Mathematics Course Descriptions
Mathematics courses at Carthage help students acquire methods of logical reasoning and deduction, and develop problem-solving skills for a wide variety of applications. Scroll down to read descriptions of the Mathematics courses offered at Carthage, or click on the following links for additional resources.
Applied Contemporary Mathematics (MTH) (QR)
MTH 1030 / 4 credits
This is an entry-level course appropriate for most college students that emphasizes mathematical reasoning in everyday experiences. The geometry unit deals with form, growth, size, and patterns found in living populations and created art. The mathematics of social choice studies techniques of decision-making, voting, and optimizing alternatives. Operations research discusses algorithms for scheduling, planning, and creating networks. Standard statistical measures also are studied and interpreted. This course is designed for any student who does not need the technical vocabulary of trigonometry or analytic geometry. A student may not receive credit for this course after receiving credit for any MTH course numbered 1120 or above without approval of the Mathematics Department chair.
Offered in Fall/J-Term/Spring
Quantitative Social Justice (DIV) (MTH) (QR)
MTH 1035 / 4 credits
This course provides foundational quantitative reasoning skills through study of issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We identify, measure, and analyze evidence of inequality and disparities of opportunties and outcomes, as well as phenomena and trends relevant to social justice.
Principles of Modern Mathematics (MTH) (QR)
MTH 1040 / 4 credits
An introduction to set theory, problem-solving, geometry, algebra, probability, and statistics, with selected applications for each. The course satisfies teacher certification requirements. A student may not receive credit for this course after receiving credit for any MTH course numbered 1120 or above without approval of the Mathematics department chair.
Offered in Fall/J-Term/Spring
Elementary Statistics (MTH) (QR)
MTH 1050 / 4 credits
Methods of determining averages, variability, hypothesis testing and correlation, and of testing the significance of the statistics, prediction, and distribution-free statistics. A student may not receive credit for this course after receiving credit for any other statistics course without approval of the Mathematics Department chair.
Offered in Fall/Spring
Finite Mathematics (MTH)
MTH 1060 / 4 credits
The main topics covered are Boolean algebra, logic, sets, graph theory, combinatorics, number systems, probability, coding, information theory, recurrence relations, and algorithms. This course cannot be taken for credit after MTH 1240.
Functions, Graphs, and Analysis (MTH)
MTH 1070 / 4 credits
A study of polynomial, rational, trigonometric, and exponential functions and their applications. The nature of functions, equation solving, solution estimation, graphing, and mathematical modeling will be emphasized. A student may not receive credit for this course after receiving credit for any other course numbered 1120 or above.
Offered in Fall/Spring
Calculus I (MTH) (QR)
MTH 1120 / 4 credits
This course is a study of coordinate systems, straight lines and conic sections, theory of limits, differentiations of algebraic functions, applications to slopes and curves, and maxima and minima.
Prerequisite: MTH 1070 with a grade of C- or better, or high school preparation
Offered in Fall/Spring
Calculus II (MTH)
MTH 1220 / 4 credits
A study of transcendental functions, infinite series, mean-value theorem, polar coordinates, integration, and application of integration. Students completing this course with a grade of C or better will be awarded credit for MTH 1120.
Prerequisite: MTH 1120 with C- or better
Offered in Fall/Spring
Discrete Structures (MTH) (QR)
MTH 1240 / 4 credits
A study of logic, proofs, and sets; graphs, digraphs, trees, colorings, and traversal; permutations and combinations; binomial coefficients; and recurrence relations.
Prerequisite: MTH 1120, CSC 1100, CSC 1810, or CSC 1030, or departmental approval
Offered in J-Term/Spring
Differential Equations (MTH)
MTH 2020 / 4 credits
A study of common types of ordinary differential equations, their solutions and applications, singular solutions, and an introduction to mathematical modeling.
Prerequisite: MTH 1220 with a grade of C- or better
Offered in Fall
Linear Algebra (MTH)
MTH 2040 / 4 credits
An examination of linear equations, matrices, vector spaces, transformations, and eigensystems.
Prerequisite: MTH 1120
Offered in Spring
Modern Geometry (MTH)
MTH 2080 / 4 credits
An introduction to the branches of geometry including plane, solid, higher dimensional, fractal, transformational, non-Euclidean, and combinatorial.
Prerequisite: MTH 1120
Offered in Fall of even-numbered years
Mathematical Computing
MTH 2090 / 4 credits
This course focuses on three classes of computational tools: structured programming languages, computer algebra systems, and spreadsheets. Students will learn Python, Mathematica, and Excel by solving a wide range of mathematical problems from discrete mathematics, number theory, and applied mathematics; and as importantly, students will learn which tools are appropriate for various problems.
Prerequisite: MTH 1240 or MTH 1220 or instructor approval
Offered in Spring
Multivariate Calculus (MTH)
MTH 2120 / 4 credits
A study of curvilinear motions, solid analytic geometry, vectors, partial derivatives, and multiple integration. Students completing this course with a grade of C or better will be awarded credit for MTH 1120 and 1220 if not previously taken.
Prerequisite: MTH 1220
Offered in Spring
Mathematics of Actuarial Science (MTH)
MTH 2130 / 4 credits
This course is designed to help students prepare for a career in the actuarial sciences, and to help students learn material covered on the first actuarial examination. Topics will include limits, series, sequences, derivatives of single and multivariate functions, integrals of single and multivariate functions, general probability, Bayes’ theorem, univariate probability distributions, and multivariate probability distributions.
