40 courses with the subject MA, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
MA 100Quantitative Reasoning3
A practical study of the skills and tools needed to work with quantitative information from the real world. Students will learn and explore mathematical concepts such as arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, descriptive statistics and basic probability, estimation, unit analysis, absolute and relative change, and linear and exponential growth. Students will also represent and interpret numerical data in tabular and graphical forms. Material will be applied to a wide variety of fields.
MA 103Assume a Spherical Cow: A First Course in Math Modeling4
Provides students with an opportunity to study interdisciplinary problems through a quantitative lens. During the course, students will build models, analyze and interpret results using traditional mathematics and computer-based simulations, and present their findings in both written and oral presentations. Students will explore problems from many disciplines including ecology, biology, finance, and epidemiology. Modeling techniques studied in this course include discrete dynamical systems and stochastic models.
A detailed study of the mathematical tools necessary for success in calculus and statistics courses. Students will build their quantitative reasoning skills, with a particular focus on understanding functions and covarying quantities. These skills include creating, refining, and algebraically manipulating models involving polynomials, rational functions, exponentials, logarithms, and trigonometric functions. Students will relate these models to real-life applications and analyze them from symbolic, graphical, and numerical perspectives.
An exploration of differential calculus. Students will learn limits, techniques and applications of derivatives, antiderivatives, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
An examination of how mathematical ideas are embodied in the visual arts, architecture, and design, and how the arts have helped shaped advances in math and computer science. From ancient Greek art to the Renaissance, and from Islamic patterns to contemporary computer-generated art, math has an important place in the world of art, architecture, and design both within museum spaces and all around us. Students will explore these relationships in the context of mathematical concepts such as geometry, proportion, basic statistics, measurements, and common functions by studying original works of art and actively engaging with these mathematical concepts through hands on exercises in Skidmore's Tang Teaching Museum.
An introduction to the theory of systems of linear equations, finite-dimensional vector spaces, and linear transformations. Students will learn row-reduction, spans, matrix operations, linear transformations, determinants, subspaces, bases, the Invertible Matrix Theorem, and eigenvectors and eigenvalues. Students will use computational software and learn interdisciplinary applications of linear algebra.
An exploration of multivariable calculus. Students will learn vectors and the geometry of space, partial derivatives, gradients, and multiple integrals.
MA 215Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning and Proof4
An introduction to mathematical proof and concepts of abstract mathematics. This course serves as the gateway to the mathematics major. Students will learn to think critically, creatively, and inquisitively about mathematics. They will gain proficiency in foundational areas of formal mathematics, including elementary logic, methods of proof, set theory, functions, and relations. Particular attention will be paid to building students' skills in reading, writing, and revising mathematical arguments.
Intermediate level. Students will work collaboratively on problems posed in various undergraduate mathematics journals and other sources. Solutions to journal problems will be submitted to the journal editors for acknowledgment and possible publication. Problems are taken from all areas of specialty within mathematics.
Students will work collaboratively on problems posed in various undergraduate mathematics journals and other sources. Solutions to journal problems will be submitted to the journal editors for acknowledgment and possible publication. Problems are taken from all areas of specialty within mathematics.
Students will work collaboratively on problems posed in various undergraduate mathematics journals and other sources. Solutions to journal problems will be submitted to the journal editors for acknowledgment and possible publication. Problems are taken from all areas of specialty within mathematics.
Topics that complement the established lower level course offerings in mathematics will be selected. Emphasis will be on the nature of mathematical thought.
An exploration of vector methods in the study of multivariable calculus. Students will learn how to use differential methods to describe and study vector fields as well as generalizations of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, including the Fundamental Theorem for Line Integrals, Green’s Theorem, Stokes’ Theorem, and the Divergence Theorem.
Exploration of a research topic in mathematics. The students, in collaboration with a faculty mentor, will participate in a research project in a particular area of mathematics which may be related to the faculty member's research program.
An introduction to the theory and applications of graphs. Topics may include graphs and digraphs, connectivity, trees, Euler and Hamiltonian cycles, and graph embeddings.
A rigorous introduction to the analysis of the real numbers and real-valued functions of one variable, focusing on the foundations of calculus. Students will learn the properties, basic topology, and completeness of the real numbers; sequences and series; limits, continuity, and derivatives of real-valued functions; sequences and series of functions, and the Riemann integral.
An introduction to the theory of probability and applications of probability in modeling real world phenomena. The goal of this course is to introduce students to the language, ideas, and tools of probability, the science of uncertainty. Probabilistic concepts, derivations, and problem solving are emphasized. Computational tools will also be used to explore and verify theoretical results. Topics include counting methods, random variables, discrete and continuous distributions, mathematical expectation, functions of random variables, joint distributions, and limit theorems.
An introduction to using computation to obtain approximate solutions to mathematical problems. A variety of algorithms are studied, as are the limitations of using computational methods. Topics include algorithms for solving equations, systems, and differential equations; approximating functions and integrals; curve fitting; round-off errors, and convergence of algorithms.
A rigorous introduction to algebra from a modern perspective, focusing on the underlying abstract algebraic structures rather than specific instances of algebraic objects. Students will learn groups, cyclic groups, subgroups and direct products of groups, and permutation groups; rings and ideals; fields; Lagrange’s theorem; group homomorphisms and isomorphisms; and normal subgroups and quotient groups.
Advanced level. Students will work collaboratively on problems posed in various undergraduate mathematics journals and other sources. Solutions to journal problems will be submitted to the journal editors for acknowledgment and possible publication. Problems are taken from all areas of specialty within mathematics.
A study of dynamical systems and their application. Topics covered include first-order equations, bifurcation theory, linear systems, phase plane analysis, and chaos. Examples will be considered from problems in medicine and the natural and social science.
Topics that complement the established upper level course offerings in mathematics will be selected. Emphasis will be on the nature of mathematical thought.
Research, discussion, and presentation of selected topics at an advanced level, to provide a capstone experience for the mathematics major; primarily intended for seniors. Senior Seminar in Mathematics - Research, discussion, and presentation of selected topics at an advanced level, to provide a capstone experience for the mathematics major; primarily intended for seniors.
Subject
MA
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Repeatable
may be repeated for credit with permission of the department.
Optional for mathematics majors. Recommended for those working toward professional careers or graduate study in mathematics, and required for those seeking to satisfy the criteria for departmental honors.
Optional for mathematics majors. Recommended for those working toward professional careers or graduate study in mathematics, and required for those seeking to satisfy the criteria for departmental honors.
Professional experience at an advanced level for juniors and seniors with substantial academic experience in mathematics. With faculty sponsorship and departmental approval, students may extend their educational experience in pure or applied mathematics. This course may not be used to satisfy the requirements of any major or minor in the department.
