Course Descriptions

First semester of the two-semester sequence MATH 101-102. Detailed, in-depth review of manipulative algebra; introduction to functions and graphs, including linear, quadratic, and rational functions.

The trigonometry topics of MATH 104.

Fundamental and relevant mathematics for prospective elementary school teachers, including whole numbers and place value operations with whole numbers, number theory, fractions, ratio and proportion, decimals, and percents. For Pre-Early Childhood and Pre-Elementary Education majors only.

Linear equations and inequalities, matrices, linear programming with applications to business, probability and discrete random variables.

Honors section of Math 127.

Continuity, limits, and the derivative for algebraic, trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential, and inverse functions. Applications to physics, chemistry, and engineering.

The definite integral, techniques of integration, and applications to physics, chemistry, and engineering. Sequences, series, and power series. Taylor and MacLaurin series. Students expected to have and use a Texas Instruments 86 graphics, programmable calculator.

Techniques of calculus in two and three dimensions. Vectors, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, line integrals. Theorems of Green, Stokes and Gauss. Honors section available. (Gen.Ed. R2)

Basic concepts of linear algebra. Matrices, determinants, systems of linear equations, vector spaces, linear transformations, and eigenvalues.

Introduction to ordinary differential equations. First and second order linear differential equations, systems of linear differential equations, Laplace transform, numerical methods, applications. (This course is considered upper division with respect to the requirements for the major and minor in mathematics.)

The goal of this course is to help students learn the language of rigorous mathematics.

Students will learn how to read, understand, devise and communicate proofs of mathematical statements. A number of proof techniques (contrapositive, contradiction, and especially induction) will be emphasized. Topics to be discussed include set theory (Cantor's notion of size for sets and gradations of infinity, maps between sets, equivalence relations, partitions of sets), basic logic (truth tables, negation, quantifiers). Other topics will be included as time allows. Math 300 is designed to help students make the transition from calculus courses to the more theoretical junior-senior level mathematics courses.

Satisfies Junior Year Writing requirement. Develops research and writing skills in mathematics through peer review and revision. Students write on mathematical subject areas, prominent mathematicians, and famous mathematical problems.

Essentially all serious mathematics is written using some variant of the LaTeX software, and developing proficiency with this tool is an important part of the course. We will cover a variety of types of writing related to mathematics, such as: critique of seminar presentations and written articles; (auto)biography of mathematicians; expository writing about mathematical topics; aspects of writing a research article; opinion pieces; precise short communications (e.g. abstract, memo, tweet, blog post, newspaper headline); essays about aspects of mathematical culture (e.g. jokes, songs, anecdotes, sociological aspects).

Satisfies Junior Year Writing requirement.

This course is about how to write and use computer code to explore and solve problems in pure and applied mathematics. The first part of the course will be an introduction to programming in Python. The remainder of the course (and its goal) is to help students develop the skills to translate mathematical problems and solution techniques into algorithms and code. Students will work on projects, both individually and in groups, with a variety applications throughout the curriculum.

The focus of the course will be on learning group theory. A group is a central concept of mathematics which is used to describe algebraic operations and symmetries of every possible kind, from modular arithmetic to symmetries of geometric objects.

Learning objectives: The emphasis will be on development of careful mathematical reasoning. Theoretical constructions and applications will be tested on many examples, both by hand and using computer algebra systems, specifically Wolfram Mathematica.

Approximate Schedule:

• Group axioms. Examples of groups. Numbers and matrices. Transformation groups.
• Multiplication tables and Cayley graphs. Properties of groups.
• Subgroups. Order of an element. Cyclic groups.
• Symmetric group. Properties of permutations. Cayley theorem. Isomorphisms.
• Cosets. Lagrange theorem. Normal subgroups.
• Quotient group. Isomorphism theorems. Homomorphisms.
• Direct product of groups. Classification of finite Abelian groups.
• Group actions. Orbit/stabilizer theorem. Burnside lemma. Conjugacy classes. Cauchy theorem. Sylow theorems (without proof).
• Classification of crystallographic groups.
• Group-theoretic aspects of public-key cryptography.
• Subgroups of the symmetric group. Solving puzzles using groups.
• Classification of groups of small order.