Prerequisites: MTH 1220 and MTH 1240 or instructor approval
Offered in Fall
Ethics in Data Science
MTH 2190 / 4 credits
This course will help students think critically about the complex ethical issues arising in technological fields. Students will learn some of the indicators of bias hidden by technology, analyze recent cases of ethical misconduct involving big data, and will learn to perform a contextual risk-benefit analysis of implementing. Prerequisite: CSC 1030
Offered in J-Term
Probability (MTH)
MTH 3030 / 4 credits
A second course on discrete structures including probability, combinations and permutations, recursion, and algorithms.
Prerequisites: MTH 1220 and MTH 1240
Offered in Fall of odd-numbered years
Abstract Algebra I (MTH)
MTH 3040 / 4 credits
A study of groups, Lagrange’s theorem, normal subgroups, fields, rings, integral domains, subrings, ideals, and vector spaces.
Prerequisites: MTH 2040
Offered in Fall
Statistics (MTH)
MTH 3050 / 4 credits
Data collection and analysis; continuous and discrete distributions, central limit theorem, sampling theory, confidence intervals and estimation theory, regression analysis and correlation including multiple linear regression models and hypothesis testing and confidence intervals in regression models, chi-square test of independence and other nonparametric statistical tests, time series models and forecasting, linear time series models, moving average and autoregressive models, estimation, data analysis, index numbers, forecasting with time series models, forecasting errors and confidence intervals, and application of statistics to significant real-world data.
Prerequisites: MTH 1050 and MTH 1220 or instructor approval
Offered in Spring
Mathematics of Data Science (QR)
MTH 3090 / 4 credits
This class dives deeper into the data science process by studying the mathematical foundations of common data science methods and techniques. Methods include linear regression, classification models, and clustering. Techniques include generalized study of functions, best practices for handling data, optimization, and analyzing error measures.
Prerequisite: CSC 1100 or CSC 1810
Real Analysis (MTH)
MTH 3120 / 4 credits
Fundamental concepts of analysis, limits, continuity, differentiation, and integration. Major topics include the real number system, sequences, series, the Riemann integral, and the gauge integral.
Prerequisites: MTH 1240 and MTH 2040
Offered in Spring
Abstract Algebra II (MTH)
MTH 3140 / 4 credits
A continuation of Abstract Algebra I, concentrating on topics in ring theory and field theory, including applications. Specially arranged, odd-numbered years.
Prerequisite: MTH 3040
Introduction to Topology (MTH)
MTH 3180 / 4 credits
This course will serve as an introduction to the topology of Euclidean spaces and manifolds, with an emphasis on basic sets (disks, spheres, annuli, Cantor sets) in lower dimensional space. Continuous maps, homeomorphisms, and embeddings will be studied in conjunction with connectedness and paths, convergence and compactness, manifolds, homotopy, contractible sets, the Brouwer fixed-point theorem, and covering spaces. At the end of the course, each student will complete an individual project based on a research article that examines one of the major areas (e.g., physical knot theory) in the modern study of topology.
Prerequisites: MTH 1220 and MTH 1240
Complex Variables (MTH)
MTH 3220 / 4 credits
This course is an introduction to complex analysis, including the Cauchy-Riemann equations, Cauchy’s theorem, residue theory, and conformal mapping.
Prerequisite: MTH 1220
Data Science Portfolio I
MTH 3350 / 1 credit
This is the first course in a two-course sequence in which students develop, propose, and refine their three-course applied sequence in data science; learn about the concept of a data science portfolio; and begin the process of planning and assembling their data science portfolio. Students will also engage in career and professional development activities.
Prerequisites: CSC 1040 and MTH 1050, MTH 3050, BUS/ECN 2340, or EXS 2330, or instructor approval
Offered in Spring
Mathematics for Scientists and Engineers (MTH)
MTH 3470 / 4 credits
A study of differential equations, partial differential equations, multiple integration, Laplace transforms, Fourier transforms, and vector analysis. Most spring semesters.
Prerequisite: MTH 2020 with a grade of C- or better
Offered in Spring of add number years
Methods and Materials in Teaching Mathematics
MTH 4200 / 4 credits
A study of teaching methods and instructional materials in mathematics. Special attention is given to the selection and organization of subject matter and learning activities. Fieldwork required.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Teacher Education Program and to be nearly completed with the major.
Offered in Spring
Senior Research (OC)
MTH 4300 / 4 credits
Students will engage in mathematics research. Technical oral and written communication skills will be emphasized. Students will produce a high-quality Senior Thesis as part of this course.
Prerequisites: Mathematics Major and junior standing
Offered in Fall
Data Science Portfolio II
MTH 4350 / 1 credit
This is the second and final course in the data science portfolio sequence. In this class, students will assemble and present their data science portfolio. In addition, students will reflect upon the learning goals of their three-course sequence and articulate how those learning goals were accomplished. Students will participate in professional and career development activities.
Prerequisite: MTH 3350 or instructor approval
Offered in Fall
Independent Study in Mathematics
MTH 4500 / 2-4 credits
Independent study in a topic of interest in mathematics that does not duplicate any other course in the regular course offerings.
Prerequisites: MTH 1220 and instructor approval
Research in Mathematics
MTH 4900 / 4 credits
An opportunity to conduct research in mathematics, culminating in a research paper.
Prerequisites: MTH 1220 and instructor approval
Senior Thesis Completion
MTH 4990 / 0 credits
Students should register for MTH 4990 during the semester in which they plan to complete their Senior Thesis.