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Mathematics

Program Codes: BAMATH
Bachelor of Arts

Introduction
The department offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics. The goal of the Mathematics Department at Mercyhurst is to provide students with the knowledge essential to the pursuit of a career in government, industry, commerce or education, or for entrance into graduate school for further study.

Mission Statement
The Department of Mathematics is committed to:

  • Preparing its graduates to pursue certification in secondary mathematics education or to succeed in graduate programs in mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, operations research, and related disciplines;
  • Providing Mercyhurst University students in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Forensic Science, and Public Health the mathematics education and resources they need to be successful in their chosen fields;
  • Providing all Mercyhurst students with opportunities to improve their basic mathematics and computing skills;
  • Providing all Mercyhurst students with opportunities to broaden their appreciation of mathematics;
  • Contributing to the advancement of mathematics, statistics, and computer science through published research, conference presentation, and scholarly collaboration;
  • Sharing educational innovation through publication and conference presentation.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

A graduate earning a B.A. in mathematics from Mercyhurst University must be able to:

  • Derive equivalent algebraic and analytic expressions from other such expressions using sound mechanical technique.
  • Set up and solve problems in mathematics modeling the physical world, with justification of each step in the process, and with a determination of the reasonableness of a solution.
  • Effectively communicate mathematics, both orally and in writing, with clarity and precision, observing correct notation, syntax, and
  • Prove and disprove mathematical statements using an appropriate technique to create a formal, coherent, and well-structured argument supported by logic and the correct application of known theorems and

Majors and Minors
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Mathematics

 

Mathematics Minor Requirements
MATH 170 Calculus I 4 credits
MATH 171 Calculus II 4 credits
MATH 233 Calculus III 4 credits
MATH 150 Linear Algebra 4 credit

Choose three (3) of the following courses:
MATH 201 Technical Writing with LaTeX 3 credits
MATH 240 Differential Equations 3 credits
MATH 245 Geometry 3 credits
MATH 265 Transition to Advanced Mathematics 3 credits
MATH 280 Modern Algebra I 3 credits
MATH 281 Modern Algebra II 3 credits
MATH 370 Advanced Calculus 3 credits
MATH 400 Topics in Mathematics 3 credits
PHYS 201/202 General Physics I & Lab 4 credits
MATH 201 Technical Writing with LaTeX 3 credits

Mathematics with Secondary Education Certification

The Mathematics Education program at Mercyhurst University follows a two- step process designed to give students strong content knowledge before they master the pedagogical tools necessary to become expert teachers at the secondary level (grades 7-12). In completing this program, the student earns a master’s degree in addition to the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Students interested in the program will first pursue a B.A. in Mathematics by complying with the requirements outlined herein. Upon completion of the undergraduate mathematics degree, the student may then enroll in the Master of Science in Secondary Education: Pedagogy and Practice program (see Graduate Programs Catalog). Teaching certification is not earned until the completion of  the master’s degree.

A unique benefit of this program is that students intending to complete their undergraduate mathematics  degree  at  Mercyhurst  may  seek  enrollment  in the 4+1 program, in which they can complete the master’s degree under an intensive, one-year curriculum. This 4+1 program allows students to earn a B.A. in Mathematics, earn an M.S. in Secondary Education, and become certified to teach at the secondary level, in a five-year period.

Students in the 4+1 program must maintain a G.P.A. of 3.0, complete a Sophomore Review, pass the PRAXIS I exam, and complete two education  courses (EDUC 210 Comparative Issues in Education and WL 101 Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners) before acceptance into the graduate program. Each student will work with the  program coordinator  to  successfully meet  all  of these goals during the established timeline. Students who have earned a mathematics degree from another institution will have their work evaluated against Mercyhurst’s requirements for the B.A. in Mathematics before being accepted into the master’s program.

 

REACH
Mercyhurst - REACH and outREACH
39
Mathematics Degree Requirements (Bachelor of Arts)
CALCULUS I
Course Code:
MATH 170
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

This is the initial course in a sequence of courses on the fundamental ideas of the calculus of one variable intended for science and mathematics majors. It is here that truly significant applications of mathematics begin. Topics follow the early transcendentals path, included are functions, continuity, limits, derivatives, maxima and minima and antiderivatives and an introduction to integration. Prerequisite: MATH 118 or MATH Placement score of at least 70. 

Credit:
4
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
MATH 170
CALCULUS I
4
CALCULUS II
Course Code:
MATH 171
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ All Years
Course Description:

Any student who has completed Calculus I should take Calculus II to obtain a complete study of the calculus of one variable. Topics follow the early transcendentals path, included are the integral, anti-derivatives, the Fundamental Theorem, integration techniques, interesting applications of integration, an introduction to differential equations, series, sequences.

