Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science
The various disciplines within the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science are united by their reliance upon:
- methods for discovering and demonstrating patterns, and for constructing structures that exhibit, unify and illuminate these patterns;
- applications of these structures to model a wide variety of phenomena in mathematics and the sciences;
- precise language as a means to express patterns and describe structures.
Students in programs associated with this Department are therefore trained in theoretical and practical problem-solving skills that prepare them to contribute in a wide variety of industrial, educational and other professional settings.
The Department offers:
- A major or minor in Mathematics.
- A minor in Physics.
- A minor in Computer Science.
- A minor in Data Analysis.
- In partnership with the University of Kentucky, a transfer program leading to a major in Engineering Arts.
All majors require a senior comprehensive experience. For Mathematics majors, the comprehensive experience takes the form of several written exams, usually taken during the final semester at the College. At the beginning of each semester, students who should take the exams are contacted by the Mathematics program coordinator and advised of a course of study to prepare for these exams. Exam results are communicated by the program coordinator to the Registrar.
Majors and Minors
- Computer Science Minor (CSC)
- Data Analysis Minor (DTA)
- Engineering Arts Major (EGR)
- Mathematics Major (MAT) B.A.
- Mathematics Major (MAT) B.S.
- Mathematics Minor (MAT)
- Physics Minor (PHY)
Classes
CSC215 : Computer Science II
This course continues the study of the computer language and programming topics begun in CSC 115 and covers some tools and resources that are available in the larger “eco-system” of the programming language under study.
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
CSC115.
Semester Offered
CSC303 : Fundamentals of Data Computing
This course focuses on data analysis in settings where the data is so large, dispersed or messy that machine-processing is required to gather, clean and transform it into forms suitable for analysis. We also study computer-based techniques for the analysis of such data, including machine data visualization and modeling with data. Principles of reproducible research are studied and put into practice throughout the course.
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
MAT111 or CSC115 or PSY211 or permission of the instructor.
Semester Offered
CSC324 : Web Programming
The study of one or more web programming languages, and the application of these languages in frontend and back-end web development.
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
CSC115
Semester Offered
CSC400 : Modern Data Science
This course continues the work of CSC 303. Topics include supervised machine-earning, unsupervised machine-learning, interactive graphics, database query, web-app frameworks for data exploration and reporting, and workflow-tools such as version-control systems. Additional topics such as network analysis or text-based analysis may be covered as time permits.
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
Semester Offered
CSC460 : Internship
Credit Hour(s)
1 - 3Prerequisites
CSC115 and consent of the supervising instructor.
MAT107 : College Algebra
A survey of algebraic techniques and of functions. Topics include solving equations and inequalities, graphs, transformations of functions, inverse functions, and exponential and logarithmic functions. Can be used as preparation for MAT109. Not applicable to a major or minor in mathematics. Students with a grade of C or higher in MAT123 (or its equivalent) may not subsequently take MAT107 for credit.
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
Math ACT subscore of 19 or permission of the mathematics coordinator.
Semester Offered
MAT109 : Calculus for Business and the Social Sciences
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
Math ACT subscore of 22 or MAT107.
Semester Offered
MAT111 : Elementary Probability and Statistics
An introductory study of statistics, including such topics as numerical and graphical descriptive statistics, sampling methods and design of studies and experiments, basic probability, the distribution of sampling statistics, and inferential procedures such as confidence intervals and tests of hypotheses. Not applicable to a major or minor in Mathematics.
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
Math ACT subscore of 19 or permission of the mathematics coordinator.
Semester Offered
MAT115 : Liberal Arts Mathematics
An introductory mathematics class with a focus on practical applications including but not limited to: money management, basic statistics, voting and social choice, and management science. Students with a grade of C or higher in MAT109 or MAT125 (or its equivalent) may not subsequently take this course for credit. Not applicable to a major or minor in Mathematics.
Credit Hour(s)
3Semester Offered
MAT123 : Precalculus
A survey of algebraic and trigonometric techniques and functions designed to prepare students for the study of calculus. Topics include a review of algebra, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, and trigonometric identities. If time permits, systems of equations and conic sections will be introduced. Not applicable to a major or minor in mathematics.
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
Math ACT subscore of 22 or consent of instructor.
Semester Offered
MAT125 : Calculus I
A study of the derivative, its applications, and an introduction to the integral. Topics include limits, continuity, techniques of differentiation, optimization, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and indefinite integrals.
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
A grade of C or better in MAT123, or high school precalculus and knowledge of trigonometric functions.
Semester Offered
MAT203 : Mathematics for Elementary Education I
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
Sophomore standing.
