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DeSales University
Center Valley Campus

2755 Station Ave
Center Valley, PA
610.282.1100

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Department of Mathematics/Computer Science


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Mathematics

The program leading to the bachelor of science in Mathematics is designed to prepare students for graduate study, secondary teaching, or a career in mathematics or a mathematically-related field. The courses required for the major provide a solid foundation in the major areas of mathematics, while giving students the flexibility to study topics pertinent to their career goals. The curriculum consists of 15 courses in mathematics and related disciplines, divided into 10 core courses and 5 electives.

Ten Core Courses:

  •  MA 121  Calculus I
  •  MA 122  Calculus II
  •  MA 223  Calculus III
  •  MA 224  Calculus IV 
  •  MA 231  Discrete Mathematics
  •  MA 301  Probability and Statistics I
  •  MA 331  Linear Algebra
  •  MA 471  Abstract Algebra 
  •  CS 121  Introduction to Computer Science I
  •  PH 201 or PH 211 General Physics I

Elective Courses:

Elective courses are completed in the following distribution: one course selected from Group A; three additional courses selected from Group A or Group B; one additional course selected from Group A, Group B or Group C. The courses in each group are listed below.

  • Group A, Proof-based Mathematics
    • MA 445  Advanced Calculus
    • MA 451  Fundamentals of Modern Geometry
  • Group B, General Mathematics 
    • MA 243  Differential Equations
    • MA 302  Probability and Statistics II
    • MA 334  Introduction to Operations Research
    • MA 341  Numerical Analysis
    • MA 400  Special Topics in Mathematics
    • MA 499  Independent Study
  • Group C, Mathematics Applications and History 
    • CS 122  Introduction to Computer Science II
    • MA 260  History of Mathematics
    • MA 399  Mathematics Internship
    • PH 202 or PH 212  General Physics II

Certification for teaching mathematics at the secondary level may be obtained through the Education Department.

MATHEMATICS 107 (3 credits)
Mathematics for Teachers I
A course designed to give prospective teachers an understanding of the underlying concepts of fundamental mathematics while encouraging independent problem solving. Topics include set theory, number relations, number theory, fractions and decimals, and problem solving techniques. Open only to Elementary Education/Special Education majors or by permission of instructor. (Offered every fall)

MATHEMATICS 108 (3 credits)
Mathematics for Teachers II
The continuation of a course designed to give prospective teachers an understanding of the underlying concepts of fundamental mathematics while encouraging independent problem solving.Topics include geometry and spatial sense, statistics, probability, measurement, and estimation. Open only to Elementary Education/Special Education majors or by permission of instructor. (Offered every spring)

MATHEMATICS 109 (3 credits)
Survey of Mathematics: MOT/Mathematics
A study of mathematics using an analytical approach with selections from set theory, algebra, geometry, and probability. An emphasis will be placed on developing an appreciation of the way mathematicians think and the contribution of mathematics to the understanding of the world.

MATHEMATICS 110 (3 credits)
Finite Mathematics: MOT/Mathematics
An introduction to mathematical concepts and techniques useful in business and the social sciences. Topics include linear functions, matrix algebra, systems of linear equations, linear programming, and mathematics of finance. Applications and elementary mathematical modeling will be stressed. Prerequisite: two years of high school algebra or equivalent. 92

MATHEMATICS 111 (3 credits)
Probability and Statistics: MOT/Mathematics
Emphasizes quantitative methods for decision making. Topics discussed include descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory, tree diagrams, counting techniques, discrete and continuous probability distributions, random sampling, expected value, variance of probability distributions, normal distribution, and confidence intervals. Prerequisite: two years of high school algebra or equivalent.

MATHEMATICS 112 (3 credits)
Precalculus Mathematics: MOT/Mathematics
Provides the background necessary to study calculus. Topics include relations, functions and graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions and identities, inverse trigonometric functions, and applications. Prerequisite: two years of high school algebra or equivalent.

MATHEMATICS 121 (3 credits)
Calculus I: MOT/Mathematics
An introduction to differential calculus.Topics include limits and differentiation of elementary functions, local linear approximations, implicit differentiation, curve sketching, maxima and minima, mathematical modeling, and applications. Prerequisite: MA 112 or precalculus with trigonometry in high school or college. (Offered every fall)

MATHEMATICS 122 (3 credits)
Calculus II
An introduction to integral calculus.Topics discussed include methods of indefinite and definite integration and the Fundamental Theorem. Applications include area, volume, arc length, and growth and decay problems. Prerequisite: MA 121. (Offered every spring)

MATHEMATICS 223 (3 credits)
(formerly MA 124; not open to students who have taken MA 124)
Calculus III
A course in multivariable and vector calculus.Topics discussed include polar coordinates, vectors in two and three dimensions, partial derivatives, line integrals, multiple integrals, and the applications of these topics. Prerequisite: MA 122. (Offered every fall)

