Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics

Michael Fahy, Ph.D., Chair

Professors: Fahy, Ortiz–Franco, Moshier, Porter, Radenski, Ramet, Struppa, Yules;

Associate Professors: Allali, Jipsen;

Assistant Professors: Baugh, Huang, Rakovski, Vajiac, A., Vajiac, M., Zhao;

Instructor: Goetz.

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems

Chapman University/University of California, Irvine Joint Degree Program in Engineering

From financial analysis to space exploration, from civil engineering to development of the World Wide Web, applications of mathematics and computing are crucial to nearly every modern human endeavor. As the disciplines of mathematics and computing are among humankind's deepest, most fundamental, and most universal, their wide applications are, in a way, not surprising. Furthermore, these fields continue to develop and to be vital to the world's culture and economy. The department strives to present the greatest and most useful ideas of mathematics and computing in the context of preparing students for careers as varied as mathematical research, software engineering, integrated circuit design and information management. The common theme of all is an interest in great ideas (old and new) put to contemporary uses.

The department of mathematics and computer science at Chapman University offers a bachelor of science degree in mathematics, in computer science and in computer information systems. The department also offers a minor in mathematics, in computer science, in game development programming and in physics.

Students in the mathematics major prepare for a variety of careers, including actuary, financial analysis, science, mathematics education, pure mathematics research, engineering and data security. The majors of computer science and computer information systems are designed to prepare the student for a career involved in inventing and implementing the next generations of technological change. The computer science degree concentrates on theory and technological development, whereas the computer information systems degree emphasizes the use of technology in the context of organizations.

Students pursuing any degree in the department must maintain a 2.000 "C" grade point average in the major. All courses in the majors must be taken for a letter grade.

Students majoring in mathematics, computer science, or computer information systems who want to pursue a double major or a minor in another area in the department (if allowed) may count the lower–division credit toward both, but distinct upper–division credits are required for each area.

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

requirements (32 credits)

general science requirement (8 credits)

One of these courses may be used to satisfy the natural science inquiry general education requirement.

electives (21 credits)

Students, in consultation with and approval from the mathematics department advising committee, will design individual elective programs to suit their academic goals. Mathematics electives may be satisfied by any of the following courses:

For students interested in pure mathematics, especially those interested in pursuing a graduate degree, the department strongly recommends the following courses: MATH 260, MATH 440, MATH 451 and MATH 460.

For students interested in careers or further study in applied mathematics, the department strongly recommends the following courses: MATH 251, MATH 451 and MATH 454.

For students preparing to become mathematics teachers, the department strongly recommends the following courses: MATH 206, MATH 208 and MATH 260.

Chapman University/University of California, Irvine Joint Degree Program in Engineering

The Chapman University/University of California, Irvine Joint Degree Program in Engineering combines the strengths of a nationally recognized liberal arts university with those of a major research institution in a carefully designed dual bachelor's degree program.

Students will complete their first three years of study in the personalized academic environment at Chapman, and their last two years at UCI's Henry Samueli School of Engineering with the facilities and distinguished faculty of that renowned engineering program. While at Chapman students will major in mathematics. The mathematics majors will complete UCI's civil engineering program.

Students will receive two degrees: BS in Mathematics and BS in Civil Engineering

Chapman students need to complete the first three years of the appropriate program of study with an overall GPA of 2.750 or higher to participate in the Joint degree program for admission to UCI. See the core curriculum requirements for mathematics/civil engineering. At the completion of the five-year program, graduates will receive two bachelor's degrees, one from each university.

Chapman students must apply for admission to UCI in November prior to the fall quarter they will be full-time students at UCI. Before enrolling in their first course at UCI, students need to meet with a UCI advisor.

Some courses need to be completed during summer session at Chapman, UCI or through UCI's University Extension (UNEX) program (see course requirements). Chapman students must meet UC residence requirements to be classified as a resident for fee tuition purposes.

