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100-299 | 300-499 | 500-599 |
316. Differential Equations. Math. 215 and 217. Credit can be received for only one of Math. 216 or Math. 316, and credit can be received for only one of Math. 316 or Math. 404. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This is an introduction to differential equations for students who have studied linear algebra (Math 217). It treats techniques of solution (exact and approximate), existence and uniqueness theorems, some qualitative theory, and many applications. Proofs are given in class; homework problems include both computational and more conceptually oriented problems. First-order equations: solutions, existence and uniqueness, and numerical techniques; linear systems: eigenvector-eigenvalue solutions of constant coefficient systems, fundamental matrix solutions, nonhomogeneous systems; higher-order equations, reduction of order, variation of parameters, series solutions; qualitative behavior of systems, equilibrium points, stability. Applications to physical problems are considered throughout. Math 216 covers somewhat less material without the use of linear algebra and with less emphasis on theory. Math 286 is the honors version of Math 316. Math 471 and/or 572 are natural sequels in the area of differential equations, but Math 316 is also preparation for more theoretical courses such as Math 451. WL:2
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350/Aero. 350. Aerospace Engineering Analysis. Math. 216, 256, 286, or 316. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This is a three-hour lecture course in engineering mathematics which continues the development and application of ideas introduced in Math 215 and 216. The course is required in the Aerospace Engineering curriculum, and covers subjects needed for subsequent departmental courses. The major topics discussed include vector analysis, Fourier series, and an introduction to partial differential equations, with emphasis on separation of variables. Some review and extension of ideas relating to convergence, partial differentiation, and integration are also given. The methods developed are used in the formulation and solution of elementary initial- and boundary-value problems involving, e.g., forced oscillations, wave motion, diffusion, elasticity, and perfect-fluid theory. There are two or three one-hour exams and a two-hour final, plus about ten homework assignments, or approximately one per week, consisting largely of problems from the text. The text is Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences by M.L. Boas. WL:2
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371/Engin. 371. Numerical Methods for Engineers and Scientists. Engineering 101, and Math. 216. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This is a survey course of the basic numerical methods which are used to solve practical scientific problems. Important concepts such as accuracy, stability, and efficiency are discussed. The course provides an introduction to MATLAB, an interactive program for numerical linear algebra, and may provide practice in FORTRAN programming and the use of a software library subroutine. Convergence theorems are discussed and applied, but the proofs are not emphasized. Floating point arithmetic, Gaussian elimination, polynomial interpolation, spline approximations, numerical integration and differentiation, solutions to non-linear equations, ordinary differential equations, polynomial approximations. Other topics may include discrete Fourier transforms, two-point boundary-value problems, and Monte-Carlo methods. Math 471 is a similar course which expects one more year of maturity and is somewhat more theoretical and less practical. The sequence Math 571-572 is a beginning graduate level sequence which covers both numerical algebra and differential equations and is much more theoretical. This course is basic for many later courses in science and engineering. It is good background for 571-572. WL:2
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412. Introduction to Modern Algebra. Math. 215, 255, or 285; and 217. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 512. Students with credit for 312 should take 512 rather than 412. One credit granted to those who have completed 312. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This course is designed to serve as an introduction to the methods and concepts of abstract mathematics. A typical student entering this course has substantial experience in using complex mathematical (calculus) calculations to solve physical or geometrical problems, but is unused to analyzing carefully the content of definitions of the logical flow of ideas which underlie and justify these calculations. Although the topics discussed here are quite distinct from those of calculus, an important goal of the course is to introduce the student to this type of analysis. Much of the reading, homework exercises, and exams consists of theorems (propositions, lemmas, etc.) and their proofs. Math 217 or equivalent required as background. The initial topics include ones common to every branch of mathematics: sets, functions (mappings), relations, and the common number systems (integers, rational numbers, real numbers, complex numbers). These are then applied to the study of particular types of mathematical structures such as groups, rings, and fields. These structures are presented as abstractions from many examples such as the common number systems together with the operations of addition or multiplication, permutations of finite and infinite sets with function composition, sets of motions of geometric figures, and polynomials. Notions such as generator, subgroup, direct product, isomorphism, and homomorphism are defined and studied. Math 312 is a somewhat less abstract course which substitutes material on finite automata and other topics for some of the material on rings and fields of Math 412. Math 512 is an honors version of Math 412 which treats more material in a deeper way. A student who successfully completes this course will be prepared to take a number of other courses in abstract mathematics: Math 416, 451, 475, 575, 481, 513, and 582. All of these courses will extend and deepen the student's grasp of modern abstract mathematics. WL:2
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417. Matrix Algebra I. Three courses beyond Math. 110. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 217, 419, or 513. (3). (Excl). (BS).