Semester Offered
MAT204 : Mathematics for Elementary Education II
A continuation of MAT203. A detailed development of the mathematics taught in elementary school using a problem-solving approach. Topics include further development of the real numbering system, informal geometry, probability, and statistics. For elementary education majors only.
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
MAT203.
Semester Offered
MAT225 : Calculus II
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
MAT125 or the equivalent.
Semester Offered
MAT301 : Discrete Mathematics
An introduction to fundamental theoretical concepts of mathematics. Topics include logic, techniques of proof, elementary set theory, mathematical induction, relations and functions, and counting techniques.
Credit Hour(s)
3Corequisites
MAT225.
Semester Offered
MAT303 : Fundamentals of Data Computing
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
MAT111 or CSC115 or PSY211 or permission of the instructor.
Semester Offered
MAT310 : Linear Algebra
A theoretical study of systems of linear equations and vector spaces. Topics include matrix algebra, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, determinants, and linear programming.
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
MAT225
Semester Offered
MAT325 : Calculus III
A continuation of the study of single-variable calculus, and a study of multivariable calculus. Topics include parametric equations, polar coordinates, vectors, and vector-valued functions, partial differentiation, Lagrange multipliers, and double and triple integrals.
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
MAT225.
Semester Offered
MAT331 : Probability Theory
A study of chance phenomena and probability distributions, with selected applications. Topics include probability laws and elementary combinatorics, random variables, discrete and continuous probability distributions, joint distributions, conditional probability, and Central Limit Theorem.
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
MAT225.
Semester Offered
MAT335 : Advanced Geometry
A rigorous but non-axiomatic treatment of advanced geometry on the Euclidean plane, from two or more points of view. Possible viewpoints include synthetic geometry, vector geometry, and geometry using complex numbers. Usually additional topic(s) will be covered, with such topics typically being drawn from axiomatic development of elementary geometry, geometry in higher dimensions, non-Euclidean geometries, and historical studies, especially geometry in non-Western cultures.
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
Semester Offered
MAT337 : Applied Statistical Models
A course on modeling in statistics, with a focus on applications. Topics include: basic model designs, geometric understanding of models and random vectors, interpretation of models and inference from them (confidence intervals and hypothesis testing), investigating causation, experiments.
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
MAT225
Semester Offered
MAT343 : Mathematical Modeling
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
MAT125 and CSC115.
Semester Offered
MAT345 : Ordinary Differential Equations
Credit Hour(s)
3Corequisites
MAT325.
Semester Offered
MAT415 : Abstract Algebra
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
MAT225 and 301.
Semester Offered
MAT431 : Real Analysis I
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
MAT225 and 301.
Semester Offered
MAT432 : Real Analysis II
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
MAT431.
Semester Offered
MAT460 : Internship
Credit Hour(s)
1 - 3Prerequisites
Consent of the supervising instructor.
PHY105 : Integrated Physical Science
An introduction to the physical sciences through an examination of sustainable energy. The course is primarily for non-science majors and pre-service elementary and middle school teachers. Mathematics requirements will be kept to a minimum. Laboratory.
Credit Hour(s)
4Area of Inquiry
PHY109 : Meteorology
Introduction to atmospheric structure and behavior including cloud structure and precipitation as well as the effects of pressure, density, temperature, and humidity differences on energy transport and atmospheric motions. Climate, weather forecasting, air pollution, and other applications will be covered. No laboratory.
Credit Hour(s)
3PHY115 : Solar System Astronomy
Content covers the earth, moon, planets, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, TNO’s, and the sun. The planetarium is used occasionally. No laboratory.
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
PHY117 : Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology
Content covers stars, stellar life cycles, pulsars, supernovae, black holes, clusters, galaxies, galactic clusters, quasars, bursters, and the Big Bang theory of cosmology. Occasionally use of the planetarium. No laboratory.
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
PHY211 : College Physics I
Credit Hour(s)
4Prerequisites
MAT107 or equivalent background.
Area of Inquiry
Semester Offered
PHY212 : College Physics II
Credit Hour(s)
4Prerequisites
PHY211.
Area of Inquiry
Semester Offered
PHY241 : Engineering Physics
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PHY211, MAT125.
Corequisites
PHY212 and MAT 225.
Semester Offered
PHY260 : Engineering Preceptorship
Credit Hour(s)
1PHY317 : Statics
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PHY211 and MAT225.
Semester Offered
PHY319 : Dynamics
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PHY241 or 317.
Semester Offered
PHY460 : Internship
Credit Hour(s)
1 - 3Prerequisites
consent of the supervising instructor.