Students should adhere to the program of core and general education courses as outlined in the course requirements. The general education program needs to be equivalent to an IGETC program. In addition, students will be required to complete UCI's upper division writing requirement after matriculation to UCI.

major requirements

(To be completed in addition to appropriate basic subjects, general education, and common requirements. See appropriate section of the undergraduate catalog for specifics.)

mathematics (Chapman)

See University of California, Irvine catalog for the 4th and 5th year classes in engineering.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

lower–division core requirements (29 credits)

general science requirement (8 credits)

One of these courses can be used ot satisfy the natural science inquiry general education requirement.

upper–division requirements (25 credits)

electives (12 credits)

Students, in consultation with and approval of the computer science advising committee, will design individual elective programs to suit their academic goals. Electives may be satisfied by any of the following courses:

Courses offered by other departments (up to six credits, generally upper–division) may be approved by the computer science advising committee as satisfying elective requirements, if they are related to the student's academic goal.

For students interested in graduate studies in computing, the department strongly recommends the following courses: MATH 251, CPSC 360, CPSC 390, CPSC 406.

For students interested in web–based development, the department strongly recommends the following courses: CPSC 355, CPSC 453, CPSC 458.

For students interested in embedded systems (ES) and those interested in graduate studies in ES, the department strongly recommends the following courses: MATH 251, CPSC 366, CPSC 465, CPSC 466, CPSC 498.

For students interested in software engineering, the department strongly recommends the following courses: CPSC 348, CPSC 355, CPSC 406, CPSC 458.

For students interested in game development, the department strongly recommends the following courses: CPSC 242, CPSC 244, CPSC 285, CPSC 340, CPSC 360, CPSC 390 and CPSC 440.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems

lower–division requirements (29 credits)

upper–division requirements (27 credits)

electives (6 credits)

Minors in the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics

Minor in Mathematics

A minimum of 9 credits must be upper-division.

requirements (18 credits)

electives (6 credits)

Minor in Computer Science

A minimum of 9 credits must be upper-division.

lower–division requirements (17 credits)

electives (9 credits)

Minor in Game Development Programming

A minimum of 9 credits must be upper-division.

lower–division requirements (13 credits)

upper–division requirements (6 credits)

electives (6 credits)

two of the following, at least one of which must be upper–division

Minor in Physics

Physics is the most fundamental of all the sciences and is required for all natural science majors and professional medical programs. It is also an exciting field of study in its own right. The physics minor is designed to offer extra study in some of the most relevant and exciting aspects of physics. It is an excellent option for math students seeking to understand the practical application of mathematics, chemistry students especially those with interest in physical chemistry, and premedical students especially those interested in radiology, orthopedics, or other physics intensive fields.

The physics minor requires the completion of the physics core and nine upper-division physics credits. At least nine credits must not be duplicated by the major. This should only affect chemistry bachelor of science students who may only use one physical chemistry course toward the physics minor. PHYS 429 and 499 courses may also be used as upper-division courses with approval of the physics faculty. A minimum of 9 credits must be upper-division.

required courses (13 credits)

(PHYS 107/108 may be substituted for PHYS 101/102 by petition.)

three of the following (9 credits)

Course Descriptions – Computer Science

CPSC 229 Experimental Course

(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 230 Computer Science I

Prerequisite, Math 104, or equivalent. Students are introduced to problem–solving methods and algorithm development through an interactive and easy–to–learn programming language, Python. The course requires supervised work in the computer laboratory in addition to three hours per week of lecture. (Offered every semester.) 4 Credits.

CPSC 231 Computer Science II

Prerequisite, CPSC 230, or equivalent. Students continue their study of computer programming through a mainstream programming language, Java. The course introduces the principal features of the language with a focus on advanced object–oriented design and large program structure. The course also covers advance topics such as concurrency and graphical user interfaces. The course requires supervised work in the computer laboratory in addition to three hours per week of lecture. (Offered spring semester.) 4 credits.

