Thematic Sequences in Mathematics and Statistics

Note: Every student must complete a Thematic Sequence outside the department of major. So these sequences are not for Mathematics and Statistics majors (but see the notes under MTH1 and STA1).

MTH 1 Axioms, Theorems, and Proof in Geometry and Algebra.

Considers algebras and geometries defined by axiomatic systems, two very active fields in modern mathematics. Surprises are here: geometries without parallel lines, geometries with parallel lines and no rectangles, and new algebraic operations that can describe the structure of Rubik's cube and molecules. Develops the roles of definition, proof, and abstraction gradually until, at the 400 level, a full scale axiomatic treatment is given. At this level students provide many of the proofs. You rediscover results from the masters: Gauss, Hilbert, Galois, Abel, and others. Not an easy sequence, but you learn about how to read mathematics and solve problems on your own. Prerequisite: MTH 151 (5) (MPF) or MTH 153 (4) (MPF) Calculus I.

MTH 222 Introduction to Linear Algebra (3); and

MTH 331 Discrete Mathematics (3); and

MTH 411 Foundations of Geometry (3), or

MTH 421 Introduction to Abstract Algebra (4)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

MTH 2 Basic Mathematical Tools for Science.

Scientists today use a variety of mathematical tools, including calculus, discrete mathematics, and statistics to describe physical, biological, and social systems. These mathematical subjects are developed in separate Foundation courses, but the development is stronger because the last two courses are built on the foundation of Calculus I. Helps students with interests in the sciences better understand and apply some of the mathematical and statistical models used in these disciplines.

MTH 151 Calculus I (MPF) (5), or

MTH 153 Calculus I (MPF) (4), and

MTH 222 Introduction to Linear Algebra (3), or

MTH 231 Elements of Discrete Mathematics (3), or

MTH 222T/331T (Honors) (5); and

STA 301 Applied Statistics (3), or

STA 368 Introduction to Statistics (4)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Business majors will not receive credit for this sequence.

MTH 3 Almost Linear Structures--Models for Physical Science.

The goal is to extend the derivative and antiderivative ideas from Calculus I and II by building on the linear function concept from MTH 222. Scientists use linear functions to model the economy, atomic structure, chemical reactions, and other phenomena. MTH 252 develops the derivative of a multivariable function as an approximating linear function, just as the graph of a function of one variable looks like a line segment near a point where the derivative exists. This allows the extension of important optimization techniques to multivariable functions. MTH 347 uses all available tools to generalize and solve antiderivative problems crucial to science. This sequence combines theory and practice and is the traditional path to upper division mathematics. MTH 222 and 252 may be taken in either order or concurrently. Prerequisite: Calculus I (MPF) and Calculus II.

MTH 222 Introduction to Linear Algebra (3); and

MTH 252 Calculus III (4); and

MTH 347 Differential Equations (3)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Students in this Thematic Sequence can obtain the Minor in Mathematics by the careful selection of 7 more credit hours.

STA 1 Quality Issues in Contemporary Business and Industry.

Provides sufficient understanding of the factors influencing quality and organizational productivity. Upon completion, you should be able to critically examine work systems and play a leading role in the improvement of any work process in which you are involved. Key themes include: data based decision-making, use of statistical tools for process analysis and quality improvement, measurement of quality, Total Quality Management, quality leadership, employee involvement, and the relationship between work processes and quality improvement systems.

DSC 205 Business Statistics (4), or

STA 301 Applied Statistics (3), or

STA 368 Introduction to Statistics (4); and

MGT 302 Operations Management (3); and

DSC/STA 365 Statistical Quality Control (3), or

MME 334 Quality Planning and Control (3); and

MGT 453 Productivity Improvement (3)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Management. Majors in the departments of Decision Sciences and Management Information Systems; Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering; and Mathematics and Statistics must select a minimum of nine hours from outside their department of major.

STA 2 Applied Statistics.

Provides a basic understanding of the statistical data analysis procedures of estimation and hypothesis testing and their use in data-based decision making. Based primarily on the "classical" assumptions of random sampling and normal distributions, data analysis applications range from one and two population problems to more complex problems of regression and design of experiments. The first course, chosen from three options, introduces additional statistical procedures that go beyond the "classical" assumptions. Considers examples from a variety of disciplines and life experiences and employs statistical software extensively.

STA 261 Statistics (MPF) (4), or

STA 301 Applied Statistics (3), or

STA 368 Introduction to Statistics (4); and

STA 363 Regression and Design of Experiments (3); and

STA/DSC 333 Nonparametric Statistics (3), or

STA/DSC 365 Statistical Quality Control (3), or

STA/DSC 432 Survey Sampling in Business (3)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Majors in decision science and management information systems must select a statistics course at the third level.