Mathematics
MATH – Mathematics course descriptions
Faculty
Wendy Weber (chair), Russell Goodman, Erik Insko, Thomas Linton, Mark Mills
Department Information
Mathematics, one of the keystones of the liberal arts, combines the study of patterns and abstract structures with the art of problem-solving. The ability to reason with quantitative information and solve intricate problems is, and will continue to be, a highly-valued skill. No less important is the ability to communicate technical material. The mathematics faculty is committed to developing these skills in all students.
All majors will study contemporary and classic branches of mathematics. In addition, faculty encourage students to gain breadth in the major by taking both theoretical and applied courses. Other course requirements are flexible, allowing students to obtain teacher certification, gain practical experience in an internship, or go overseas on one of Central College’s abroad programs. Whether in teaching, in graduate school, or in the workplace, graduates with a liberal arts major in mathematics have the tools they need for success.
We offer three distinct majors: mathematics, mathematics with data science emphasis, and mathematics with secondary education emphasis.
Study Abroad
Majors are encouraged to study abroad- and should consult mathematics faculty about when to go abroad.
Mathematics credit by proficiency
For information on earning credit by proficiency in mathematics, please see the Credit by Proficiency section of this catalog.
Major Communication Skills
The department believes that it is essential that majors in mathematics are able to speak, read, write, and listen within the discipline. As such, many courses throughout the major include activities that evaluate students’ ability to communicate.
Major/minor restrictions
Students interested in combining business and mathematics may want to consider the actuarial science major, but a mathematics major may not also declare a major in actuarial science. Students seeking a mathematics teaching endorsement should consult the education department. Students choosing the data science emphasis in mathematics may not declare a computer science major with a data science emphasis.
Mathematics Major Requirements (39 credits)
1. Complete all of the following:
MATH 131 Calculus I (4)
MATH 132 Calculus II (4)
MATH 160 Introductory Investigations in Mathematics (3)
MATH 220 Discrete Mathematics (3)
MATH 240 Linear Algebra (4)
COSC 110 Introduction to Computer Science (3)
2. Complete one of the following:
MATH 310 Geometry (3)
MATH 450 Studies in Theoretical Mathematics: topics (3)
3. Complete 15 credits of additional MATH courses numbered 215 and above, including DATA 210, with at least 9 credits at the 300- or 400- level.
Mathematics Major/Data Science Emphasis Requirements (43-44 credits)
1. Complete all of the following:
MATH 131 Calculus I (4)
MATH 132 Calculus II (4)
MATH 160 Introductory Investigations in Mathematics (3)
MATH 215 Applied Statistics (4)
MATH 220 Discrete Mathematics (3)
MATH 240 Linear Algebra (4)
MATH 330 Mathematical Modeling (3)
COSC 110 Introduction to Computer Science (3)
DATA 210 Introduction to Data Science (3)
DATA 310 Data Visualization (3)
DATA 440 Applied Machine Learning (3)
2. Complete one of the following:
MATH 310 Geometry (3)
MATH 450 Studies in Theoretical Mathematics: topics (3)
3. Complete one of the following:
COSC 130 Data Structures (3)
COSC 210 Database and the Web (4)
Mathematics Major/Secondary Education Emphasis Requirements (40 credits)
The Analytical and Physical Science Department will not recommend for teacher licensure students whose grade point average within their mathematics and computer science courses is below 2.5. The department has advised the Education Department that such students should be denied admission to or be dropped from the teacher education program until their grade point average within the mathematics and computer science courses has been brought up to at least 2.5.
1. Complete all of the following:
MATH 131 Calculus I (4)
MATH 132 Calculus II (4)
MATH 160 Introductory Investigations in Mathematics (3)
MATH 215 Applied Statistics (4)
MATH 220 Discrete Mathematics (3)
MATH 240 Linear Algebra (4)
MATH 310 Geometry (3)
COSC 110 Introduction to Computer Science (3)
2. Complete 12 credits of additional MATH courses numbered 231 and above, including DATA 210, with at
least 6 credits at the 300- or 400- level.
Mathematics Minor Requirements (21 credits)
1. Complete all of the following:
MATH 131 Calculus I (4)
MATH 132 Calculus II (4)
MATH 240 Linear Algebra (4)
2. Complete an additional 9 credits of MATH courses numbered 160 and above, with at least 3 credits at the 300- or 400- level.