Mathematics (B.S.)
Courses
Click on any of the course titles below to see the course’s description:
- MATH 051 Basic Mathematics
- MATH 152 Elementary Algebra
- MATH 153 Intermediate Algebra
- MATH 161 Functions and Graphs 1
- MATH 162 Functions and Graphs 2
- MATH 170 Mathematics for Sustainable Living
- MATH 200 Mathematics and Infinity
- MATH 266 Geometry for the Artist
- MATH 267 Geometry
- MATH 272 Discrete Mathematics
- MATH 281 Calculus 1
- MATH 282 Calculus 2
- MATH 283 Calculus 3
- MATH 286 Linear Algebra 1
- MATH 304 Calculus 4
- MATH 307 Linear Algebra 2
- MATH 308 Ordinary Differential Equations
- MATH 315 Special Topics in Mathematics
- MATH 351 Probability
- MATH 353 Probability and Statistics 1
- MATH 370 Mathematical Logic
- MATH 401 Practicum in Teaching College Mathematics
- MATH 402 Undergraduate Research in Mathematics
- MATH 423 Real Analysis 1
- MATH 424 Real Analysis 2
- MATH 431 Algebra 1
- MATH 432 Algebra 2
- MATH 434 Set Theory
- MATH 466 Topology
- MATH 485 Theory of Computation
- MATH 490 Senior Project
Locating the Basis of Mathematics in the Self-Interacting Dynamics of Consciousness
Arithmetic is the study of patterns, relations, and operations on numbers. Topics include the arithmetic of integers, fractions, decimal fractions, ratios, and percents, with an emphasis on applications. (0 credits)
Using Variables to Manage All Possible Numbers at the Same Time and Solve Practical Problems
The infinitely flexible language of algebra is used to quantify and model mathematical patterns and relationships. Topics include operations on algebraic expressions, linear equations, the coordinate plane, inequalities, factoring, and simple quadratic equations. (4 credits) Prerequisite: Math 051
Using Variables to Manage All Possible Numbers at the Same Time and Solve Practical Problems
This course extends Elementary Algebra to develop further algebraic models. Topics include polynomials, rational and radical expressions, quadratic equations, and graphing in the coordinate plane. (4 credits) Prerequisite: Math 052
Name and Form — Locating the Patterns of Orderliness That Connect a Function with Its Graph and Describe Numerical Relationships
A mathematical function quantifies the relationship between two related quantities and can be used to model change. Functions and their graphs are essential to all branches of mathematics and their applications. Topics: domain and range, average rate of change, graphs, functions (linear, exponential, logarithmic, and quadratic), and applications. (4 credits) Prerequisite: Math 153
Name and Form — Learning to Relate the Shape of a Graph to Its Corresponding Function
A mathematical function quantifies the relationship between two related quantities and can be used to model change. Functions and their graphs are essential to all branches of mathematics and their applications. Topics: trigonometry, algebra of functions, compositions and inverses of functions, functions (trigonometric, power, polynomial, and rational), and applications. (4 credits) Prerequisite: Math 161
Knowledge is for Action
This course is designed especially for students entering the major in Sustainable Living who do not have the basic algebraic prerequisites for that major. Topics are drawn from college algebra, geometry, functions, and graphs, and these topics are related to problems in Sustainable Living such as landscaping, heat loss, solar and wind energy, and water management. (4 credits) Prerequisite: Math 162
Exploring the Full Range of Mathematics and Seeing Its Source in Your Self
Mathematics takes place in the imagination, in consciousness, unlimited either by finite measuring instruments, by the senses, or even by the feelings. At the same time, mathematics has strict criteria for right knowledge. The power of mathematics lies in bringing infinity out into the finite and making it useful in everyday life — from deciding which bank offers the best return on money, to medical imaging, to designing textiles, to creating a work of art, to putting a man on the moon. In this course, students explore many different ways in which mathematics expresses, emerges from, and uses infinity and its self-interacting dynamics. They look at the foundation of mathematics in the infinitary processes of set theory, the universe of sets, different sizes of infinity, the continuum and its limit process, sequences and series, infinite replication, and applications of infinity in many areas of life. (4 credits)
Geometry for the Artist: Applying Abstractions of Shape and Form to Create Beautiful Concrete Images
Geometry, the study of shape and form, is an essential tool for the visual artist. Topics in this course include symmetry, Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry, perspective and projective geometry, and fractals. Materials fee: $10 (4 credits) Prerequisite: STC 108/109
Geometry: From Point to Infinity — Using Properties of Shape and Form to Handle Visual and Spatial Data
Geometry gives an understanding of shape, form, and structure that has many applications in mathematics, science, and technology. In-depth study of Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries and their applications. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 162
Unified Approaches to Managing Discrete Phenomena in Computer Science and Other Disciplines