CPSC 236 Visual Programming

Prerequisite, MATH 104, or equivalent. Students learn the essentials of a visual programming language such as C# or Visual Basic. Emphasis is placed on using controls to build graphical user interfaces. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

CPSC 242 Introduction to the Game Industry

Students learn the history of electronic games and gaming platforms, the development cycle of electronic games, the roles and responsibilities of the members of a game production team, and the roles of interface design, mathematics, artificial intelligence and storytelling in game development. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

CPSC 244 Level Design I

Prerequisites, CPSC 230, 242. Students learn to create interactive simulation software through the use and programming of a professional level editor with an emphasis on scripting techniques. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

CPSC 250 Computer Systems and Assembly Language Programming

Prerequisite, CPSC 231, or equivalent. Students learn basic programming and program structure in an assembly language and gain experience with machine language and instructions, execution, addressing and representation of data, macros, subroutines, linkages, and recursive routines. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

CPSC 285 Social Issues in Computing

Prerequisite, CPSC 230. This course considers a range of ethical and social issues related to the effects of computers on how we live, focusing on broad social issues as well as individual responsibilities. Privacy and intellectual property (e.g. P2P downloading), software licenses, software reliability, and risks. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 290 Intern Program

(Offered as needed.) ½–6 credits.

CPSC 299 Individual Study

(Offered as needed.) 1–6 credits.

CPSC 330 Digital Logic Design I

Prerequisite, MATH 250. Students learn the fundamental principles and practice of digital logic. The course covers binary numbers and arithmetic. Students study Boolean algebra as a method of reasoning about sequential circuits including truth tables and Karnaugh maps, logic minimization, gates and flip–flops, sequential logic and combinatorial logic. The course requires one hour of supervised work in a laboratory in addition to three hours per week of lecture. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 340 Game Development

Prerequisites, CPSC 244, either CPSC 236, or 231. Game Development covers programming techniques for writing a broad range of computer video games including 2–D arcade style, isometric, 3–D and networked games. Students will learn to program with a professional game development engine. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

CPSC 348 Structured Systems Analysis and Design

Prerequisites, CPSC 236, 408. Students study the system development life cycle. The emphasis is on UML and Object Oriented Analysis & Design. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 350 Data Structures

Prerequisite, CPSC 231. Students develop and understand data structures such as stacks, queues, lists, and trees to understand techniques such as hashing, dynamic storage allocation, and garbage collection. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

CPSC 351 Computer Architecture I

Prerequisites, CPSC 250, 330. Students learn the organization and structure of the major hardware components of computers to understand the mechanics of information transfer and control within a digital computer system and the fundamentals of logic design. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

CPSC 352 Computer Architecture II

Prerequisite, CPSC 351. Topics include the design and analysis of instruction set processors, memory management, multi-processors, and networks. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 353 Data Communications and Computer Networks

Prerequisite, CPSC 231. Students explore the principles and techniques of data communications and give special emphasis to networks and distributed systems. The I.S.O. Reference Model for open systems interconnection will be investigated and the function and operation of each protocol layer analyzed in detail. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 354 Programming Languages

Prerequisites, CPSC 231, 250. Students develop an understanding of the organization and design of programming languages through the formal study of programming language specifications and analysis. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 355 Graphical User Interface Design

Prerequisite, CPSC 231. Students gain experience in designing applications for different Graphical User Interfaces. Students investigate various application frameworks using object–oriented component reuse techniques. Several windowing systems are explored and evaluated. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

CPSC 360 Computer Graphics

Prerequisites, MATH 211, 250, CPSC 231. The fundamental concepts of graphics software, hardware, and standards are examined. The course gives special emphasis to three–dimensional graphics and provides an introduction to graphical user interfaces. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 366 Digital Logic Design II

Prerequisites, MATH 251, CPSC 330. The course introduces combinational and sequential logic circuits, including decoders, multiplexers, flip–flops, arithmetic circuits, and implementations of finite state machines using hardware design languages and FPGA boards. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 370 Topics in Computer Science

(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 380 Operating Systems

Prerequisites, CPSC 350, 351. The course emphasizes the major principles of operating system design and the interrelationship between the operating system and the hardware. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 390 Artificial Intelligence

Prerequisites, MATH 250, CPSC 350. Students study the tools, techniques, and applications of artificial intelligence. Students will be introduced to the programming techniques utilized in artificial intelligence applications. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 399 Individual Study

(Offered as needed.) 1–3 credits.