An introduction to functions of a complex variable. Topics include: Complex numbers, functions of a complex variable and their derivatives (Cauchy-Riemann equations). Harmonic functions. Contour integration and Cauchy's integral formula. Liouville's theorem, Maximum modulus theorem, and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra. Taylor and Laurent series. Classification of isolated singularities. The Argument Principle and Rouche's Theorem. Evaluation of Improper integrals via residues. Conformal mappings.

This is a rigorous introduction to some topics in mathematics that underlie areas in computer science and computer engineering, including graphs and trees, spanning trees, and matchings; the pigeonhole principle, induction and recursion, generating functions, and discrete probability proofs (time permitting). The course integrates learning mathematical theories with applications to concrete problems from other disciplines using discrete modeling techniques. Student groups will be formed to investigate a concept or an application related to discrete mathematics, and each group will report its findings to the class in a final presentation. This course satisfies the university's Integrative Experience (IE) requirement for math majors.

Mathematics is usually termed as “the language of nature”. Complex physical phenomenon can be described by mathematical models with sufficient accuracy. In this course, students learn how to formulate and analyze some real-world problems by utilizing concepts, methods and theories from mathematics, thus coming to understand the interplay between mathematical theory and practice. Since mathematical models can be very broad and can appear in every discipline, this course will mainly focus on problems rising from data science. The goal is to discuss how to build and learn mathematical models in data-driven applications. Students will form several groups to investigate a modeling problem and each group will report their findings in a final presentation. Prerequisites of the course include Calculus (Math 131, 132, 233), Linear Algebra (Math 235) and Differential Equations (Math 331). Some familiarity with a programming language is desirable (Matlab, Python, etc.)

The goal of this course is to give a rigorous introduction to elementary number theory. While no prior background in number theory will be assumed, the ability to read and write proofs is essential for this course. The list of topics include (but is not limited to): Euclidean Algorithm, Linear Diophantine Equations, the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic, congruence arithmetic, continued fractions, the theory of prime numbers, primitive roots, and quadratic reciprocity, with an emphasis on applications to and connections with cryptography. Homework will consist of both rewritten assignments and computer projects.

The William Lowell Putnam Mathematics Competition is the most prestigious annual contest for college students. While the problems employ topics from a standard undergraduate curriculum, the ability to solve them requires a great deal of ingenuity, which can be developed through systematic and specific training. This class aims to assist the interested students in their preparation for the Putnam exam, and also, more generally, to treat some topics in undergraduate mathematics through the use of competition problems.

Introduction to the fascinating theory of knots, links, and surfaces in 3- and 4-dimensional spaces. This course will combine geometric, algebraic, and combinatorial methods, where the students will learn how to utilize visualization and make rigorous arguments.

This course is an introduction to mathematical analysis. A rigorous treatment of the topics covered in calculus will be presented with a particular emphasis on proofs. Topics include: properties of real numbers, sequences and series, continuity, Riemann integral, differentiability, sequences of functions and uniform convergence.

This course is an introduction to the mathematical models used in finance and economics with particular emphasis on models for pricing financial instruments, or "derivatives." The central topic will be options, culminating in the Black-Scholes formula. The goal is to understand how the models derive from basic principles of economics, and to provide the necessary mathematical tools for their analysis.

Basic concepts (over real or complex numbers): vector spaces, basis, dimension, linear transformations and matrices, change of basis, similarity. Study of a single linear operator: minimal and characteristic polynomial, eigenvalues, invariant subspaces, triangular form, Cayley-Hamilton theorem. Inner product spaces and special types of linear operators (over real or complex fields): orthogonal, unitary, self-adjoint, hermitian. Diagonalization of symmetric matrices, applications. Homeworks include programming projects.

