Stephen F. Austin State University

Department of Mathematics & Statistics

Areas of Study & Degrees

Minors:

Faculty

Objectives

Specific roles of the department are to provide an engaging and relevant curriculum that prepares students who are:

Student Organizations

A student chapter of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) is sponsored by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Membership is open to any student interested in the mathematical sciences. Benefits include reduced membership fees for the MAA and informative meetings about topics in mathematical sciences and career opportunities in mathematical sciences. Interested students should consult the MAA Student Chapter sponsor.

Pi Mu Epsilon is a Mathematical Honor Society whose purpose is the promotion of scholarly activity in mathematics among students in academic institutions and among staffs of qualified non-academic institutions. A chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon may be chartered only in an academic institution whose standards are excellent in all liberal arts departments and particularly in mathematics. The Texas Delta Chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon is located at SFA. Interested students should consult the faculty sponsor about membership requirements and nomination for membership.

Student Scholarships and Financial Aid

Several undergraduate scholarships are available to promising mathematics students in memory of Dr. C.E. Ferguson, former chair, and Jason Balusek, former graduate student of the Department of Mathematics at SFA. The Alexander, Clark, Hurd, Neel and Pinson scholarships also are available to qualified students; applications are made through the SFA Alumni Association.

The department offers additional scholarships based entirely on academic excellence. Eligible students are those with a major or minor in mathematics or statistics and those seeking teacher certification with a specialization in mathematics; applications are made through the department.

Part-time employment is available for mathematics majors and minors who have completed designated courses with good academic records.

Definition of Mathematics Major (36 Hours)

A major in mathematics consists of MTH 233, 234, 311, 317, 333, 337, 412, 439, 440, plus six hours from MTH 305, 415, 419, 420 and 451. CSC 102 or equivalent is required.

After completing 45 hours of college credits, including MTH 233 and 234 with a minimum grade of C, a student should consult with the dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics about a degree plan.

Definition of Mathematics Minor (18 Hours)

A minor in mathematics consists of MTH 233, 234 plus courses selected from MTH 305, 311, 317, 333, 337, 412, 415, 419, 420, 439, 440 and 451 for a minimum of 18 semester hours.

Definition of Applied Statistics Minor (18 Hours)

A minor in applied statistics consists of MTH 144 or 233, MTH 220, STA 320, 321, 322 and 327.

Certification for Mathematics Teaching for Grades 8-12 (39 Hours)

The major in mathematics with teacher certification for grades 8-12 requires: MTH 220, 233, 234, 311, 317, 333, 337, 345, 412, 419, 439 and 451. CSC 102 or equivalent is required.

*Note: Refer to the Educator Certification portion of this bulletin in the James I. Perkins College of Education section for specific professional teacher education coursework requirements.

Students who anticipate doing graduate study in mathematics or statistics should so indicate to their advisers, who will help them plan their program accordingly.

Students who are interested in an area of specialization in mathematics for teaching in grades 4-8 should refer to the Educator Certification section of this bulletin.

The Mathamatics and Statistics Graduate Program

Those interested in the graduate program in mathematics and/or statistics should consult the Graduate Bulletin.

Major in Mathematics: Bachelor of Science Degree (120 hours)

Curriculum for Majors

Freshman Year (34 hours)
Mathematics 3-4 Mathematics 3-4
Natural Science-Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, or Physics 4 Natural Science-Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, or Physics 4
Freshman English 3 Freshman English 3
Minor/Core Req. 6 Minor/Core Req. 6
Total 16-17 16-17
Sophomore Year (30 hours)
Mathematics 3-4 Mathematics 3-4
Literature 3 HIS 134 or PSC 142 3
HIS 133 OR PSC 141 3 Lab Science 4
Lab Science 4 Electives 3
CSC 102 3
Total 16-17 13-14
Junior Year (28 hours)
Major, Minor, and Electives 28
Senior Year (28 hours)
Major, Minor, and Electives 28

General Education Requirements

The student's courses must be chosen so that the general education requirements as listed in Degree Requirements, Bachelor of Science Degree (mathematics), earlier in this section are satisfied.

General Course Prerequisites

All credit-level mathematics courses have prerequisites of two years of high school algebra and one year of high school geometry and TSI complete/exempt status in mathematics. In addition, for placement into any of the following credit-level courses, students must meet at least one of the indicated criteria.

MTH 110 and 127: a minimum math score of 230 on THEA, 19 on ACT, 500 on SAT or a C or better in MTH 099.

MTH 133, 138, 143 and 220: a minimum math score of 250 on THEA, 21 on ACT, 500 on SAT or a C or better in MTH 099.

MTH 140: a minimum math score of 25 on ACT or 580 on SAT. This course is recommended only for students interested in proceeding to MTH 233.