Many problems in science, engineering, and mathematics are best formulated in terms of matrices - rectangular arrays of numbers. This course is an introduction to the properties of and operations on matrices with a wide variety of applications. The main emphasis is on concepts and problem-solving, but students are responsible for some of the underlying theory. Diversity rather than depth of applications is stressed. This course is not intended for mathematics concentrators, who should elect Math 217 or 513 (honors). Topics include matrix operations, echelon form, general solutions of systems of linear equations, vector spaces and subspaces, linear independence and bases, linear transformations, determinants, orthogonality, characteristic polynomials, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and similarity theory. Applications include linear networks, least squares method (regression), discrete Markov processes, linear programming, and differential equations. Math 419 is an enriched version of Math 417 with a somewhat more theoretical emphasis. Math 217 (despite its lower number) is also a more theoretical course which covers much of the material of 417 at a deeper level. Math 513 is an honors version of this course, which is also taken by some mathematics graduate students. Math 420 is the natural sequel but this course serves as prerequisite to several courses: Math 452, 462, 561, and 571. WL:2
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419/EECS 400/CS 400. Linear Spaces and Matrix Theory. Four terms of college mathematics beyond Math 110. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 217 or 513. One credit granted to those who have completed Math. 417. (3). (Excl). (BS).
Math 419 covers much of the same ground as Math 417 but presents the material in a somewhat more abstract way in terms of vector spaces and linear transformations instead of matrices. There is a mix of proofs, calculations, and applications with the emphasis depending somewhat on the instructor. A previous proof-oriented course is helpful but by no means necessary. Basic notions of vector spaces and linear transformations: spanning, linear independence, bases, dimension, matrix representation of linear transformations; determinants; eigenvalues, eigenvectors, Jordan canonical form, inner-product spaces; unitary, self-adjoint, and orthogonal operators and matrices, applications to differential and difference equations. Math 417 is less rigorous and theoretical and more oriented to applications. Math 217 is similar to Math 419 but slightly more proof-oriented. Math 513 is much more abstract and sophisticated. Math 420 is the natural sequel, but this course serves as prerequisite to several courses: Math 452, 462, 561, and 571. WL:2
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425/Stat. 425. Introduction to Probability. Math. 215, 255, or 285. (3). (MSA). (BS).
Sections 001, 002, and 004. See Statistics 425.
Sections 003 and 005. This course introduces students to useful and interesting ideas of the mathematical theory of probability and to a number of applications of probability to a variety of fields including genetics, economics, geology, business, and engineering. The theory developed together with other mathematical tools such as combinatorics and calculus are applied to everyday problems. Concepts, calculations, and derivations are emphasized. The course will make essential use of the material of Math 116 and 215. Math concentrators should be sure to elect sections of the course that are taught by Mathematics (not Statistics) faculty. Topics include the basic results and methods of both discrete and continuous probability theory: conditional probability, independent events, random variables, jointly distributed random variables, expectations, variances, covariances. Different instructors will vary the emphasis. Math 525 is a similar course for students with stronger mathematical background and ability. Stat 426 is a natural sequel for students interested in statistics. Math 523 includes many applications of probability theory. WL:2
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433. Introduction to Differential Geometry. Math. 215, or 255 or 285, and Math. 217(3). (Excl). (BS).