Basic concepts (over real or complex numbers): vector spaces, basis, dimension, linear transformations and matrices, change of basis, similarity. Study of a single linear operator: minimal and characteristic polynomial, eigenvalues, invariant subspaces, triangular form, Cayley-Hamilton theorem. Inner product spaces and special types of linear operators (over real or complex fields): orthogonal, unitary, self-adjoint, hermitian. Diagonalization of symmetric matrices, applications.

Introduction to computational techniques used in science and industry. Topics selected from root-finding, interpolation, data fitting, linear systems, numerical integration, numerical solution of differential equations, and error analysis.

This is a second course in Probability, studying stochastic/random process, intended for majors in Applied Math, Statistics and related fields. The prerequisite is STAT 515 or similar upper-division course. If you did not get at least a B in that course then you will find this course very tough. Moreover, students are required to have some knowledge of Python, as we will cover simulation topics, including sampling of probability distributions, Monte Carlo algorithms, etc. A major focus of the course is on solving problems extending the scope of the lectures, developing analytical skills and probabilistic intuition. The course will cover the following topics in the core of the theory of Random and Stochastic Processes.

1. Review of probability theory : probability space, random variables, expectations, independence, conditional expectations.
2. Random walks and finite state Markov chains: Transition matrix, transience and recurrence, limiting distributions, convergence of Markov Chains.
3. Poisson processes: definition, inter-arrival and waiting time.
4. Continuous Markov chains: Strong Markov properties, Chapman Kolmogorov equations, irreducible and recurrence. Long time behaviour.
5. Brownian Motions: Definitions, scaled random walk, Brownian motion.

In addition, we also add a parallel part to the theoretical lectures - the stochastic simulations.

1.Sampling of basic probability distributions, generation of pseudorandom numbers,
2. Monte Carlo integration Simulation of random samples from discrete distributions and continuous distributions
3. Discrete event simulation for stochastic models of queueing systems
4. MCMC

This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of statistical science. It does not rely on detailed derivations of mathematical concepts, but does require mathematical sophistication and reasoning. It is an introduction to statistical thinking/reasoning, data management, statistical analysis, and statistical computation. Concepts in this course will be developed in greater mathematical rigor later in the statistical curriculum, including in STAT 515, 516, 525, and 535. It is intended to be the first course in statistics taken by math majors interested in statistics. Concepts covered include point estimation, interval estimation, prediction, testing, and regression, with focus on sampling distributions and the properties of statistical procedures. The course will be taught in a hands-on manner, introducing powerful statistical software used in practical settings and including methods for descriptive statistics, visualization, and data management.

This course provides a calculus-based introduction to probability (an emphasis on probabilistic concepts used in statistical modeling) and the beginning of statistical inference (continued in Stat516). Coverage includes basic axioms of probability, sample spaces, counting rules, conditional probability, independence, random variables (and various associated discrete and continuous distributions), expectation, variance, covariance and correlation, probability inequalities, the central limit theorem, the Poisson approximation, and sampling distributions. Introduction to basic concepts of estimation (bias, standard error, etc.) and confidence intervals.

This course provides a calculus-based introduction to probability (an emphasis on probabilistic concepts used in statistical modeling) and the beginning of statistical inference (continued in Stat516). Coverage includes basic axioms of probability, sample spaces, counting rules, conditional probability, independence, random variables (and various associated discrete and continuous distributions), expectation, variance, covariance and correlation, probability inequalities, the central limit theorem, the Poisson approximation, and sampling distributions. Introduction to basic concepts of estimation (bias, standard error, etc.) and confidence intervals.