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics strongly recommends a minimum math score of 270 on THEA, 21 on ACT, 500 on SAT or a C or better in MTH 099 before taking any credit-level mathematics course.

A minimum grade of C is required in all courses that are prerequisite to a mathematics or statistics course.

Courses in Mathematics and Statistics (MTH)

Unless otherwise indicated, courses are 3 semester hours credit, 3 hours lecture per week.

098.

Fundamental Mathematics - A non-credit course designed to prepare students to be successful in MTH 099. Basic operations and properties of real numbers, geometry, beginning algebraic concepts, simplification, linear equations, applications, linear graphs, polynomials. Includes instruction in proper mathematical organization and math-specific study skills. May be required of students with a marginal background in mathematics.

099.

Intermediate Algebra - A non-credit course designed to prepare students to be successful in entry-level credit math classes. Properties of real numbers, techniques of algebraic simplification, first and second order equations, linear inequalities, sets, functions, graphs, polynomials, rational expressions, radicals, applications. Instruction in proper mathematical organization, communication and math-specific study skills. May be required of students with a marginal background in mathematics.

110.

Math in Society - Provides an introduction to mathematical thinking emphasizing analysis of information for decision-making. Prerequisites: see General Course Prerequisites.

127.

Introduction to Mathematics for Elementary Teachers (MATH 1350) - Elementary concepts of sets and logic, numeration systems, number theory and properties of the natural numbers, integers, rational and real number systems with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. Prerequisites: see General Course Prerequisites.

128.

Intermediate Mathematics for Elementary Teachers (MATH 1351) - Elementary concepts of geometry and measurement, probability, and statistics with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. Prerequisite: MTH 127.

129.

Concepts and Applications - Problem solving and critical thinking skills applied to the study of a broad range of topics, including number theory, sequences and series, recursion, data analysis, mathematical modeling and algebra, including connections to the grades EC-4 classroom. Students will be required to have a graphing calculator. Prerequisites: MTH 127 and 128.

133.

Plane Trigonometry (MATH 1316) - Trigonometric functions of angles, radian measure, fundamental identities; addition, product, and half angle formulas, solution of triangles; polar coordinates; inverse trigonometric functions, complex numbers. May be required to have a graphics calculator. Prerequisites: see General Course Prerequisites.

138.

College Algebra (MATH 1314) - Mathematical models; solving equations; creating, interpreting and graphing functions. Particular focus is given to polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions. Prerequisites: see General Course Prerequisites.

139.

Plane Analytic Geometry (MATH 1348) - A beginning course in plane analytic geometry, including the straight line, the circle, parabola, hyperbola and the transformation of coordinates. Students may be required to have a graphics calculator. Prerequisites: MTH 133 and 138 or the equivalent.

140.

Pre-calculus - Five semester hours. Preparatory for the calculus sequence: properties and graphs of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric (with inverses); fundamental trigonometric identities, conic sections, polar and rectangular coordinate systems. Prerequisites: see General Course prerequisites.

143.

Finite Mathematics (MATH 1324) - Mathematical functions and graphs, linear systems of equations, matrices, linear programming, mathematics of finance; applications. Prerequisites: see General Course Prerequisites.

144.

Elements of Calculus with Applications for Business (MATH 1325) - Limits and continuity, the derivative, the anti-derivative, the definite integral; applications. Prerequisite: MTH 143.

220.

Introduction to Probability and Statistics (MATH 1342) - Probability, random variables, mean and variance, binomial distribution, normal distribution, statistical inference and linear regression. Prerequisites: see General Course Prerequisites.

233.

Calculus I (MATH 2413) - Four semester hours. Limits, continuity, differential calculus of algebraic and transcendental functions with applications, basic antidifferentiation with substitution, definite integrals. Prerequisite: MTH 139 or MTH 140.

234.

Calculus II (MATH 2414) - Four semester hours. Applications and techniques of integration, improper integrals, infinite series and power series. Prerequisite: MTH 233.

264.

Elementary Topics in Mathematics and Statistics - Elementary topics in scientific computing, algebra, number theory, applied mathematics, geometry, probability and statistics. May be repeated once for credit on a different topic. Does not count toward a major or minor in mathematics. Prerequisite: see General Course Prerequisites.

275.

Special Problems - One to three semester hours. Individual in-depth study or research in special topics in mathematics, statistics or mathematics education beyond the core mathematics curriculum. May be taken for honors credit.

300.

Foundations of Mathematics - Set theory, relations, functions, mathematical structure, logic and proof. Includes historical connections. MTH 138 and 129.

301.

Concepts of Calculus - Limiting processes and other concepts of calculus. Includes analysis of numerical approaches to problem solving using technology and appropriate software with historical and grades 4-8 connections. Students will be required to have a graphing calculator. Prerequisite: MTH 300.

