Undergraduate Course Descriptions

The Course descriptions provide detailed information about the undergraduate classes with links to the following:

 

  • Syllabi for individual classes
  • Problem list for individual classes
  • Sample departmental finals (where applicable)

For information on courses taught by a specific professor, please use the Baylor Course Listings link in the box to the right.

 

1000 Level
MTH 1220 - Algebra Review
Prerequisite: Consent of Mathematics Department
Algebra review for students who need to make a 61 or better on the ALEKS and are not ready for MTH 1320. Topics include solving equations and inequalities, polynomials, rational functions, exponential functions, and logarithms. Begins 5 weeks into the semester. Does not apply on major. Does not satisfy the mathematics requirement for any degree.
 
MTH 1301 - Ideas in Mathematics - List of Topics
Significant ideas of mathematics. Topics will be chosen from: voting theory, apportionment, financial analysis, linear and exponential growth, statistics and opinion polls. Designed primarily for liberal arts students. Does not apply toward the major.
 
MTH 1308 - Precalculus for Business Students- Sample Syllabus, Problem List
A study of the types of functions that arise in business calculus, including linear, quadratic, and other polynomial functions, rational functions, and exponential and logarithmic functions. Does not apply on the Arts and Sciences mathematics requirement nor on a mathematics major. Credit may not be received after receiving credit in MTH 1320.
 
MTH 1309 - Calculus for Business Students - Sample Syllabus, Problem List
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or better in MTH 1320 or MTH 1308 or a satisfactory performance on the SAT or the ACT.
Differentiation of rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions of one and several variables, integration of functions of one variable, and applications to business problems. Does not apply on the major. Credit may not be received after receiving credit in MTH 1321.
 
MTH 1315 - Patterns, Relationships and Number Concepts- Sample Syllabus
Advanced perspectives on topics taught in EC-8 including number concepts, patterns, and functions. Does not satisfy the liberal arts mathematics requirements and does not apply toward the mathematics major.
 
MTH 1316 - Geometry and Measurement- Sample Syllabus
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 1315.
A continuation of MTH 1315. Topics included in 1316 will be geometric figures, motions of geometry, and measurement. Does not apply toward the mathematics major.
 
MTH 1320 - PreCalculus Mathematics (formerly MTH 1304) - Sample Syllabus, Problem List,
Prerequisite(s): Participation in an online learning module and earning a minimum score at the conclusion of the module. For information on the online preparatory program ALEKS, please read the information at the ALEKS link.
Basic concepts of college algebra, trigonometry, and elementary functions and an introduction to limits. Designed as preparation for MTH 1321; does not apply on the major.
 

MTH 1321 - Calculus I - Sample Syllabus, Problem List,
Fall 2022 Departmental Final Exam
Spring 2021 Departmental Final Exam
Spring 2019 Departmental Final Exam
Fall 2018 Departmental Final Exam
Fall 2017 Departmental Final Exam
Prerequisite(s): A qualifying SAT/ACT score or a B- or better in MTH 1320 or qualifying score on the ALEKS exam. For information on the online preparatory program ALEKS, please read the information at the ALEKS link.
Differential calculus of a single variable. Introduction to the definite integral and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

 
MTH 1322 - Calculus II - Sample Syllabus, Problem List,
Spring 2021 Departmental Final Exam,
Spring 2019 Departmental Final Exam,
Fall 2018 Departmental Final Exam,
Spring 2018 Departmental Final Exam
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 1321.
Integral calculus of a single variable, differential equations, power series, and complex numbers.
 

2000 Level
MTH 2311 - Linear Algebra
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 1322.
Vectors, matrix operations, linear transformations, fundamental properties of vector spaces, systems of linear equations, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors.
 
MTH 2316 - Algebra and Functions- Sample Syllabus
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 1316 or concurrent enrollment. Designed for the prospective teacher seeking mathematics certification for grades 4-8. A study of the algebraic and transcendental functions which play a primary role in calculus. An emphasis will be placed on mathematical models which arise from lab-based activities, on connections to areas within and outside of mathematics, and on developing the ability to communicate mathematical ideas to individuals at various levels. Does not apply toward the mathematics major.
 
MTH 2317 - Functions and the Mathematics of Change
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 2316.
Designed for the prospective teacher seeking certification for grades 4-8. A continuation of MTH 2316. An investigation of the derivative and the integral from an algebraic, geometric, and numerical perspective. Credit may not be received after completion of MTH 1321. Does not apply toward the mathematics major.
 
MTH 2321 - Calculus III - Sample Syllabus
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 1322.
Differential and integral calculus of several variables, Green's Theorem.
 
MTH 2V90 - Introduction to Research in Mathematics
Prerequisite(s): Consent of Instructor.
Beginning independent study or research in topics not available in other courses. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 hours.
 