CPSC 402 Compiler Construction

Prerequisites, MATH 250, CPSC 350, 354. Working knowledge of the Java programming language is required. Students examine the techniques involved in the analysis and interpretation of source–language statements and the generation of object code. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 406 Algorithm Analysis

Prerequisites, Math 250, CPSC 350. Students study ideas and techniques useful for designing and analyzing data structures and algorithms. In particular, the analytic tools needed for analyzing upper bounds for algorithms and lower bounds for problems will be covered. Problem areas include sorting, graph–based problems, dynamic programming, combinatorial algorithms, computational geometry, encryption, parallel and distributed models, and NP–completeness. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 408 Database Management

Prerequisites, CPSC 231, 236. Students learn data management concepts and the representation and structure of data in the context of applications and system software. The emphasis is on design of databases and developing applications in a client–server environment using SQL as the query language. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

CPSC 440 Collaborative Game Development

Prerequisite, CPSC 340. This is a capstone project course in which students design and develop games in collaborative projects. Working with faculty and visiting industry experts, students propose a concept for a computer game or applied interactive simulation, developing that concept over the course of the semester through several stages of specification and prototyping. Final prototypes are entered in a competition at the end of the course whose jury may include representatives from game and simulation development companies. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

CPSC 453 Network Implementation

Prerequisite, CPSC 353. Students explore the principles and techniques for implementing TCP/IP based networks using Microsoft Windows NT servers and clients, including the skills to configure, customize, optimize, troubleshoot, and integrate networks. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 455 Operating System Administration

Prerequisite, CPSC 453. Students explore the principles and techniques for managing the Microsoft Windows NT operating system in the enterprise, including the skills to install, configure, customize, optimize, and troubleshoot both the NT workstation and server operating system. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 458 Advanced Web-Based Database Systems

Prerequisite, CPSC 408. Students explore the principles and techniques for managing and developing applications for Microsoft's SQL Database System and Microsoft's Internet Information Server including the skills to install, configure, customize, optimize, develop applications, and troubleshoot both the SQL Server and Information Server Systems. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 465 Integrated Circuit Design I

Prerequisites, MATH 211, CPSC 366. Recommended, PHYS 102. This course introduces the student to circuit analysis, including transient and sinusoidal steady–state analysis, complex frequency and Bode plots. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 466 Integrated Circuit Design II

Prerequisites, CPSC 330, 465. Recommended, PHYS 102. The course integrates theoretical and functional ideas from Digital Logic II with the physical electronics covered in Integrated Circuit Design I toward the design of real–world integrated circuits. The course also introduces the student to VLSI CAD tools for physical design. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 490 Intern Program

(Offered as needed.) ½–6 credits.

CPSC 498 Senior Project

(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

CPSC 499 Independent Study

Prerequisite, consent of instructor. (Offered as needed.) 1–6 credits.

Course Descriptions – Mathematics

MATH 098 Elementary Algebra

This course is designed to fill the needs of those students whose mathematical training is not sufficient to meet the prerequisites of college level courses requiring mathematical skills. Topics include the basic arithmetic operations, solving of linear equations and inequalities, graphing and linear systems, exponents and polynomials, factoring, and rational expression operations. P/NP. (Offered fall semester.) 3 non-degree credits.

