 101: Composition I (Writing Tier 1)

CS 140 Intro to Programming or CS 143 Visual Basic

Sequence Option: Choose from 1 of: BIO 103/104 or CHE 110/111 or PHY 110/11 or ECO 211/213

Part 3:Major Requirements (45 cr.)

Courses with ✢ require a C or better.

MAT 150 & 151: Math Seminar I & II

MAT 141: Foundations in Discrete Math ✢

MAT 182: Calculus II ✢

MAT 185: Math with Symbolic Computation

MAT 207: Proofs ✢

MAT 222: Introductory Statistics

MAT 272: Introduction to Linear Algebra ✢

MAT 281: Calculus III ✢

MAT 282: Differential Equations

MAT 332: Intro. to Applied Math ✢

MAT 375: Algebraic Structures ✢

MAT 383: Introduction to Analysis ✢

MAT 453 Senior Seminar Experience

MAT 467 Topics Sequence Elective

Choose 1 Department Approved Elective (MAT 250, 251, 298, 299, 342, 351, 359 or 363)

Part 4: General Electives (35 cr.)

MAT 181: Calculus I or MAT 170/171

Take additional credits to earn a total of at least 120 credits.

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.)

Part 1: General Education Competency Requirement

See: ( http://wcsu.edu/catalogs/undergraduate/academic-programs-degrees/)

All math majors must complete the university’s general education requirements. See description here:

Part 2: General Education Exploration Requirements (40 cr.)

You need to complete a total of 40 credits outside your major; this includes the required cognate courses listed below as well as any other courses outside your major.

WRT 101: Composition I (Writing Tier 1)

Lab Science Sequence Option: Choose from 1 of: BIO 103/104 or CHE 110/111 or PHY 110/11 or PHY 120/121

Part 3:Major Requirements (45 cr.)

Requirements:

Courses with ✢ require a C or better.

MAT 150 & 151: Math Seminar I & II

MAT 182: Calculus II ✢

MAT 207: Proofs ✢

MAT 272: Introduction to Linear Algebra ✢

MAT 281: Calculus III ✢

MAT 375: Algebraic Structures ✢

MAT 453: Senior Seminar Experience

MAT 165: Introductory Discrete Math ✢

Choose 1 of: MAT 222 Introductory Statistics or MAT 282 Differential Equations

Choose 1 of: MAT 332 Intro. to Applied Math or MAT 359 Theory of Computation

CS 170: Computer Science I: Language

CS 205: Data Modeling and Database Design

CS 315: Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Choose 1 CS Engineering Elective: CS 305 or CS 350 or CS 360

Part 4: General Electives (35 cr.)

MAT 181: Calculus I or MAT 170/171

Choose 1 of: CS 140: Introduction to Programming or CS 143 Visual Basic

Take additional credits to earn a total of at least 120 credits

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.)

Part 1: General Education Competency Requirement

See http://wcsu.edu/catalogs/undergraduate/academic-programs-degrees/

Part 2: General Education Exploration Requirements (40 cr.)

You need to complete a total of 40 credits outside your major; this includes the required cognate courses listed below as well as any other courses outside your major.

WRT 101: Composition I

CS 140 Intro to Programming

Fine Arts class

Lab Science class (that satisfies Scientific Inquiry)

HIS 148 or 149

Part 3:Major Requirements (80 cr.)

Math Requirements (43 cr.)

MAT 150 & 151: Math Seminar I & II

MAT 141: Foundations in Discrete Math

MAT 181: Calculus I or MAT 170/171

MAT 182: Calculus II

MAT 207: Proofs

MAT 212: Math in the Middle Grades

MAT 222: Introductory Statistics

MAT 242: Foundations of Geometry

MAT 272: Introduction to Linear Algebra

MAT 281: Calculus III

MAT 342: Topics in Geometry

MAT 375: Algebraic Structures

Choose one of: MAT 363 History of Math

or MAT 383 Intro. To Analysis

Choose one other 200-400 level math course

Certification Requirements (37 cr.)

You must earn a B or better in each of the following.

ED 206: Introduction to Education

ED 212: Educational Psychology II

HPX 215: Health Issues in Schools

ED 385: Methods of Teaching

ED 386: Secondary Education Professional Dev.

ED 405: Introduction to Special Education

ED 440: Integrating Language

ED 449: Teaching Math in Secondary Schools

ED 340: Assessment of Teaching Strategies

ED 342: Student Teaching (Pass/Fail)

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

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 (secondary education) have a 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 181	MAT 182
	MAT 141

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
MAT 185	MAT 222
MAT 207	MAT 272
MAT 281	MAT 282
	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
Math elective	MAT 453
	Math elective

Mathematics – Secondary Education (B.S.)

Freshman Year

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

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
MAT 207	MAT 222
MAT 281	MAT 272
	MAT 212

Junior Year

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
MAT 242	MAT 342
	MAT 375
	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.