Department of Mathematics
Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU  
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 842014
1001 West Main Street
Richmond, VA 23284-2014
Telephones:
Ph: (804) 828-1301
Fax: (804) 828-8785
Location: 2nd floor, 2034 Oliver Hall

MATH COURSES 200-493


MATH 200-201 Calculus with Analytic Geometry

Continuous course; 4 lecture hours. 4-4 credits. Prerequisite for MATH 200: MATH 151 or satisfactory score on the VCU Mathematics Placement Test (algebra section) within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. An exception to this policy is made in the case where the stated alternative prerequisite course has been completed at VCU. Prerequisites for MATH 201: MATH 200. Limits, continuity, derivatives, differentials, antiderivatives and definite integrals. Applications of differentiation and integration. Selected topics in analytic geometry. Infinite series.



MATH 211 Mathematical Structures

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Calculus-level placement on the VCU Mathematics Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding enrollment in the course or MATH 151 or MGMT 212. An alternative prerequisite course may be approved at the discretion of the academic adviser. An introduction to mathematical logic and set theory, including applications in Boolean algebras and graph theory.



MATH 255 Introduction to Mathematical Computing

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 201. (A core course for mathematics/applied mathematics majors.) An introduction to computer algebra systems (CAS) and their use in mathematical, scientific and engineering investigations/computations. Introductory mathematical computer programming using a CAS, including implementation of problemspecific algorithms.



MATH 291 Topics in Mathematics

See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics and prerequisites.
Semester course; 1-3 credits per semester. May be repeated for credit.

A study of selected topics in mathematics.


MATH 300 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 201. (A core course for mathematics/applied mathematics majors.) An introduction to basic concepts of mathematical reasoning and the writing of proofs in an elementary setting. Direct, indirect and induction proofs. Illustrations of the concepts include basic proofs from mathematical logic, elementary set theory, elementary number theory, number systems, foundations of calculus, relations, equivalence relations, functions and counting with emphasis on combinatorial proofs.



MATH 301 Differential Equations

Prerequisite: MATH 201. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.

Solution of ordinary differential equations of first order. Linear differential equations with constant coefficients using operator methods. Series solutions and applications.


MATH 302 Numerical Calculus

Prerequisites: CMSC 201 or demonstrated knowledge of FORTRAN and MATH 201.
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits.

An introduction to numerical algorithms for solving systems of linear equations, finding zeroes, definite integration, minimization, etc. Those features of FORTRAN that affect the precision of numerical computations will be included.


MATH 303 Investigations in Geometry

Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 laboratory hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MATH 131 and STAT 208, 210 or 212. A study of topics in Euclidean geometry to include congruence, similarity, measurement, coordinate geometry, symmetry and transformation in both two and three dimensions. These topics will be investigated using manipulatives and computer software. May be used for credit toward the degree by mathematical sciences majors; but does not count toward the 24 upper division mathematical sciences credits required for these majors.



MATH 305 Elementary Number Theory

Prerequisite: MATH 211.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.

Divisibility, congruences, Euler phi-function, Fermat's Theorem, primitive roots, Diophantine equations.


MATH 307 Multivariate Calculus

Prerequisite: MATH 201.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.

The calculus of vector-valued functions and of functions of more than one variable. Partial derivatives, multiple integrals, line integrals, surface integrals, and curvilinear coordinates. Lagrange multipliers; theorems of Green, Gauss, and Stokes. Applications.


MATH 309 Introduction to Probability Theory

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 201. Completion of MATH 211 or MATH 300 (or equivalent knowledge) is strongly recommended. A study of the mathematical theory of probability, including finite and infinite sample spaces, random variables, discrete and continuous distributions, mathematical expectation, functions of random variables and sampling distributions.



MATH 310 Linear Algebra

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MATH 200, and (MATH 300 or 201). Systems of linear equations, vector spaces, linear dependence, bases, dimensions, linear mappings, matrices, determinants, quadratic forms, orthogonal reduction to diagonal form, eigenvalues and geometric applications.



MATH 327/OPER 327 Mathematical Modeling

Prerequisite: MATH 200.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
Fundamental concepts of mathematical modeling. Differential equation models. Optimization models. Probabilistic models. Practical problems will be discussed throughout.


MATH 351 Applied Abstract Algebra

Prerequisite: MATH 211.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
A survey of several areas in applied abstract algebra which have applications in computer science such as groups, codes, matrix algebra, finite fields, and advanced graph theory.


MATH 361 Numbers and Operations

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisite: MATH 131 or satisfactory score on the VCU Mathematics Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Ways of representing numbers, relationships between numbers, number systems, the meanings of operations and how they relate to one another, and computation within the number systems as a foundation for algebra. Structured observations and tutoring of elementary-level students. Restricted to B.I.S. students majoring in liberal studies concentration for early and elementary education.


MATH 362 Algebra and Functions

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.

Prerequisite: MATH 361.

Topics include algebraic concepts, linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric functions including graphical modeling of physical phenomena. Attention will be given to the use of graphing technology, the transition from arithmetic to algebra, working with quantitative change, and the description and prediction of change. Structured observations and tutoring of elementary-level students. Restricted to B.I.S. students in the liberal studies for early and elementary education concentration.
MATH 391 Topics in Mathematics

See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics and prerequisites.
Semester course; 1-3 credits per semester. May be repeated for credit.

A study of selected topics in mathematics.


MATH 437 Applied Partial Differential Equations

Prerequisites: MATH 301 and 307.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.

Parabolic (heat), hyperbolic (wave), and elliptic (steady-state) partial differential equations are studied. Solution techniques are demonstrated, including separation of variables and integral transforms. Practical problems and applications are emphasized.


MATH 490 Mathematical Expositions

Semester course; 2 lecture hours. 2 credits. Prerequisites: ENGL 200 and nine credits in mathematics courses at the 300 level or above. Required for mathematics and applied mathematics tracks within B.S. in mathematical sciences. Designed to help students attain proficiency in expository mathematical writing and in oral presentations, which require the efficient and effective use of mathematics and the English language. Students will learn a variety of topics in mathematics and will write reviews of selected award-winning mathematics papers. Writing intensive.



MATH 492 Independent Study

Generally open only to students of junior or senior standing who have acquired at least 12 credits in the departmental discipline.
Semester course; variable credit, 2, 3, 4 credits per semester; maximum 4 credits per semester; maximum total of 6 credits.
Determination of the amount of credit and permission of instructor and department chairman must be procured prior to registration for the course. The student must submit a proposal for investigating some area or problem not contained in the regular curriculum. The results of the student's study will be presented in a report.


MATH 493 Mathematical Sciences Internship

Mathematical sciences majors only with junior or senior standing.
Semester course; the equivalent of at least 15 work-hours per week for a 15-week semester. 3 credits.

Admission by permission from the department chairman. Through placement in a position in business, industry, government, or the university, the student will serve as an intern in order to obtain a broader knowledge of the mathematical sciences and their applications.


P.O. Box 842014
1001 West Main Street
Richmond, VA 23284

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