This course provides a calculus-based introduction to probability (an emphasis on probabilistic concepts used in statistical modeling) and the beginning of statistical inference (continued in Stat516). Coverage includes basic axioms of probability, sample spaces, counting rules, conditional probability, independence, random variables (and various associated discrete and continuous distributions), expectation, variance, covariance and correlation, probability inequalities, the central limit theorem, the Poisson approximation, and sampling distributions. Introduction to basic concepts of estimation (bias, standard error, etc.) and confidence intervals.

Continuation of Stat 515. The overall objective of the course is the development of basic theory and methods for statistical inference from a mathematical and probabilistic perspective. Topics include: sampling distributions; point estimators and their properties; method of moments; maximum likelihood estimation; Rao-Blackwell Theorem; confidence intervals, hypothesis testing; contingency tables; and non-parametric methods (time permitting).

Continuation of Stat 515. The overall objective of the course is the development of basic theory and methods for statistical inference from a mathematical and probabilistic perspective. Topics include: sampling distributions; point estimators and their properties; method of moments; maximum likelihood estimation; Rao-Blackwell Theorem; confidence intervals, hypothesis testing; contingency tables; and non-parametric methods (time permitting).

Regression analysis is the most popularly used statistical technique with application in almost every imaginable field. The focus of this course is on a careful understanding and of regression models and associated methods of statistical inference, data analysis, interpretation of results, statistical computation and model building. Topics covered include simple and multiple linear regression; correlation; the use of dummy variables; residuals and diagnostics; model building/variable selection; expressing regression models and methods in matrix form; an introduction to weighted least squares, regression with correlated errors and nonlinear regression. Extensive data analysis using R or SAS (no previous computer experience assumed). Requires prior coursework in Statistics, preferably ST516, and basic matrix algebra. Satisfies the Integrative Experience requirement for BA-Math and BS-Math majors.

This course provides an introduction to fundamental computer science concepts relevant to the statistical analysis of large-scale data sets. Students will collaborate in a team to design and implement analyses of real-world data sets, and communicate their results using mathematical, verbal and visual means. Students will learn how to analyze computational complexity and how to choose an appropriate data structure for an analysis procedure. Students will learn and use the python language to implement and study data structure and statistical algorithms.

This fast-paced course (and its continuation - Math 612) will introduce modern algebra concepts with an emphasis on topics required for the qualifying exam in algebra. Syllabus of Math 611 - Math 612:

I. Group Theory and Representation Theory.

Group actions. Counting with groups. P-groups and Sylow theorems. Composition series. Jordan-Holder theorem. Solvable groups. Automorphisms. Semi-direct products. Finitely generated Abelian groups. Complex representations of finite groups. Schur's Lemma. Maschke's Theorem. Representations of Abelian groups. Characters. Schur's orthogonality relations. The number of irreducible representations is equal to the number of conjugacy classes. The sum of squares of dimensions of irreducible representation is equal to the size of the group. The dimension of any irreducible representation divides the size of the group.

II. Linear Algebra and Commutative Algebra.

Euclidean domain is a PID. PID is a UFD. Gauss Lemma. Eisenstein's Criterion. Exact sequences. First and second isomorphism theorems for R-modules. Free R-modules. Hom. Tensor product of vector spaces, Abelian groups, and R-modules. Right-exactness of the tensor product. Restriction and extension of scalars. Complexification. Bilinear forms. Symmetric and alternating forms. Symmetric and exterior algebras. Structure Theorem for finitely generated modules of a PID. Rational canonical form. Jordan canonical form. Chain conditions. Noetherian rings. Hilbert's Basis Theorem. Prime and maximal ideals. Field of fractions. Localization of rings and modules. Exactness of localization. Local rings. Nakayama's Lemma. Integral extensions. Noether's Normalization Lemma. Integral closure. Nullstellensatz. Closed affine algebraic sets.