This course is about the analysis of curves and surfaces in 2- and 3-space using the tools of calculus and linear algebra. There will be many examples discussed, including some which arise in engineering and physics applications. Emphasis will be placed on developing intuitions and learning to use calculations to verify and prove theorems. Students need a good background in multivariable calculus (215) and linear algebra (preferably 217). Some exposure to differential equations (216 or 316) is helpful but not absolutely necessary. Topics covered include (1) curves: curvature, torsion, rigid motions, existence and uniqueness theorems; (2) global properties of curves: rotation index, global index theorem, convex curves, 4-vertex theorem; (3) local theory of surfaces: local parameters, metric coefficients, curves on surfaces, geodesic and normal curvature, second fundamental form, Christoffel symbols, Gaussian and mean curvature, minimal surfaces, classification of minimal surfaces of revolution. 537 is a substantially more advanced course which requires a strong background in topology (590), linear algebra (513) and advanced multivariable calculus (551). It treats some of the same material from a more abstract and topological perspective and introduces more general notions of curvature and covariant derivative for spaces of any dimension. Math 635 and Math 636 (Topics in Differential Geometry) further study Riemannian manifolds and their topological and analytic properties. Physics courses in general relativity and gauge theory will use some of the material of this course. WL:2
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450. Advanced Mathematics for Engineers I. Math. 216, 256, 286, or 316. (4). (Excl). (BS).
Although this course is designed principally to develop mathematics for application to problems of science and engineering, it also serves as an important bridge for students between the calculus courses and the more demanding advanced courses. Students are expected to learn to read and write mathematics at a more sophisticated level and to combine several techniques to solve problems. Some proofs are given, and students are responsible for a thorough understanding of definitions and theorems. Students should have a good command of the material from Math 215, and 216 or 316, which is used throughout the course. A background in linear algebra, e.g., Math 217, is highly desirable, as is familiarity with Maple software. Topics include a review of curves and surfaces in implicit, parametric, and explicit forms; differentiability and affine approximations; implicit and inverse function theorems; chain rule for 3- space; multiple integrals; scalar and vector fields; line and surface integrals; computations of planetary motion, work, circulation, and flux over surfaces; Gauss' and Stokes' Theorems, derivation of continuity and heat equation. Some instructors include more material on higher dimensional spaces and an introduction to Fourier series. Math 450 is an alternative to Math 451 as a prerequisite for several more advanced courses. Math 454 and 555 are the natural sequels for students with primary interest in engineering applications. WL:2
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451. Advanced Calculus I. Math. 215 and one course beyond Math. 215; or Math. 255 or 285. Intended for concentrators; other students should elect Math. 450. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This course has two complementary goals: (1) a rigorous development of the fundamental ideas of calculus, and (2) a further development of the student's ability to deal with abstract mathematics and mathematical proofs. The key words here are "rigor" and "proof"; almost all of the material of the course consists in understanding and constructing definitions, theorems (propositions, lemmas, etc.), and proofs. This is considered one of the more difficult among the undergraduate mathematics courses, and students should be prepared to make a strong commitment to the course. In particular, it is strongly recommended that some course which requires proofs (such as Math 412) be taken before Math 451. Topics include: logic and techniques of proof; sets, functions, and relations; cardinality; the real number system and its topology; infinite sequences, limits and continuity; differentiation; integration, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus; infinite series; sequences and series of functions. There is really no other course which covers the material of Math 451. Although Math 450 is an alternative prerequisite for some later courses, the emphasis of the two courses is quite distinct. The natural sequel to Math 451 is 452, which extends the ideas considered here to functions of several variables. In a sense, Math 451 treats the theory behind Math 115-116, while Math 452 does the same for Math 215 and a part of Math 216. Math 551 is a more advanced version of Math 452. Math 451 is also a prerequisite for several other courses: Math 575, 590, 596, and 597. WL:2