MATH 099 Intermediate Algebra

Prerequisite, MATH 098. This course is designed to fill the needs of those students whose mathematical training is not sufficient to meet the prerequisites of college level courses requiring mathematical skills. Topics include linear equations, inequalities, systems of equations, rational exponents and roots, quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

MATH 104 Pre-Calculus Mathematics

Prerequisite, MATH 99, or appropriate placement exam score. Topics include functions and graphs, linear, quadratic, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry, inverse trigonometric functions. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

MATH 110 Single Variable Calculus I

Prerequisite, MATH 104, or equivalent. Students study single variable functions, limits and continuity, differentiation, applications of derivatives (approximations, curve plotting, related rates, optimization), antiderivatives, the definite integral and applications. The course includes one hour per week of laboratory work in addition to the three hours per week of lecture. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

MATH 111 Single Variable Calculus II

Prerequisite, MATH 110, or equivalent. Students study further techniques and applications of integration, transcendental functions, analytic geometry in two dimensions, polar coordinates, and infinite series. The course includes one hour per week of laboratory work in addition to the three hours per week of lecture. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

MATH 199 Individual Study

(Offered as needed.) 1-6 credits.

MATH 203 Introduction to Statistics

Prerequisite, MATH 104, or equivalent. Students study the design of experiments, descriptive statistics, analysis of data, parametric and non–parametric statistics, correlation and regression, probability, sampling, and tests of significance. Examples from the social sciences and the natural sciences are used to illustrate the concepts. The course includes a computer laboratory component in which students will learn how to use statistical software. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

MATH 206 Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers I

Prerequisite, MATH 104, or equivalent. This course focuses on preparing future elementary school teachers for effective mathematics instruction. Topics include: problem solving strategies, whole numbers, other bases, number theory, fractions, decimals, ratios, proportion, percent, and integers. Conceptual understanding is emphasized. In presenting the material, several instructional techniques may be modeled. These techniques may be incorporated when preparing your own lesson plans. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

MATH 207 Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers II

Prerequisite, MATH 206. This course focuses on preparing future elementary school teachers. The course covers rational numbers, real numbers, algebra, statistics, probability, geometric shapes, measurement, geometry using triangle congruence and similarity. Conceptual understanding is emphasized. In presenting the material, several instructional techniques may be modeled. These techniques may be incorporated when preparing your own lesson plans. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

MATH 208 Foundations of Geometry

Prerequisite, MATH 104, or equivalent. This course provides student with notions of Euclidian and non–Euclidian geometries, systems of axioms and geometric models, classical theorems, and geometric transformations. The two main objectives of this course are to provide students with a solid background in the subject of Geometry and to prepare them as future mathematics teachers. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

MATH 210 Multivariable Calculus

Prerequisite, MATH 111. Students learn the calculus of functions of two or more variables and of vector–valued functions as well as multiple integrals and integration in vector fields. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

MATH 211 Linear Algebra

Prerequisite, MATH 111. Students study vector spaces, linear transformations, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

MATH 229 Experimental Course

(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

MATH 250 Discrete Mathematics I

Prerequisite, MATH 104, or equivalent. This course provides a broad survey of many of the mathematical tools necessary for further study in mathematics and computer science. It emphasizes basic concepts such as logic, sets, techniques of proof, properties of numbers, relations, combinatorics and algorithms. A principal objective of the course is to develop an understanding of mathematical reasoning, precise mathematical notation and mathematical techniques useful for discrete structures (which occur in many areas of mathematics and computer science). (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

MATH 251 Discrete Mathematics II

Prerequisite, MATH 250. This course covers binary relations with applications to databases, graphs, networks, trees and sorting, followed by topics on Boolean algebras, basic digital circuit design, formal languages and abstract models of computation. It provides the theoretical background needed for upper–division CPSC courses such as Data Structures (combinatorics, formal languages), Logic Design (Boolean algebras, number representation), Integrated Circuit Design (automata theory, finite state minimization, graph layout), and is also very valuable for mathematics students who are interested in the logic of discrete processes and structures (used for example in bioinformatics, artificial intelligence and operations research). (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

MATH 260 Number Theory

Prerequisite, MATH 111, or equivalent. The ring of integers. Divisibility. Prime numbers and factorization. Number–theoretic functions such as the Moebius function and the Euler function. Congruences, Moebius inversion, perfect numbers, diophantine equations, quadratic residues. (Offered alternative years.) 3 credits.