302.

Concepts in Geometry - Survey of geometric topics with an emphasis on trigonometry and Euclidian geometry. Includes historical and grades 4-8 connections. Prerequisite: MTH 300.

305.

Introduction to Numerical Methods - Basic numerical and computational techniques used in the solution of mathematical problems in the real world: approximation of functions, roots and systems of equations, numerical integration, interpolation and curve-fitting, and machine computation. Prerequisites: MTH 234 and CSC 102 or equivalent.

311.

Introduction to Modern Mathematics - Introduction to logic, basic properties of sets, relations, functions, one-to-one functions, set equivalence, Cantor’s Theorem, countable and uncountable sets. Prerequisite: MTH 234.

317.

Linear Algebra - Matrices, systems of linear equations, linear vector spaces, functions from Rn to Rm, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Prerequisites: MTH 311 or 234 and consent of instructor.

320.

(STA 320) Statistical Methods - Analysis of variance, regression analysis and nonparametric methods. The course will stress the use of computer packages MINITAB or SAS and the interpretation of the outputs. Prerequisite: MTH 220.

321.

(STA 321) Applied Nonparametric Statistics - Contingency table analysis, rank tests for one, two and many sample problems, rank correlation, introduction to nonparametric regression. Prerequisite: MTH 220.

322.

(STA 322) Regression - Regression and model building, measure of model adequacy, transformations, prediction. Prerequisites: MTH 144 or 233, and STA 320.

327.

(STA 327) Experimental Design and Analysis - Analysis of variance, completely randomized designs, blocking and Latin square designs. Multifactor experiments, including factorial experiments, nested, blocked and split-plot designs. Analysis of covariance. Quality control, sampling theory, reliability issues. SAS or other statistical software used throughout. Report writing, data driven problems and/or case studies incorporated throughout. Prerequisite: STA 320.

333.

Calculus III - Four semester hours. Vectors, vector operations and vector functions; multivariate functions, partial derivatives, gradients and multiple integrals; integration in vector fields, Green’s, Stokes’ and the Divergence theorems. Prerequisite: MTH 234.

337.

Differential Equations - Solving of differential equations of physics, chemistry and engineering, and a study of the characteristics of the solutions. Prerequisite: MTH 333.

345.

Mathematics for the Secondary School Teacher - A review of the major topics taught in secondary schools. Historical perspectives of mathematics, technology in the classroom, inductive versus deductive reasoning, careers in mathematics and interrelationships among various branches of mathematics. Prerequisite: MTH 220 and 451 or concurrent enrollment in MTH 451.

412.

Introduction to Algebraic Systems - Introduction to the study of algebraic systems with particular emphasis on concrete examples of the basic algebraic structures, groups, rings, integral domains and fields. Prerequisite: MTH 311.

415.

Number Theory - Properties of natural numbers. Unique factorization, residue solution of congruences, arithmetic functions, quadratic reciprocity law, distribution of primes. Diophantine equations, continued fractions, algebraic numbers. Prerequisite: MTH 311.

419.

Probability Theory - Introduction to elementary probability laws, random variables, distribution theory, multivariate and conditional distributions, transformations of random variables, and elementary convergence concepts. Prerequisites: MTH 311 and 333, or may be taken concurrently with MTH 333 with consent of instructor.

420.

Statistical Inference - Sampling distributions, methods of estimating parameters, mathematical development and application of: one/two/many sample location tests and confidence intervals. Analysis of variance and simple linear regression, chi-square tests for categorical data. Prerequisite: MTH 419.

439.

Introduction to Analysis I - Elements of point set theory and an in-depth study of the basic ideas of sequences, limits, continuity and differentiability. Prerequisites: MTH 311 and 333.

440.

Introduction to Analysis II - Continuation of MTH 439 with topics in Taylor, Fourier and other special series, and an in-depth study of Riemann-Darboux Integration. Prerequisite: MTH 439.

451.

College Geometry - Survey of topics from classical Euclidean geometry, modern Euclidean geometry, projective geometry, transformational geometry and non-Euclidean geometries. Prerequisites: MTH 234 and 311.

464.

Advanced Topics in Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics - One, two or three semester hours. Topics in abstract algebra, analysis, applied mathematics, geometry, probability and statistics, topology, or the teaching of mathematics. May be repeated once for credit on a different topic. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.

475.

Special Problems - One, two or three semester hours. Study and research for individual instruction of the undergraduate student. Not available for graduate credit. Prerequisites: 15 semester hours of mathematics and an overall minimum B average in college work completed.

476.

Special Problems - One, two or three semester hours. Same as 475 for credit in a different topic. Study and research for individual instruction of the undergraduate student. Not available for graduate credit. Prerequisites: 15 semester hours of mathematics and an overall minimum B average in college work completed.