Credit:
4
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Prerequisites:

MATH 170

x
MATH 171
CALCULUS II
4
LINEAR ALGEBRA
Course Code:
MATH 150
Course Group(s):
ANALYTICAL
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ All Years
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the algebra and geometry of Euclidean 3-space and its extensions to Euclidean N-Space. Topics included are systems of linear equations, determinants, vectors, bases, linear transformations and matrices. Prerequisite: MATH 170. 4 credits.
Credit:
4
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
MATH 150
LINEAR ALGEBRA
4
CALCULUS III
Course Code:
MATH 233
Course Group(s):
BIOCHEMISTRY MAJOR ELECTIVE COURSES
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:

This is an introduction to the calculus of several variables. Topics selected from polar coordinates, functions of several variables, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, line integrals, surface integrals, Green's theorem and Stokes' theorem.

Credit:
4
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Prerequisites:

MATH 171 

x
MATH 233
CALCULUS III
4
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Course Code:
MATH 240
Course Group(s):
CHEMISTRY MAJOR ELECTIVE COURSES
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Odd Years
Course Description:

An introduction to the basic mathematical content of ordinary differential equations and their applications. This will include analytical, qualitative, and numerical methods for ordinary differential equations. Topics include first-order and second-order equations and applications, systems of differential equations, and matrix methods for linear systems.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
MATH 240
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
3
TRANSITION TO ADVANCED MATH
Course Code:
MATH 265
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:
This course is designed to facilitate the mathematics student's transition to courses requiring a higher level of mathematical maturity. Emphasis will be on the reading and writing of proofs, and on communicating mathematically-both orally and in writing. Topics will include logic, set theory, functions, relations, and number theory.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Prerequisites:
MATH-150 MATH-171
x
MATH 265
TRANSITION TO ADVANCED MATH
3
MODERN ALGEBRA I
Course Code:
MATH 280
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Odd Years
Course Description:
This is the first semester of a year-long sequence on the study of algebraic structures. Course topics include the properties of numbers, equivalence relations, groups, rings, fields, direct products, homomorphisms and isomorphisms, and the natural development of various number systems.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Prerequisites:
MATH-150 MATH-233 MATH-265
x
MATH 280
MODERN ALGEBRA I
3
MODERN ALGEBRA II
Course Code:
MATH 281
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ Odd Years
Course Description:
This second semester course will build on material from Math 280, with a focus on integral domains, polynomial rings, and fields. Additional topics will include the Sylow theorems, finite simple groups, symmetry and patterns, and an introduction to Galois theory.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
MATH 281
MODERN ALGEBRA II
3
ADVANCED CALCULUS
Course Code:
MATH 370
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of a function of a real variable from a rigorous point of view. Topics included are completion of the rational numbers, theory of continuous functions, theory of differentiation, theory of the Riemann integral, sequences, series. Prerequisites: MATH 150, MATH 233, MATH 265. 3 credits.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Prerequisites:

MATH 150 MATH-233 MATH-265

x
MATH 370
ADVANCED CALCULUS
3
TOPICS IN MATHEMATICS
Course Code:
MATH 400
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:
Additional studies in mathematics can be arranged through independent study. Some possible areas for further study are abstract algebra, geometry, topology, real analysis and complex variables. At least one topics course is desirable for anyone wishing to pursue mathematics in graduate school.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture, Independent Study
Total hours: 45
x
MATH 400
TOPICS IN MATHEMATICS
3
STATISTICS FOR THE SCIENCES
Course Code:
STAT 139
Active Term:
Randomly
/ All Years
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to statistical methods that are of particular interest to biology and natural science majors. We will explore the use of statistical methodology in designing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting biological experiments and observations. We will cover descriptive statistics, elements of experimental design, probability, hypothesis testing and statistical inference, analysis of variance, correlation, regression techniques, and non-parametric statistical methods. Throughout the course the application of statistical techniques within a natural science context will be emphasized, using data from laboratory and field studies. Prerequisite: MATH Placement score of at least 46.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
STAT 139
STATISTICS FOR THE SCIENCES
3

Programming Elective

TECHNICAL WRITING WITH LATEX
Course Code:
MATH 201
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:
Students learn how to write technical documents, articles and theses using the LaTeX document preparation system. The course will progress from leaning the basics of how LaTeX works and how to get started, to writing mathematical formulas, lists, tabular information, cross-referencing, creating and using illustrations and graphics, presentations, and troubleshooting LaTeX errors. Students are required to install LaTeX on a computer in order to complete assignments. 3 credits.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
MATH 201
TECHNICAL WRITING WITH LATEX
3

or other department approved course

It is further recommended that the Mathematics major obtain a minor or (preferably) a major in an additional discipline. All Mathematics majors must maintain a mathematics GPA of 2.0 or higher. A student who does not satisfy this requirement may be dismissed from the major and/or prohibited from graduating with the major. A student who receives a C or below in MATH 233 Calculus III must have the department’s permission to continue in the major or minor.

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