Mathematics

Mathematics Examination and Placement Policy

Students must take the FLC Mathematics Placement Examination prior to enrolling at Fort Lewis College unless they have mathematics transfer credit from another college or university. This exam is normally taken during the new-student orientation sessions. Students may also arrange to take, or retake, the exam at any time by contacting the Learning Assistance Center, Room 280 Noble Hall, 970-247-7383.

A prerequisite course must be completed with a grade of C- or better, or the student must have the consent of the instructor to take the course. Students will not receive credit for a mathematics course that is a prerequisite for a previously completed course.

Most mathematics courses require the student to have a graphing calculator. For advice on which model to buy, contact the course instructor or the Chair of the Department. At the present, the TI-83 is commonly used.

Math 110 College Algebra (4-0) 4
This course covers the topics in algebra necessary for students who plan to enroll in Math 210 Calculus for Business and the Biological Sciences or Math 121 Precalculus. The use of technology to aid in problem solving is an integral part of the course. Specific topics covered are simplification of algebraic expressions, complex numbers, solutions of equations (including systems of linear equations) and inequalities, and functions, including polynomial, root, rational, exponential, and logarithmic. Fall, winter, and summer terms.
Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra, one year of geometry and placement into Math 110 through the Mathematics Placement Examination or successful completion of TRS 92.

Math 121 Pre-Calculus (4-0) 4
This course covers the topics in algebra and trigonometry necessary for students who plan on enrolling in Math 221 Calculus I. Technological methods, in addition to symbolic methods, are essential in solving problems. The course will include an in-depth analysis of the topics covered in Math 110, with additional emphasis on symbolic methods. In addition, other topics include trigonometric functions, vectors, polar coordinates, parametric equations, and the conic sections. The concept of function, with its multiple representations, will be emphasized. Fall, winter, and summer.
Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra, one year of geometry and placement into Math121 through the Mathematics Placement Examination or successful completion of Math 110.

Math 130 Mathematics for Liberal Arts (3-0) 3
This course contains an introductory survey of a variety of topics such as theory and history of mathematics, logic, problem solving, number theory, consumer applications, and probability. Fall and winter terms.
Prerequisites: 18 on Math ACT or completion of TRS 92 or placement by Mathematics Placement Exam.

Math 135 Mathematical Concepts (3-0) 3
Students develop familiarity with concepts of number and measurement, both exact and approximate; number sense; patterns and representations of numbers, including estimations of solutions; geometric figures; functions and connections between variables using algebraic, tabular, and graphical representations; probability and statistical relations, with elementary analysis of data.
Prerequisites: 18 on Math ACT or completion of TRS 92 or placement by Mathematics Placement Exam.

Math 201 Elementary Statistics (4-0) 4
An introduction to basic ideas in statistics including descriptive statistics, measure of central tendency and dispersion, probability, sampling distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, regression and correlation, and statistical software application. Credit will be given for only one of BA 253, Psyc 241, or Math 201. Fall and winter terms.
Prerequisites: Math 110 or consent of instructor.

Math 210 Calculus for Business and the
Biological Sciences (4-0) 4
An introductory calculus course intended for students majoring in business administration, economics, or the biological sciences. Topics include limits, differential and integral calculus of one variable, and an introduction to calculus of two variables. Fall and winter terms.
Prerequisites: Math 100 or placement into Math 210 through the Mathematics Placement Examination.

Math 215 Mathematics for the
Elementary School Teacher (2-2) 3
This course is designed primarily for the elementary school teacher. It includes a study of sets, set operations, construction of numeration systems, whole and integer and rational number arithmetic, ratio and proportion, decimals, percent, selected topics in geometry, the metric system, and an introduction to the real number system. Fall, winter, and summer terms.
Prerequisites: Must have sophomore standing.

Math 221 Calculus I (4-0) 4
Limits, continuity, derivatives and integrals of functions of one variable including polynomial, root, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and inverse trigonometric functions. Applications of Calculus are included. Fall and winter terms.
Prerequisites: Math 121 or placement into Math 221 by the Mathematics Placement Examination.

Math 222 Calculus II (4-0) 4
A continuation of Math 221. Techniques and applications of integration, introduction to differential equations and applications, sequences and series, applications using polar and parametric coordinate systems.
Prerequisites: Math 221.

Math 223 Calculus III (4-0) 4
Vectors and multivariable calculus with applications. Fall and winter terms.
Prerequisites: Math 222.

Math 300W Writing in Mathematics (3-0) 3
Writing and interpretation associated with problem statements and solutions, proof structures, modeling experiments, exposition and technical reports. Winter term.
Prerequisites: Math 221, Comp 150, Lib 150.

Math 301 Foundations for Advanced Mathematics (4-0) 4
A study of mathematical systems and the forms and techniques of proofs. Included are logic, set theory, and an introduction to elementary number theory. These are studied in some depth and with careful attention to forms of proofs. This course is a prerequisite for most upper-division courses in mathematics. It is often taken concurrently with Math 222 or 223. Fall term.
Prerequisites: Math 221.