3000 Level
MTH 3300 - Foundations of Mathematics
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 1321.
Core concepts of advanced mathematics: proofs, induction, sets, functions, equivalence relations, divisibility, modular arithmetic, real numbers, sequences and limits.
 
MTH 3312 - Foundations of Combinatorics and Algebra
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 3300.
Introduction to combinatorics and algebra. Topics include elementary counting principles, mathematical syntax, fundamentals of set operations, maps and relations, fundamental properties of the integers, the ring of integers modulo n and rings of polynomials, irreducible polynomials, the construction of finite fields, and combinatorial designs.
 
MTH 3318 - Data and Chance
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 1316.
Designed for the prospective teacher seeking an EC-4 generalist or a 4-8 mathematics certification. Core ideas from probability and statistics, including collection of data, patterns in data, and inference from data, in an active, lab-like environment. Credit may not be received after completion of STA 2381 or STA 3381. Does not apply toward the mathematics major.
 
MTH 3323 - Introduction to Analysis
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 2321 and 3300.
A rigorous treatment of the real number system, sequences of real numbers, limits, continuous functions, and elements of differentiation and integration. .
 
MTH 3324 - Numerical Methods (Cross-listed with CSI 3324)
Prerequisite(s): CSI 1430 and MTH 1321.
Numerical differentiation and integration, linear systems of equations, numerical solutions of ordinary differential equations, curve fitting, and computational techniques.
 
MTH 3325 - Ordinary Differential Equations
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 2321 or concurrent enrollment.
Differential equations of first order, linear equations of order two and higher, introduction to power series methods, elements of the Laplace Transform, some facts from linear algebra and systems of differential equations.
 
MTH 3326 - Partial Differential Equations
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 2321 and 3325.
Partial differential equations of physics, the method of separation of variables, orthogonal sets of functions, Fourier Series, boundary value problems, Fourier integrals and applications.
 
MTH 3327 - Partial Differential Equations for the Social Sciences
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 2321 and 3325.
Introduction of partial differential equations that model social behavior, from crowd dynamics to optimal control. Topics include linear and nonlinear transport equations, Hamilton-Jacobi equations, and diffusions, with some applications to game theory.
 
MTH 3340 - Mathematics through Technology
Prerequisite(s): Credit for twelve hours of mathematics courses, at least three hours of which are at the 2000 level or above. (This prerequisite cannot be satisfied using any hours transferred in under the generic titles MTH 1000 or MTH 2000.)
Designed for the prospective mathematics teacher seeking certification for grades 4-8 or 8-12. Use of technology to explore, communicate, and reinforce mathematical concepts and problem solving from several areas of mathematics. Attention given to graphing calculators, interactive geometry computer packages, computer-based algebra packages, and spreadsheets or statistical packages. Written and oral presentations. Does not apply toward the mathematics major.
 
MTH 3350 - Structure of Modern Geometry
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 2311 or 2317.
A study of the foundations of Euclidean geometry by synthetic methods with a brief introduction to non-Euclidean geometry.
 
MTH 3370 - Mathematical Methods of Operations Research
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 2311.
A survey of models and methods used in operations research. Topics include linear programming, dynamic programming, and game theory, with emphasis on the construction of mathematical models for problems arising in a variety of applied areas and an introduction to basic solution techniques.
 
MTH 3374 - Introduction to Mathematical Modeling
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 1322 or in both MTH 2317 and 3318.
An introduction to the process of mathematical modeling, including problem identification, model construction, model selection, simulation, and model verification. Individual and team projects.
 
MTH 3V90 - Advanced Undergraduate Research in Mathematics
Prerequisite(s): Consent of Instructor.
Advanced independent study or research in topics not available in other courses. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 hours.
 

4000 Level
MTH 4312 - Cryptology
Prerequisite(s): MTH 2311, and either MTH 3312 or CSI 2350; or consent of instructor.
Introduction to cryptology, the study of select codes and ciphers. Included is a historical content, a survey of modern crypto systems, and an exposition of the rule of mathematical topics such as number theory and elliptic curves in the subject. Mathematical software will be available.
 
MTH 4314 - Abstract Algebra
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 3312 and a grade of C or above in MTH 4316, or consent of the instructor.
Fundamentals of group, ring, and field theory. Topics include permutation groups, group and ring homomorphisms, direct products of groups and rings, quotient objects, integral domains, field of quotients, polynomial rings, unique factorization domains, extension fields, and finite fields.
 
MTH 4316 - Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 3312.
Matrix calculus, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, canonical forms, orthogonal and unitary transformation, and quadratic forms. Applications of these concepts.
 
MTH 4322 - Numerical Analysis (Cross-listed as CSI 4322)
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 2321.
Numerical evaluation of derivatives and integrals, solution of algebraic and differential equations, and approximation theory.
 
