Mathematics
Josephine S. Hamer, Chair
hamerj@wcsu.edu
Higgins Hall 102, Midtown campus
(203) 837-9347
(203) 837-8289 (fax)
Linda Carpenter, Department Secretary
carpenterl@wcsu.edu
Higgins Hall 102 or Westside Classroom Building 111, Westside campus
(203) 837-9345 or (203) 837-9299
(203) 837-8289 (fax)
Faculty
| J. Hamer, Chair | D. Burns | R. Kutz |
| S. Lightwood | A. Lubell | P. Maida |
| B. Mittag | L. Novozhilova | C. Rocca |
| C. E. Sandifer | X. Wang |
Adjunct Faculty
| M. Aldrich | G. Bocaccio | C. Boyhen |
| J. Breen | J. DiGiacomo | M. Fogarty |
| R. Hopkins | J. Kenausis | E. Kowalchuk |
| E. Lehman | D. Nocturne | J. Prizio |
| M. Sacucci | F. Tomaino | B. Twitchell |
| C. Wallace | M.A. Wohlever | R. Wollkind |
| S. Zencey |
Overview
The mathematics programs offered by the department are designed to meet the needs of students interested in pure or applied mathematics or mathematics education. The programs are flexible and kept up to date. They can accommodate students who plan to continue with graduate studies in mathematics or related fields as well as those who want to enter the profession directly from college.
Mission
It is the mission of the mathematics department to contribute to our society’s mathematical competency in a manner consistent with the university’s mission. To accomplish this, the department has defined its goals for the following three constituencies.
- The department supports the development of the mathematics student by providing students with:
- A breadth of knowledge in core areas of mathematics.
- A depth of knowledge in a specific area.
- Strong skills in mathematical communication, problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and applications to related areas.
- Personalized learning experience in mathematics.
- The department supports the mission of the university by:
- Developing mathematical literacy for all students.
- Meeting the mathematical needs of all majors.
- Providing expertise in mathematics, math education, and statistics.
- Conducting theoretical and applied research in the mathematical sciences.
- Maintaining a wide presence in the university community outside the department.
- The department supports the needs of the community by:
- Providing expertise in mathematics, math education, and statistics.
- Conducting research in the mathematical sciences.
- Providing continuing education and retraining in mathematics and mathematics-based fields.
- Fostering the appreciation of mathematical sciences.
University Mathematics Testing and Placement Program
All students admitted to the university will be tested in mathematics prior to registration. The purpose of the testing is to determine whether the student possesses the basic quantitative skills needed for success in college level quantitative studies. The student will be placed in a mathematics course according to test scores.
If the student requires additional work in the skills area, placement will be in MAT 098 Elementary Algebra or MAT 100 Intermediate Mathematics. Otherwise, the student may opt for any general education course appropriate to the student's educational goals. Student who receives a 600 or higher score on the mathematics section of the SAT are exempt from taking the placement test. These students must register for and pass a general education course in order to satisfy the university's mathematics requirement.
Modes of Instruction
MAT 098 Elementary Algebra and
MAT 100 Intermediate Mathematics
Descriptions and Policies
MAT 098 and MAT 100 courses are offered via three different modes of delivery: self-paced (SP), self-paced with lecture (SP-L) and lecture (L). In each type of class, there is an instructor present and available for help during all class meetings. For all MAT 098 and 100 classes, attendance is mandatory, and rules of attendance are strictly adhered to. Failure to adhere to the attendance policy will result in a letter from the department chair to the student, followed by a second letter to the student's advisor and school dean, and finally, a phone call from the department chair. The department enacted these policies after careful analyses of student performance in the classes. It was found that students who attend class pass the class at a significantly higher rate than students who do not attend class. Students taking MAT 098 in an SP or SP-L class have the opportunity to pass both MAT 098 and MAT 100 during the same semester.
Definitions of class types
Self-paced: These classes are totally student directed. Students work at their own pace using a web based learning system. Concepts have been designated for students to master. Students are directed through these concepts based on their performance on periodic assessments. Passing levels for MAT 098 and 100 are preset, based on these concepts. An instructor is available in class to help students with concepts they cannot grasp from the computer-generated explanations. The instructor might choose to lead a discussion with the entire class if he/she sees that all students are having trouble in a particular area. The web based learning system that is currently being used for these classes is ALEKS.
Students who are self-motivated, comfortable using the computer, like flexible learning schedules and are able to set their own goals and study times are best served with SP classes.
Self-paced with lecture: These classes use both a web-based learning system, and instructor lectures. All students are expected to participate in the lecture portion of the class, which generally runs about 1/3 of the class time. During the remaining time in class, students work at their own pace through lessons on the computer. At this time, the instructor is available for help and support. All students are required to complete a departmental midterm and final as part of their assessment. This is done using the computer. Instructors may, additionally, require homework and quizzes as part of the student assessment. The web based learning system that is currently being used for these classes is MyMathLab.
Student who are self-motivated and comfortable using the computer, are best served with SP-L classes. Learning schedules are less flexible than the SP classes, which helps those students who need more rigid goals and schedules, although students can work ahead if they are so motivated.
Lecture: These classes use the traditional lecture style delivery. Students all work at the same pace, doing the same problems and examples. Most of the work is completed using traditional paper and pencil delivery. All students are required to complete a departmental midterm and final as part of their assessment. Some homework and tests can be assigned to be completed using the web based learning system, currently MyMathLab.
These classes best serve those students who need the structure of a traditional classroom setting. Students who have been "away from" mathematics for a long time and who are not comfortable using the computer generally will do better in these classes.