Discrete mathematics, the study of finite processes and discrete phenomena, is essential for computer science. Topics include logic and sets, relations and functions, vertex-edge graphs, recursion, and combinatorics. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 162, WTG 192
MATH 281 Calculus 1: Derivatives as the Mathematics of Transcending, Used to Handle Changing Quantities
Calculus, one of the most useful areas of mathematics, is the study of continuous change. It provides the language and concepts used by modern science to quantify the laws of nature and the numerical techniques through which this knowledge is applied to enrich daily life. Using the mathematics computer laboratory, students gain a clear understanding of the fundamental principles of calculus and how they are applied in real-world situations. Topics: limits, continuity, derivatives, applications of derivatives, integrals, and the fundamental theorem of calculus. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 162
MATH 282 Calculus 2: Integrals as the Mathematics of Unification, Used to Handle Wholeness
Topics: techniques of integration, further applications of derivatives, and applications of integration. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 281
Unified Management of Change in All Possible Directions
Calculus, one of the most useful areas of mathematics, is the study of continuous change. It provides the language and concepts used by modern science to quantify the laws of nature and the numerical techniques through which this knowledge is applied to enrich daily life. Using the mathematics computer laboratory, students gain a clear understanding of the fundamental principles of calculus and how they are applied in real-world situations. Topics: infinite series, functions of several variables and their derivatives, gradient, directional derivatives, vector-valued functions and their derivatives, the Jacobian matrix, and chain rule. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 286
Linear Algebra 1: Linearity as the Simplest Form of a Quantitative Relationship
Linear algebra studies linearity, the simplest form of quantitative relationship, and provides a basis for the study of many areas of pure and applied mathematics, as well as key applications in the physical, biological, and social sciences. Topics include systems of linear equations, vectors, vector equations, matrices, determinants, vector spaces, bases, and linear transformations. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 282
Calculus 4: Locating Silence within Dynamism
This course extends the calculus of a function of a single real variable to functions of several real variables. Topics include maxima and minima, curvilinear coordinates, line integrals, multiple integrals, change of variables, gradient fields, surface integrals, and the theorems of Green, Stokes, and Gauss. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 283
Linear Algebra 2: Unified Approaches to Linear Transformations
This course deepens and extends many of the topics covered in Linear Algebra 1; additional topics include the Cayley-Hamilton theorem, Jordan canonical form, inner-product spaces, orthogonality, and spectral theory. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 286
Ordinary Differential Equations: Describing Evolving Systems and Predicting Their Future
The most concise mathematical expression that describes a continuously changing physical system is a differential equation, which uses derivatives to quantify all possible states of an evolving system in one equation. Topics include first-order differential equations, second-order linear differential equations, power-series solutions, Laplace transforms, numerical methods of solution, and systems of differential equations. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 283
In this course students investigate a specialized area of mathematics in depth. Topics will vary. (4 credits — may be repeated for credit) Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor
Probability: Locating Orderly Patterns in Random Events to Predict Future Outcomes
Probability provides precise descriptions of the laws underlying random events, with applications in quantum physics, statistics, computer science, and control theory. Topics include permutations and combinations, conditional probability, random variables, discrete and continuous distributions, expectation, and the central limit theorem. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 282
Probability and Statistics 1: Methods for Deriving Dependable Knowledge from Incomplete Information
Probability provides precise mathematical descriptions of the laws underlying random events, and statistics uses this mathematical theory to make inferences from empirical data and assess their reliability. Topics include probability, random variables, probability distributions, mean and standard deviation, central limit theorem, tests of hypotheses, linear regression, and correlation. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 161
Mathematical Logic: Mathematical Criteria for Establishing Accurate Forms of Knowledge
Mathematical logic is the mathematical description of the structure and function of the symbolic language of mathematics. This course develops a rigorous symbolic language, suitable for expressing all mathematical concepts, demonstrates the soundness and completeness of the language, and shows the inherent limitations of such formal systems indicated by Gödel’s Incompleteness Theorems. (4 credits) Prerequisite: consent of the instructor