III. Field Theory and Galois Theory

Algebraic extensions. Finite extensions. Degree. Minimal polynomial. Adjoining roots of polynomials. Splitting field. Algebraic closure. Separable extensions. Theorem of the primitive element. Galois extensions. Fundamental Theorem of Galois Theory. Finite fields and their Galois groups. Frobenius endomorphism. Cyclotomic polynomial. Cyclotomic fields and their Galois groups. Cyclic extensions. Lagrange resolvents. Solvable extensions. Solving polynomial equations in radicals. Norm and trace. Transcendence degree.

Classical theory of ordinary differential equations and some of its modern developments in dynamical systems theory. Linear systems and exponential matrix solutions. Well-posedness for nonlinear systems. Qualitative theory: limit sets, invariant set and manifolds. Stability theory: linearization about an equilibrium, Lyapunov functions. Autonomous two-dimensional systems and other special systems.

This fast-paced course (and its sequel, Math 672) is an introduction to topology, from point-set to geometric and algebraic topology.
Part I: Basic point-set topology, constructions of topological spaces, connectedness, compactness, countability and separation axioms, topological manifolds.
Part II: Introduction to algebraic topology, cell complexes, homotopy, fundamental group, covering spaces.
Grade will be based on regularly assigned homework, as well as exams.

This course is the group project that is required for the MS program in Applied Mathematics. Each academic year we undertake an in-depth study of select applied science problems, combining modeling, theory, and computation to understand it. The main goal of the course is to emulate the process of teamwork in problem solving, such as is the norm in industrial applied mathematics.

Topics to be covered: smooth manifolds, smooth maps, tangent vectors, vector fields, vector bundles (in particular, tangent and cotangent bundles), submersions,immersions and embeddings, sub-manifolds, Lie groups and Lie group actions, Whitney's theorems and transversality, tensors and tensor fields, differential forms, orientations and integration on manifolds, The De Rham Cohomology, integral curves and flows, Lie derivatives, The Frobenius Theorem.

Linear representations of groups allow one to study arbitrary groups using matrix groups and linear algebra.  This course will cover the fundamentals of the representation theory of finite groups, including character theory, induced representations and applications to the study of classes of finite groups.

Probability theory, including random variables, independence, laws of large numbers, central limit theorem; statistical models; introduction to point estimation, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing.

Regression is the most widely used statistical technique. In addition to learning about regression methods this course will also reinforce basic statistical concepts and introduce students to "statistical thinking" in a broader context. This is primarily an applied statistics course. While models and methods are written out carefully with some basic derivations, the primary focus of the course is on the understanding and presentation of regression models and associated methods, data analysis, interpretation of results, statistical computation and model building. Topics covered include simple and multiple linear regression; correlation; the use of dummy variables; residuals and diagnostics; model building/variable selection, regression models and methods in matrix form. With time permitting, further topics include an introduction to weighted least squares, regression with correlated errors and nonlinear (including binary) regression.

This course is designed for students to complete the master's project requirement in statistics, with guidance from faculty. The course will begin with determining student topics and groups. Each student will complete a group project. Each group will work together for one semester and be responsible for its own schedule, work plan, and final report. Regular class meetings will involve student presentations on progress of projects, with input from the instructor. Students will learn about the statistical methods employed by each group. Students in the course will learn new statistical methods, how to work collaboratively, how to use R and other software packages, and how to present oral and written reports.

Distribution and inference for binomial and multinomial variables with contingency tables, generalized linear models, logistic regression for binary responses, logit models for multiple response categories, loglinear models, inference for matched-pairs and correlated clustered data.

This course will cover several workhorse models for analysis of time series data. The course will begin with a thorough and careful review of linear and general linear regression models, with a focus on model selection and uncertainty quantification. Basic time series concepts will then be introduced. Having built a strong foundation to work from, we will delve into several foundational time series models: autoregressive and vector autoregressive models. We will then introduce the state-space modeling framework, which generalizes the foundational time series models and offers greater flexibility. Time series models are especially computationally challenging to work with - throughout the course we will explore and implement the specialized algorithms that make computation feasible in R. Weekly problem sets, two exams, and a final project will be required.