MATH 290 Intern Program

(Offered as needed.) 1–6 credits.

MATH 299 Individual Study

(Offered as needed.) 1-6 credits.

MATH 350 Differential Equations

Prerequisite, MATH 211. Students gain a solid foundation in ordinary differential equations and introduce applications of differential equations to the sciences. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

MATH 360 Probability Theory

Prerequisite, MATH 210. This course covers the fundamentals of probability theory. Topics include discrete and continuous probability models, conditional probability, random variables, probability distributions, multivariate distributions, functions of random variables, sampling distributions and the Central Limit Theorem. This course is a prerequisite for Mathematical Statistics. (Offered fall semester, alternate years.) 3 credits.

MATH 361 Mathematical Statistics

Prerequisite, Math 360. This course covers standard inferential statistics and includes the theoretical basis for these procedures. Topics include a review of sampling distributions and the Central Limit Theorem, point and interval estimation, properties of estimation, hypothesis testing, linear models including multiple linear regression, experimental design, analysis of variance, analysis of categorical data, and non–parametric statistics. (Offered spring semester, alternate years.) 3 credits.

MATH 370 Special Topics in Mathematics

(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

MATH 380 Introduction to Abstract Algebra

Prerequisite, MATH 250. A first course on algebraic structures, including semigroups, monoids and groups, with many examples, some basic concepts and results about these structures (subalgebras, homomorhpisms, Cayley's Theorem, Lagrange's Theorem, Isomorphism Theorems, Modular arithmetic) and applications to error–correcting codes and cryptography. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

MATH 390 Introduction to Differential Geometry

Prerequisite, Math 210. Students will learn elements of elementary Differential Geometry. They will study the classification of curves and surfaces in the Euclidean Space, as well as enter the world of abstract surfaces. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

MATH 399 Independent Study

(Offered as needed.) ½–6 credits.

MATH 403 Statistics for Applied Sciences

Prerequisite, Math 203, or equivalent. A second course in applied statistics for research and development in the applied sciences and clinical practice. Beginning with the basic notions of linear regression and the analysis of variance, the course progresses to the principles of experimental design, survey methods and the elements of observational studies. The course emphasizes modeling and interpretation of data analyses that arise from research in the applied sciences, including food science and nutrition, physical therapy and the social sciences. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

MATH 440 Topology

Prerequisite, MATH 211. Topology studies the general concept of continuity and properties of spaces that are preserved by continuous functions. Important topics include: Construction of topological spaces and continuous functions, nets and filters, density, connectedness, compactness, metrizable spaces, Tychonoff's Theorem, separation axioms especially Hausdorff separation, Scott topologies, sober spaces. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

MATH 450 Real Analysis

Prerequisite, MATH 211. A course in advanced calculus and real analysis. Properties of the real number system, sequences and series of real numbers, the Heine–Borel and Bolzano–Weierstrass Theorems, continuity and uniform continuity, sequences, and series of functions. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

MATH 451 Complex Analysis

Prerequisite, Math 450. Rigorous treatment of basic complex analysis: complex numbers, analytic functions, Cauchy integral theory and its consequences, power series, residue calculus harmonic functions, conformal mapping. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

MATH 454 Numerical Analysis

Prerequisite, MATH 211. Students study and come to understand the basic algorithms of numerical computation as used in approximation, numerical integration and differentiation, solution of equations, and solution of differential equations. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

MATH 460 Modern Algebra

Prerequisite, MATH 380. Concepts from group theory are extended to cover rings, integral domains, fields, vector spaces and Galois theory, with applications to geometry, algebraic coding theory and solvability of polynomials by radicals. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

MATH 490 Intern Program

(Offered as needed.) 1–6 credits.

MATH 499 Individual Study

Prerequisite, consent of instructor. (Offered as needed.) 1–6 credits.