MTH 4324 - Systems of Ordinary Differential Equations
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 2311 and MTH 3325.
A continuation of MTH 3325 with emphasis on systems of ordinary differential equations. Topics include matrix and first order linear systems of differential equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, two-dimensional autonomous systems, critical point analysis, phase plane analysis, Liapunov, stability theory, limit cycles and Poincare-Bendixson theorem, periodic solutions, perturbation methods, and some fixed point theory.
 
MTH 4326 - Advanced Calculus I
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 2321 and MTH 3323 or consent of instructor.
The real and complex number systems, basic topology, numerical sequences and series, continuity, differentiation, integration, sequences and series of functions
 
MTH 4327 - Advanced Calculus II
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 4326.
Line and surface integrals, Green, Gauss, Stokes theorems with applications, Fourier series and integrals, functions defined by integrals, introduction to complex functions.
 
MTH 4328 - Numerical Linear Algebra (Cross-listed as CSI 4328)
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 2311 and 3324.
Numerical methods for solution of linear equations, eigenvalue problems, and least squares problems, including sparse matrix techniques with applications to partial differential equations.
 
MTH 4329 - Theory of Functions of a Complex Variable
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 2321.
Number systems: the complex plane; fractions, powers, and roots; analytic functions; elementary functions; complex integration; power series; mapping by elementary functions; calculus of residues.
 
MTH 4343 - Topics in Mathematics for Prospective Teachers
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 3312, 3323, or 3350.
Prospective middle and secondary school mathematics teachers engage in an in-depth analysis of mathematical topics encountered in the middle and secondary curriculum. Does not apply toward the mathematics major.
 
MTH 4375 - Linear Programming
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 2311 and 3370.
An introduction to the theory and applications of linear programming, including the simplex algorithm, duality, sensitivity analysis, parametric linear programming, and integer programming, with applications to transportation, allocation problems, and game theory.
 
MTH 4V90 - Topics in Mathematics 1 to 3 sem. hrs.
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Topics in contemporary mathematics not covered in ordinary courses. May be repeated once for credit if content is different.
 

Statistics courses that apply to a mathematics major
STA 3381 Probability and Statistics
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or above in MTH 1322.
Introduction to the fundamentals of probability, random variables, discrete and continuous probability distributions, expectations, sampling distributions, topics of statistical inference such as confidence intervals, tests of hypotheses, and regression.
 
STA 4370 Sampling Techniques
Prerequisite(s): Three hours of statistical methods.
Planning, execution, and analysis of sampling from fi nite populations. Simple random, stratified random, ratio, systematic, cluster, sub sampling, regression estimates, and multi-frame techniques are covered.
 
 
STA 4371 Data Management and Mining
Prerequisite(s): STA 3381.
Terminology, techniques, and management of Data Mining for biostatisticians.
 
 
STA 4372 Introduction to Biostatistics
Prerequisite(s): STA 3381.
Data Analysis for biostatisticians in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields.
 
 
STA 4373 Computational Methods in Statistics
Prerequisite(s): STA 3381.
Computational methods using statistical packages and programming.
 
 
STA 4374 Statistical Process Control
Prerequisite(s): STA 3381.
Development of statistical concepts and theory underlying procedures used in statistical process control applications and reliability.
 
 
STA 4382 Intermediate Statistical Methods
Prerequisite(s): STA 2381 with minimum grade of C or STA 3381; or consent of instructor.
Development and application of two-sample inference, analysis of variance and multiple regression. Assumptions, diagnostics and remedial measures are emphasized. Computer statistics packages are utilized.
 
STA 4385 Mathematical Statistics I
Prerequisite(s): MTH 2321 with minimum grade of C.
Introductions to the fundamentals of probability theory, random variables and their distributions, expectations, transformations of random variables, moment generating functions, special discrete and continuous distributions, multivariate distributions, order statistics, and sampling distributions.
 
STA 4386 Mathematical Statistics II
Prerequisite(s): STA 4385 with minimum grade of C.
Theory of statistical estimation and hypothesis testing. Topics include point and interval estimation, properties of estimators, properties of test of hypotheses including most powerful and likelihood ratios tests, and decision theory including Bayes and minimax criteria.
 
STA 4387 Introduction to Probability Models
Prerequisite(s): STA 4385 with minimum grade of C.
Applications of probability theory to the study of phenomena in such fields as engineering, management science, social and physical sciences, and operations research. Topics include Markov chains, branching processes, Poisson processes, exponential models, and continuous-time Markov chains with applications to queuing systems. Other topics introduced are renewal theory and estimation procedures.
 

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

Sid Richardson Science Building
1410 S.4th Street
Waco, TX 76706

(254) 710-3561