Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science

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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:

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

Classes

CSC115 : Computer Science I

Developing algorithms to solve problems and using the computer as a means to implement algorithms and to automate tasks. The course includes the study of a modern computer language along with the programming paradigms that it represents. Topics include variables, control structures, data structures, objects and reuse of code.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

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)

3

Prerequisites

CSC115.

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

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)

3

Prerequisites

MAT111 or CSC115 or PSY211 or permission of the instructor.

Semester Offered

Fall

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)

3

Prerequisites

CSC115

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

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)

3

Prerequisites

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

CSC460 : Internship

Students may receive graduation credit for internships with appropriate disciplinary content that meet the facultyapproved criteria for academic internships. Such experiences include a significant reflective component and must be supervised by a full-time member of the Georgetown College faculty.

Credit Hour(s)

1 - 3

Prerequisites

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)

3

Prerequisites

Math ACT subscore of 19 or permission of the mathematics coordinator.

Semester Offered

Fall

MAT109 : Calculus for Business and the Social Sciences

An introductory survey of calculus, less theoretical in nature than MAT125. Topics include derivatives of algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions, the definite integral, and applications to business and the social sciences. Not applicable to a major or minor in mathematics. Students with a grade of C or higher in MAT125 (or its equivalent) may not subsequently take this course for credit.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

Math ACT subscore of 22 or MAT107.

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

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)

3

Prerequisites

Math ACT subscore of 19 or permission of the mathematics coordinator.

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

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)

3

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

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)

3

Prerequisites

Math ACT subscore of 22 or consent of instructor.

Semester Offered

Fall

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)

3

Prerequisites

A grade of C or better in MAT123, or high school precalculus and knowledge of trigonometric functions.

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

MAT203 : Mathematics for Elementary Education I

A detailed development of the mathematics taught in elementary school using a problem-solving approach. Topics include numeration, proportional reasoning, number theory, and, for whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, number sense and standard and non-standard algorithms. For elementary education majors only.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

Sophomore standing.

Semester Offered

Fall

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)

3

Prerequisites

MAT203.

Semester Offered

Spring

MAT225 : Calculus II

A continuation of the study of the integral and a study of infinite series. Topics include techniques of integration, applications of the definite integral, introduction to differential equations, tests for convergence of series, and power series.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

MAT125 or the equivalent.

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

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)

3

Corequisites

MAT225.

Semester Offered

Spring

MAT303 : 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 machine-learning. Finally we consider how the practice of reproducible research and the development of interactive web- based applications can enhance communication of the results of data analysis.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

MAT111 or CSC115 or PSY211 or permission of the instructor.

Semester Offered

Fall

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)

3

Prerequisites

MAT225

Semester Offered

Spring

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)

3

Prerequisites

MAT225.

Semester Offered

Fall

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)

3

Prerequisites

MAT225.

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

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)

3

Prerequisites

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

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)

3

Prerequisites

MAT225

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

MAT343 : Mathematical Modeling

An introduction to the study of modeling real- world phenomena, with an emphasis on applications to science. Topics include modeling using difference equations and differential equations, simulation, and matrix modeling and Markov chains.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

MAT125 and CSC115.

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

MAT345 : Ordinary Differential Equations

A study of solution methods and applications of ordinary differential equations. Topics include first order equations, second and higher order linear equations, and linear systems. Additional topics are chosen from: the Laplace transform, power series techniques, Fourier series, nonlinear systems, calculus of variations. An introduction to partial differential equations may also be included.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Corequisites

MAT325.

Semester Offered

Spring

MAT415 : Abstract Algebra

A theoretical development of basic algebraic structures, with an emphasis on group theory. Topics include cyclic groups, Lagrange’s Theorem, quotient groups, and homomorphisms. Rings, integral domains, and fields are introduced.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

MAT225 and 301.

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

MAT431 : Real Analysis I

A theoretical development of the elements of calculus. Topics include sequences, continuity, derivatives, and integrals of single-variable functions.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

MAT225 and 301.

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

MAT432 : Real Analysis II

A continuation of MAT431. Topics include integration theory, infinite series, and series and sequences of functions.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

MAT431.

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

MAT460 : Internship

Students may receive graduation credit for internships with appropriate disciplinary content that meet the faculty-approved criteria for academic internships. Such experiences include a significant reflective component and must be supervised by a full-time member of the Georgetown College faculty.

Credit Hour(s)

1 - 3

Prerequisites

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)

4

Area of Inquiry

Natural Sciences

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)

3

PHY115 : 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)

3

Area of Inquiry

Natural Sciences

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)

3

Area of Inquiry

Natural Sciences

PHY211 : College Physics I

First course in an introductory, algebra-based, physics sequence for college students. Topics include mechanics, heat, thermodynamics, sound, and waves. Laboratory.

Credit Hour(s)

4

Prerequisites

MAT107 or equivalent background.

Area of Inquiry

Natural Sciences

Semester Offered

Fall

PHY212 : College Physics II

Second course in an introductory, algebra- based, physics sequence for college students. Topics include electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Laboratory.

Credit Hour(s)

4

Prerequisites

PHY211.

Area of Inquiry

Natural Sciences

Semester Offered

Spring

PHY241 : Engineering Physics

Supplements Physics 211-212. Selected topics in mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics with the application of calculus in physics.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

PHY211, MAT125.

Corequisites

PHY212 and MAT 225.

Semester Offered

Spring

PHY260 : Engineering Preceptorship

On-site supervised experience in the engineering sciences, observing and working with practicing engineers in the field. Pass/fail grading.

Credit Hour(s)

1

PHY317 : Statics

Application of the conditions of equilibrium to two and three-dimensional systems; trusses, frames and beams; friction; shear and bending moment diagrams; centroids, centers of gravity, area and mass moments of inertia, vectors.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

PHY211 and MAT225.

Semester Offered

Fall

PHY319 : Dynamics

Kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies; work-energy method; impulse and momentum; harmonic motion; two body problem.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

PHY241 or 317.

Semester Offered

Spring

PHY460 : Internship

Students may receive graduation credit for internships with appropriate disciplinary content that meet the faculty-approved criteria for academic internships. Such experiences include a significant reflective component and must be supervised by a full-time member of the Georgetown College faculty.

Credit Hour(s)

1 - 3

Prerequisites

consent of the supervising instructor.