Math 305 Discrete Mathematical Structures (3-2) 4
A study of sets, graphs, trees, combinatorics, probability, recursion, algorithms, mathematical reasoning and modeling computation with applications to computer science. Winter term.
Prerequisites: Math 221 or Math 210, CSIS 110 or consent of instructor.

Math 310 Mathematics for Secondary Teachers (3-0) 3
This course is for students who are planning to be secondary of middle school teachers. It will include concepts from discrete math, geometry, algebra, and data collection and analysis. It will include uses of technology, in particular the graphing calculator and software used in geometric investigations.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into teacher education program.

Math 311 Matrices and Linear Algebra (4-0) 4
A study of the properties and applications of matrices, including systems of equations, determinants, similarity, and eigenvalues. An introduction to the theory of vector spaces and linear transformations. Fall term.
Prerequisites: Math 221.

Math 316 Topics in Number Theory (3-0) 3
Some of the topics to be presented in this course are: modular arithmetic, finite fields, basic prime number theorems, congruences, and combinations. Winter term of even-numbered years.
Prerequisites: Math 315 or 221.

Math 318 Mathematics for the
Elementary School Teacher II (2-2) 3
A continuation of Math 215. Topics will include the use of calculators and computers, discrete math, data analysis, and an introduction to algebra. Winter term.
Prerequisites: Math 215.

Math 320 Numerical Analysis (3-0) 3
An introductory course in developing and using numerical techniques for solving problems in mathematics, the physical sciences, engineering, and in other quantitative fields. Topics include approximation of functions by computable functions, zeros of functions, linear algebra and matrix calculations, and difference equations. The use of the computer will be included. Fall term of odd-numbered years.
Prerequisites: Math 222 and one of CSIS 150 or CSIS 110.

Math 325 History of Mathematics (3-0) 3
The development of selected mathematical concepts will be traced from the Greek era. The course will focus on mathematical creation as a human endeavor done within a cultural context. Fall term of even-numbered years.
Prerequisites: Math 121.

Math 327 Differential Equations (4-0) 4
An introduction to ordinary differential equations. Topics will include methods of solving first order nonlinear equations, basic theory and methods of solving n-th order linear equations, including infinite series methods. Further topics will include an introduction to systems of linear ordinary differential equations and the Laplace transform. Applications will be emphasized. Winter term.
Prerequisites: Math 223.

Math 342 Modern College Geometry (3-0) 3
A course in college geometry which includes topics in Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries. Winter term of odd-numbered years.
Prerequisites: Math 301.

Math 345 Data Analysis (4-0) 4
A second course in statistics covering techniques most widely used in the sciences, including multiple regression models, analysis of variance, and non-parametric methods. Emphasis is placed on underlying assumptions, purposes, advantages and disadvantage, valid interpretation, and computer software implementation. Fall term.
Prerequisites: Math 201 or BA 253 or Psyc 241.

Math 360 Introduction to Operations Research (4-0) 4
Overview of optimization techniques used in operations research. Topics include linear programming, network flow, transportation problems, queuing theory, inventory models, PERT and CPM, dynamic programming, use of statistical computer packages. Winter term of odd-numbered years. (This course is the same as BA 360.)
Prerequisites: Math 210 or 221.

Math 387 Algebraic Structures (4-0) 4
A course in abstract algebra including topics from the theories of groups, rings, and fields. Applications will be discussed. Winter term.
Prerequisites: Math 301.

Math 403 Probability and Mathematical Statistics (4-0) 4
Topics include probability functions, conditional probability, independence, random variables, order statistics, expected values, moment generating functions, probability distributions, properties of estimators, maximum likelihood, estimation, and hypothesis testing. Winter term of even-numbered years.
Prerequisites: Math 201 and completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, Math 222.

Math 424 Advanced Calculus (4-0) 4
Topics include structure of the real number system and Euclidean spaces, general theory of limits, continuity, derivatives, Riemann integrals, series and sequences, coordinate systems transformations, physical fields, Divergence and Stokes theorem. Fall term.
Prerequisites: Math 223 and Math 301.

Math 430 Complex Variables (3-0) 3
This course will cover topics in complex numbers, analytic functions, elementary functions and associated mappings, integrals, series, residues and poles, and conformal mappings. Fall term of even-numbered years.
Prerequisites: Math 223.

Math 496 Mathematics Senior Seminar (3-0) 3
Advanced study and research in selected topics. Will include written and oral presentations of a project involving library research. Activities relate to various mathematical careers and students participate in seminars given by visiting mathematicians. Winter term.
Prerequisites: Senior standing.

Math 497 Mathematics Education Senior Seminar (3-0) 3
Advanced study and research in selected topics. Will include written and oral presentations of a project involving library research. Activities relate to careers in mathematics education. Winter term.
Prerequisites: Senior or junior standing and enrollment in a program of teacher certification.

Math 499 Independent Study 1-3
Individual research conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Written and oral presentation of research results required if this course is used to satisfy the Math 496/497 graduation requirement. On demand.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Course Listings