Southwestern

Engaging Minds, Transforming Lives

Mathematics & Computer Science Department

Curriculum: Mathematics

The Mathematics curriculum is traditional, although many of the best reform ideas (technology, group projects, writing mathematics, etc.) are being incorporated where appropriate to enhance the traditional topics.

The following list of courses represents current or recent course offerings. See the course catalog for updated information.

  • 52-001 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 52-002 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 52-003 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 52-004 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 52-104 MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTS
    An introduction to some of the important ideas in mathematics illustrating the scope and spirit of mathematics and emphasizing the role that mathematics plays in society from a historical point of view. Topics include number systems, algebra, geometry and measurement. This course is designed for tho...
  • 52-114 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS
    Designed to provide students in the social and biological sciences with the skills necessary to perform elementary statistical analysis. Descriptive measures, probability, sampling theory, random variables, binomial and normal distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, r...
  • 52-124 ELEMENTARY FUNCTION THEORY
    Relations, functions and general properties of functions. Some of the elementary functions considered are polynomials, rational functions, exponentials, logarithms and trigonometric functions. An objective of this course is to prepare students for Calculus I. May not be used for Mathematics major or...
  • 52-154 CALCULUS I
    Functions and graphs, derivatives, and applications of differentiation. Exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, integration, and applications of integration. The course includes a laboratory component designed to explore applications and to enhance conceptualization. Prerequisite: Mast...
  • 52-204 TOPICS IN MATHEMATICS
    May be repeated with change in topic. (NS)
  • 52-254 CALCULUS II
    Numerical integration, methods of integration, applications of the definite integral, improper integrals, and sequences and series, Taylor’s Formula and approximation, polar coordinates and an introduction to differential equations. The course includes a laboratory component designed to explore ap...
  • 52-291 PUTNAM POWER HOUR
    This course is designed to sharpen problem solving abilities. Students will tackle challenging problems from the William Lowell Putnam Competitions of previous years and study some of the published solutions. Students enrolled in this course will be encouraged to compete in the Putnam Competition in...
  • 52-301 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
  • 52-302 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
  • 52-303 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
  • 52-304 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
  • 52-354 CALCULUS III
    A course in multivariable calculus. Vectors, vector functions and curves. Functions of several variables, partial differentiation, multiple integration, applications of partial differentiation and of multiple integrals. Vector calculus, line integrals, Green’s Theorem, and surface integrals. The c...
  • 52-384 DISCRETE MATHEMATICS
    See Computer Science 54-384. (Fall)
  • 52-404 GEOMETRY
    Topics to be selected from synthetic geometry, analytic geometry, projective geometry, Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (Fall, even years) (NS)
  • 52-524 INTRODUCTION TO NUMERICAL ANALYSIS
    Emphasizes the derivations and applications of numerical techniques most frequently used by scientists: interpolation, approximation, numerical differentiation and integration, zeroes of functions and solution of linear systems. Also Computer Science 54-524. Prerequisites: Mathematics 52-674, and Co...
  • 52-574
  • 52-674
  • 52-684 ALGEBRAIC STRUCTURES I
    Sets, relations, functions, group theory and ring theory. A rigorous approach to learning and writing proofs is emphasized. Prerequisite: Mathematics 52-674 or permission of instructor. (Fall) (NS)
  • 52-694 ALGEBRAIC STRUCTURES II
    Vector spaces and algebraic field theory. Prerequisite: Mathematics 52-684. (Spring, odd years) (NS)
  • 52-754 DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS I
    Topics include first order differential equations, separable equations, exact equations, linear differential equations of order n>1, homogeneous equations with constant coefficients, nonhomogeneous equations, the method of undetermined coefficients, variation of parameters, power series solutions an...
  • 52-764 DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS II
    Topics include the Laplace transform, linear systems, numerical solutions, nonlinear systems and an introduction to partial differential equations. Prerequisites: Mathematics 52-674 and 52-754 or permission of instructor. (Fall, odd years) (NS)
  • 52-834 COMPLEX ANALYSIS
    Algebra and geometry of complex numbers. Analytic and harmonic functions, series, contour integration, conformal maps and transformations. Prerequisite: Mathematics 52-354 or permission of instructor. (Fall, even years) (NS)
  • 52-844 SEMINAR IN SPECIAL TOPICS
    A limited enrollment seminar in a major area of mathematics not generally covered in other courses. Topics may include but are not limited to advanced analysis, combinatorics, and logic and history of mathematics. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Prerequisite: Three courses at the 200 leve...
  • 52-854 REAL ANALYSIS I
    Topics include completeness, topology of the reals, sequences, limits and continuity, differentiation, the Mean-Value Theorem, Taylor’s Theorem and infinite series. May also include sequences and series of functions. A rigorous approach to learning and writing proofs is emphasized. Prerequisite: M...
  • 52-864 REAL ANALYSIS II
    Topics vary but may include the theory of Riemann integration, Lebesgue integration, sequences and series of functions, Fourier analysis, function spaces. Prerequisite: Mathematics 52-854 or permission of instructor. (Spring, even years) (NS)
  • 52-884 TOPOLOGY
    Topology of the line and plane, limit points, open sets, closed sets, connectedness and compactness. Continuous functions and homeomorphisms. Prerequisite: Mathematics 52-254. (Fall, odd years) (NS)
  • 52-894 SENIOR SEMINAR IN MATHEMATICAL MODELING
    This course will fulfill the capstone requirement in Mathematics. Since it serves as a culmination of the student’s undergraduate mathematical experience, a balance is sought between application and theory. Topics may include linear and non-linear differential and difference equations and stochast...
  • 52-901 TUTORIAL
  • 52-902 TUTORIAL
  • 52-903 TUTORIAL
  • 52-904 TUTORIAL
  • 52-951 INDEPENDENT STUDY
  • 52-952 INDEPENDENT STUDY
  • 52-953 INDEPENDENT STUDY
  • 52-954 INDEPENDENT STUDY
  • 52-984 HONORS
    By invitation only.