Practicum in Teaching College Mathematics: Knowledge Is Structured in Consciousness
Under the direction of a senior faculty member, students prepare and give lectures, lead tutorial sessions, and write and grade quizzes and exams for a college-level mathematics course. (4 credits) Prerequisite: consent of the instructor
Undergraduate Research in Mathematics
This course provides an opportunity for students to do original research under the supervision of a faculty member. (1 credit) Prerequisite: consent of the instructor
Real Analysis 1: Locating the Finest Impulses of Dynamism within the Continuum of Real Numbers
Analysis is the mathematically rigorous development of calculus based on the theory of infinite sets. The analysis sequence begins with the application of the infinitary methods of set theory to construct the uncountable continuum of real numbers and unfold its topological structure, and then shows how the basic principles of calculus can be logically unfolded from this set-theoretic understanding of the continuum. Topics: infinite sets, completeness, open sets, closed sets, compact sets, connected sets, and continuous functions. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 283
Developing a Conceptual Foundation for Calculus
Analysis is the mathematically rigorous development of calculus based on the theory of infinite sets. The analysis sequence begins with the application of the infinitary methods of set theory to construct the uncountable continuum of real numbers and unfold its topological structure, and then shows how the basic principles of calculus can be logically unfolded from this set-theoretic understanding of the continuum. Topics: properties of continuous functions, differentiation, mean value theorem, Riemann integral. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 423
Algebra 1: Algebraic Operations as the Self-Interacting Dynamics of a Mathematical System
Algebra is the study of the structures given to sets of elements by operations or relations as well as the structure-preserving transformations between these sets. Topics: groups and subgroups, quotient groups, group homomorphisms, direct sum, kernel, image, Noether isomorphism theorems, and the structure of finitely generated abelian groups. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 286
The Integration and Interaction of Two Algebraic Operations on a Mathematical System
Algebra is the study of the structures given to sets of elements by operations or relations as well as the structure-preserving transformations between these sets. Topics: rings, integral domains, fields, principal ideal domains, unique factorization domains, modules and submodules, tensor products, and exact sequences. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 431
Set Theory: Mathematics Unfolding the Path to the Unified Field — the Most Fundamental Field of Natural Law
Set theory provides a unified foundation for the diverse theories of modern mathematics based upon the single concept of a set. Topics include axioms of set theory, ordinals, transfinite induction, the universe of sets, cardinal arithmetic, large cardinals, and independence results. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 370
Topology: Relation between Point and Infinity
Topology shows how all mathematical aspects of shape, structure, and form can be expressed in terms of set theory. Students study topologies and their properties of separation, connectedness and compactness, topological mappings, and the fundamental group of a topological space. (4 credits) Prerequisites: MATH 423 and 431
The Laws That Govern the Self-Interacting Dynamics of Numbers and Their Application
Students focus on formal abstract models of computation and capabilities of abstract machines in relation to their increasing ability to recognize more general classes of formal languages. Topics include formal grammars, finite-state machines, equivalence of finite-state machines, right-linear and left-linear grammars, pushdown automata, context-free languages, Turing machines, unsolvable problems, and recursive functions. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 272
Senior Project: Integration of All Knowledge in the Self
Students write a substantial paper unifying the knowledge gained from the courses taken during their major and relating this knowledge to deep principles from Maharishi’s Vedic Science. This paper may take the form of: 1) An integrated summary of main ideas from the courses taken during their major, addressing themes and questions to be provided by the Department of Mathematics, or 2) A paper written in accord with the guidelines for submissions for the Raja Raam Award and submitted for that award (see description elsewhere in this Catalog), or 3) A report of research conducted by the student on a mathematical topic or problem chosen in conjunction with the Department of Mathematics. In all of these cases, the paper will be made by the student into a poster for submission for presentation at the annual Knowledge Celebration in June of the year of completion of the major. (4 credits) Prerequisite: consent of the instructor
The content of this page was reviewed in January 2010.
back to top