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454. Boundary Value Problems for Partial Differential Equations. Math. 216, 256, 286, or 316. Students with credit for Math. 354 can elect Math. 454 for one credit. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This course is devoted to the use of Fourier series and other orthogonal expansions in the solution of boundary-value problems for second-order linear partial differential equations. Emphasis is on concepts and calculation. The official prerequisite is ample preparation. Classical representation and convergence theorems for Fourier series; method of separation of variables for the solution of the one-dimensional heat and wave equation; the heat and wave equations in higher dimensions; spherical and cylindrical Bessel functions; Legendre polynomials; methods for evaluating asymptotic integrals (Laplace's method, steepest descent); Fourier and Laplace transforms; applications to linear input-output systems, analysis of data smoothing and filtering, signal processing, time-series analysis, and spectral analysis. Both Math 455 and 554 cover many of the same topics but are very seldom offered. Math 454 is prerequisite to Math 571 and 572, although it is not a formal prerequisite, it is good background for Math 556. WL:2
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471. Introduction to Numerical Methods. Math. 216, 256, 286, or 316; and 217, 417, or 419; and a working knowledge of one high-level computer language. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This is a survey of the basic numerical methods which are used to solve scientific problems. The emphasis is evenly divided between the analysis of the methods and their practical applications. Some convergence theorems and error bounds are proved. The course also provides an introduction to MATLAB, an interactive program for numerical linear algebra, as well as practice in computer programming. One goal of the course is to show how calculus and linear algebra are used in numerical analysis. Topics may include computer arithmetic, Newton's method for non-linear equations, polynomial interpolation, numerical integration, systems of linear equations, initial value problems for ordinary differential equations, quadrature, partial pivoting, spline approximations, partial differential equations, Monte Carlo methods, 2-point boundary value problems, Dirichlet problem for the Laplace equation. Math 371 is a less sophisticated version intended principally for sophomore and junior engineering students; the sequence Math 571-572 is mainly taken by graduate students, but should be considered by strong undergraduates. Math 471 is good preparation for Math 571 and 572, although it is not prerequisite to these courses. WL:2
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481. Introduction to Mathematical Logic. Math. 412 or 451 or equivalent experience with abstract mathematics. (3). (Excl). (BS).
All of modern mathematics involves logical relationships among mathematical concepts. In this course we focus on these relationships themselves rather than the ideas they relate. Inevitably this leads to a study of the (formal) languages suitable for expressing mathematical ideas. The explicit goal of the course is the study of propositional and first-order logic; the implicit goal is an improved understanding of the logical structure of mathematics. Students should have some previous experience with abstract mathematics and proofs, both because the course is largely concerned with theorems and proofs and because the formal logical concepts will be much more meaningful to a student who has already encountered these concepts informally. No previous course in logic is prerequisite. In the first third of the course the notion of a formal language is introduced and propositional connectives (and, or, not, implies), tautologies, and tautological consequence are studied. The heart of the course is the study of first-order predicate languages and their models. The new elements here are quantifiers ('there exists' and 'for all'). The study of the notions of truth, logical consequence, and provability lead to the completeness and compactness theorems. The final topics include some applications of these theorems, usually including non-standard analysis. Math 681, the graduate introductory logic course, also has no specific logic prerequisite but does presuppose a much higher general level of mathematical sophistication. Philosophy 414 may cover much of the same material with a less mathematical orientation. Math 481 is not explicitly prerequisite for any later course, but the ideas developed have application to every branch of mathematics. WL:2
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497. Topics in Elementary Mathematics. Math. 489. (3). (Excl). (BS). May be repeated for a total of six credits.
This is an elective course for elementary teaching certificate candidates that extends and deepens the coverage of mathematics begun in the required two-course sequence Math 385-489. Topics are chosen from geometry, algebra, computer programming, logic, and combinatorics. Applications and problem-solving are emphasized. The class meets three times per week in recitation sections. Grades are based on class participation, two one-hour exams, and a final exam. Selected topics in geometry, algebra, computer programming, logic, and combinatorics for prospective and in-service elementary, middle, or junior-high school teachers. Content will vary from term to term. WL:2
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100-299 | 300-499 | 500-599 |