Otherwise, the student may opt for any general education course appropriate to the student’s educational goals.
Student who receive a 600 or higher score on the mathematics section of the SAT are exempt from taking the placement test. These students must register for and pass a general education course in order to satisfy the university’s mathematics requirement.
Degree Programs in Mathematics
Bachelor of Arts
Mathematics
Mathematics with Computer Science Option
Bachelor of Science
Elementary Education: Mathematics
Secondary Education: Mathematics
Minor Programs
Mathematics
Mathematics for Elementary Education Majors
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (B.A.)
Requirements:
Students must complete all general education requirements, the courses and credits listed below and additional free electives to total a minimum of 122 semester hours, including foreign language and physical education.
CS 170 Computer Science I: Language
MAT 150 Math Seminar I
MAT 151 Math Seminar II
MAT 171 or 181, 182, 281 Calculus I, II, & III
MAT 272 Introduction to Linear Algebra
MAT 416 Introduction to Abstract Algebra
MAT 450 Senior Seminar I
MAT 451 Senior Seminar II
* One full-year sequence chosen from: MAT 381-382, MAT 431-432, MAT 410-411, MAT 481-482
* Four more major mathematics courses chosen from the department list; see major program sheet.
* A year sequence from one of the following (May also be used to satisfy general education requirement.) BIO 103-104 or CHE 110-111 or ECO 100-101 or PHY 110-111 (6-8 S.H.)
Bachelor of Arts: Mathematics with Computer Science Option (B.A.)
Requirements:
Students must complete all general education requirements, the courses and credits listed below, and additional free elective to total a minimum of 122 semester hours, including foreign language and physical education.
Mathematics Courses (36-37 SH)
MAT 171 or 181,182,281 Calculus I, II & III
MAT 165 Introductory Discrete Mathematics
MAT 272 Introduction to Linear Algebra
MAT 282 Ordinary Differential Equations
MAT/CS 359 Introduction to the Theory of Computations
One full-year sequence chosen from: MAT 431-432 or MAT 410-411. Two mathematics electives chosen from department list. See program sheet.
Computer Science Courses (19 SH)
CS 170,171 Computer Science I and II
CS 350 Object Oriented Software Engineering
CS 315 Design and Analysis of Algorithms
One CS elective from department list. See major program sheet.
In addition, students must complete a one-year sequence in natural science from the following PHY 110-111, or PHY 120-121, or CHE 110-111, or BIO 103-104.
Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Secondary Education–Mathematics (B.S.)
Requirements:
See School of Professional Studies
Major Mathematics-Elementary Education (B.S.)
MAT 150 Math Seminar I
MAT 151 Math Seminar II
MAT 171 or 181, 182 Calculus I & II
MAT 120 Elementary Statistics
MAT 242 Foundations of Geometry
MAT 272 Introduction to Linear Algebra
MAT 342 Topics in Geometry
And one of the following:
MAT 250 Mathematical Modeling
or
MAT 251 Posing & Solving Problems
or
MAT 363 History of Mathematics
Four mathematics elective course from the department list; see major program sheet.
Mathematics-Secondary Education (B.S.)
MAT 150 Math Seminar I
MAT 151 Math Seminar II
CS 170 Computer Science I
MAT 165 Introductory Discrete Mathematics
MAT 171 or 181,182,281 Calculus I, II & III
MAT 272 Introduction to Linear Algebra
MAT 242 Foundations of Geometry
MAT 342 Topics in geometry
MAT 416 Introduction to Abstract Algebra
Three major mathematics courses from the department list; see major program sheet.
The following are suggested course selections for mathematics majors. Due to the diversity of students’ backgrounds, students must consult with their (math faculty) advisor to select the program sequence that best fits their needs. For example, students with an inadequate math background may have to begin with MAT 170 instead of MAT 181. B.S. majors (elementary and secondary) have professional semester in the fall and student teaching in the spring of their senior year.
Mathematics (B.A.)
Freshman Year
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| MAT 150 | MAT 151 |
| MAT 181 | MAT 182 |
Sophomore Year
| MAT 281 | MAT 272 |
| Group A course | Group A or B course |
Junior Year
| Group A or B | Group B or C course |
| Group C | CS 170 |
Senior Year
| MAT 416 | MAT 451 |
| MAT 450 | Group C course |
Mathematics - Elementary Education (B.S.)
Freshman Year
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| MAT 150 | MAT 151 |
| MAT 181 | MAT 182 |
Sophomore Year
| MAT 120 | MAT 272 |
| MAT 105 | MAT Elective |
Junior Year
| MAT 242 | MAT 342 |
| MAT elective | MAT elective |
| MAT elective | MAT elective |
Mathematics - Secondary Education (B.S.)
Freshman Year
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| MAT 150 | MAT 151 |
| MAT 181 | MAT 165 |
| MAT 120 | MAT 182 |
Sophomore Year
| MAT 281 | MAT 272 |
| MAT 242 | MAT 342 |
Junior Year
| MAT 416 | CS 170 |
| MAT elective | MAT elective |
| MAT elective |
Minor in Mathematics
At least 17 credits in major mathematics courses, including MAT 171 or 181, and MAT 182. In addition, the student must achieve a GPA of 2.0 or better in the courses used to fulfill the minor requirements.
Minor in Mathematics for Elementary Education Majors
At least 17 credits to include MAT 171 or 181, MAT 182, MAT 120, MAT 242 and at least one of the following: MAT 211, MAT 363 or MAT 251. Additionally, MAT 105 is required, as it is for all elementary education certification students.