MATHEMATICS 224 (3 credits)
(replaces MA 123 and MA 251; not open to students who have taken MA 123 or MA 251)
Calculus IV
A conclusion to the calculus sequence, covering topics such as infinite sequences and series, additional applications of integration, and conic sections. The remainder of the course will be devoted to an introduction to advanced mathematics, focusing on proof-writing skills and the axiomatic method. Prerequisite: MA 223 or permission of the instructor. (Offered every spring)

MATHEMATICS 231 (3 credits)
Discrete Mathematics
Selected topics from data representation, algorithm analysis, mathematical logic, induction, discrete number systems, basic combinatorics, discrete probability, graph theory, and recursion. Prerequisite: MA 121 or permission of the instructor. (Offered every fall)

MATHEMATICS 243 (3 credits)
Differential Equations
An introduction to techniques of modeling and solution of ordinary differential equations.Topics include complex numbers and exponentials, first-order separable and exact differential equations, linear differential equations, linear independence and the Wronskian, general and particular solutions, Laplace transforms, and numerical methods. Prerequisite: MA 122.

MATHEMATICS 260 (3 credits)
History of Mathematics
A treatment of mathematical concepts from an historical and philosophical point of view.The influence and contributions of various cultures, among them European, Chinese, Arabic, African, and Hindu, are examined.

MATHEMATICS 301 (3 credits)
(formerly MA 401; not open to students who have taken MA 401)
Probability and Statistics I
A mathematically oriented introductory course in probability and statistics. Topics include counting techniques and laws of probability, independence, discrete and continuous random variables and distributions, normal distributions, mathematical expectation, moment generating functions, joint distributions and correlation, sampling distributions, the Central Limit Theorem, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Prerequisite: MA 122.

MATHEMATICS 302 (3 credits)
(formerly MA 402; not open to students who have taken MA 402)
Probability and Statistics II
A continuation of MA 301. Topics include t, chi square, F, Poisson and exponential distributions, point estimation, maximum likelihood estimators, method-ofmoments estimators, tests of hypotheses, best tests, likelihood ratio tests, regression and correlation, Bayesian estimation. Prerequisite: MA 301.

MATHEMATICS 331 (3 credits)
Linear Algebra
An introduction to linear algebra.Topics include solution of linear systems, vector spaces, linear independence, basis and dimension, matrix algebra, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization, and applications. Prerequisite: MA 122. (Offered every spring)

MATHEMATICS 334 (3 credits)
Introduction to Operations Research
A survey of techniques used in the study of operations research. Linear programming with the simplex and revised simplex methods, duality, degeneracy procedures, and sensitivity analysis. Other topics chosen from the transportation problem, the assignment problem, game theory, network problems (including CPM and PERT), inventory problems, queuing theory, and Markov processes. Prerequisite: MA 121.

MATHEMATICS 341 (3 credits)
Numerical Analysis
Topics include linear and nonlinear equations, interpolation and approximation, numerical integration, curve fitting, simultaneous equations, and the analysis of errors. Prerequisites: CS 121, MA 122. 93

MATHEMATICS 399 (3 credits)
Mathematics Internship
Designed to provide the student with the opportunity to integrate course work with practical work experience in the area of applied mathematics. Regular field work under an employment supervisor as well as tutorial sessions and readings under a faculty advisor are required. Prerequisite: permission of the department chair.

MATHEMATICS 400 (3 credits)
Special Topics in Mathematics
An in-depth coverage of a topic that is not covered extensively elsewhere in the mathematics curriculum. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

MATHEMATICS 445 (3 credits)
(formerly MA 345; not open to students who have taken MA 345)
Introduction to Analysis
An advanced treatment of concepts in calculus, stressing rigorous definition and proof.Topics include properties of real numbers, least upper bounds, limits and continuity of functions of a real variable, differentiation, Riemann integration, sequences and series. Prerequisites: MA 224 and MA 231 or permission of instructor.

MATHEMATICS 451 (3 credits)
(formerly MA 351; not open to students who have taken MA 351)
Fundamentals of Modern Geometry
The examination of the Euclidian postulates and the axioms of Hilbert, non-Euclidian geometries, the influence of geometry on physics and philosophy, and the use of computers in the study of geometrical concepts. Prerequisite: MA 224 and MA 231 or permission of instructor.

MATHEMATICS 471 (3 credits)
(formerly MA 371; not open to students who have taken MA 371)
Abstract Algebra
Advanced concepts in algebra. Topics include semigroups and groups, congruence relations, quotient subgroups, homomorphisms, normal subgroups, cosets, factor groups, isomorphisms, automorphisms, series of groups, permutation and cyclic groups, and abelian groups. Prerequisite: MA 224 and MA 231 or permission of instructor.

MATHEMATICS 499 (3 credits)
Independent Study
Reading, research papers, or projects under the guidance of a member of the department. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

Majors
Computer Science
Management of IT
Mathematics
Graduate Programs
Master of Science in Information Systems

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