Course Descriptions – Physics

PHYS 101 General Physics I

Prerequisite, MATH 110, or consent of instructor. Students study mechanics, wave motion, and heat. Lecture, laboratory. (Offered fall semester.) 5 credits.

PHYS 102 General Physics II

Prerequisites, PHYS 101, MATH 111, or consent of instructor. Students study electricity, magnetism, light, introduction to atomic structure. Lecture, laboratory. (Offered spring semester.) 5 credits.

PHYS 104 Introduction to Physical Science

Introduction to physical sciences with emphasis on physics and chemistry. Designed for the non-science major or liberal studies majors. Basic principles of science are taught through hands-on demonstrations, field trips, examples of science at work in the real world, and selected topics of current interest. Laboratory experiments highlight areas of physical science, including electricity, water chemistry, motion, and gravity. Lecture, laboratory. (Offered every year.) 4 credits.

PHYS 107/108 General Physics for the Life Sciences I and II

Prerequisites, MATH 110 for PHYS 107; and MATH 111 for PHYS 108. A two-semester sequence covering concepts of mechanics, wave motion and sound, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and atomic physics. Students will learn how physics principles apply to the workings of living organisms and standard diagnostic tools used in life science. This course is intended to fill the physics requirement for life science majors and pre–medical preparation. Lecture, laboratory. (Offered every year.) 4, 4 credits.

PHYS 203 Musical Acoustics and the Physics of Sound

Prerequisite, MATH 110. Lecture, laboratory; an introduction to the science of acoustics, which assumes no prior coursework in physics. Particular emphasis is placed on the production, transmission, and perception of musical sounds. (Offered every year.) 4 credits.

PHYS 229 Experimental Course

(Offered as needed.) 1–3 credits.

PHYS 302 Modern Physics

Prerequisites, PHYS 102 or 108 and MATH 210 or consent of instructor. An introduction, based upon landmark experiments, to the major developments in physics of the early 20th century. Topics to be covered include special relativity, relativistic energy and momentum, de Broglie waves, Schrodinger's equation, spatial quantum numbers, spin–orbit interaction, atomic spectra, uncertainty principle, exclusion principle, Zeeman effect, binding, nuclear reactions. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

PHYS 330 Digital Electronics

Prerequisites, PHYS 102, MATH 250. Students learn the fundamental principles and practice of digital logic. The course covers binary numbers and arithmetic. Students study Boolean algebra as a method of reasoning about sequential circuits including truth tables and Karnaugh maps, logic minimization, gates and flip–flops, sequential logic and combinatorial logic. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

PHYS 370 Modern Optics

Prerequisite, PHYS 102, (or 108, with consent of instructor). Students study the physics of light and its propagation. Specific emphasis is placed on physical optics and various forms of interferometry to resolve spectra. Lecture. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism

Prerequisite, PHYS 102. Students study advanced topics in electricity and magnetism. These include boundary value problems, mutual generation of electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic radiation, and the relation between special relativity and electromagnetism. Lecture. (Offered fall semester, alternate years.) 3 credits.

PHYS 429 Experimental Course

(Offered as needed.) 1–3 credits.

PHYS 430 Thermal Physics

Prerequisite, PHYS 101, (or 107, with consent of instructor). Recommended, 102, 202. Students study the fundamentals of thermal physics, and the elegant regularities that emerge in systems of many particles. Topics include the definition and implications of entropy and temperature, the basis for the gas laws, degenerate Bose and Fermi gases, neutron stars and white dwarfs, alloys, and transport mechanisms. Lecture. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

PHYS 451 Quantum Mechanics

Prerequisites, PHYS 102, (or 108, with consent of instructor), 202. Students study the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, its historical development, and its application. Focus on understanding and solving basic problems such as the particle in a box, free particle, harmonic oscillator, two–state system, and hydrogen atom. Lecture. (Offered spring semester, alternate years.) 3 credits.

PHYS 499 Individual Study

Prerequisites, consent of instructor, approval of petition. Supervised individual study in selected areas of physics. (Offered as needed.) 1–3 credits.