2008-09 Catalog - Saint Mary's College of California

Mathematics and Computer Science CurriculumLower DivisionMath 27, 38, 39, Computer Science 21Upper DivisionMath 111, 112, 113, 115, 120, 130, 150, 193The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) alsorequires students to obtain “pre-professional field experience” beforeentering a credential program. This requirement is satisfied by the courseEDUC 122: Field Experience, offered in the January Term at SMC.Students are required to contact the School of Education in Septemberof their sophomore or junior year to meet with the faculty memberteaching EDUC122. Students should also speak with a representativeof the School of Education to learn of any other requirements of thestate of California for prospective secondary teachers.A suggested four-year program of study for a major in mathematics isavailable from any department member. Freshmen should take Math27 & 38 and CS 21. Candidates for the Bachelor of Science should enrollin Physics 1, 2, 3, 4 or Chemistry 8, 9, 10, 11 in the freshman year.Failure to take these courses in the freshman year may make itimpossible to complete the major in four years. Students wishing toconcentrate in computer science may take both Computer Science21 & 102 in the freshman or sophomore year.Minor RequirementsThe minor in mathematics requires Math 27, 28 or 38 (Math 39 and/orMath 120 are recommended), and three upper-division courses inmathematics, excluding Math 101.Prerequisite GradeAny course listed in this department with a prerequisite assumes a grade ofC– or better in the prerequisite course, including the high school coursesAlgebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II which are prerequisites of all mathematicsand computer science courses.C o u r s e sLower Division1 Fundamental Mathematical Concepts I *This course provides prospective elementary teachers with part of thebackground needed for teaching the content of contemporary elementarymathematics programs. The topics include problem solving, the historicaldevelopment of major mathematical concepts, sets and functions,rational and irrational numbers and their operations, and number theory.Prerequisites: One year each of high school algebra I, II, and geometryor equivalent.*Does not satisfy an Area B math requirement.Offered every fall.3 Finite MathematicsTopics and applications in this course are selected from linear equationsand matrices, linear programming, probability, finance, Markov chains,game theory, and graphs. The emphasis is on applications to businessand management sciences. Prerequisites: One year each of high schoolalgebra I, II, and geometry or equivalent.Offered every semester.4 Introduction to Probability and StatisticsThis course covers the study of combinations and permutations, descriptiveand inferential statistics, probability and probability distributions,hypothesis testing, regression, and correlation, along with applications ina variety of practical settings. This course may not be taken for credit inaddition to Business Administration 40 or Psychology 3. Prerequisites:One year each of high school algebra I, II, and geometry or equivalent.Offered every semester.10 The Art and Practice of MathematicsA reflective examination of basic mathematical ideas and patterns.Through participation in the discovery and development of mathematicalideas the student will view the subject as a vehicle for human creativity.The course traces the historical and contemporary role of appropriatemathematical topics. Prerequisites: One year each of high school algebra I,II, and geometry; English 5 and Collegiate Seminar 20 or 120.Offered every semester.13 – 14 Calculus with Elementary Functions I, II *A survey of polynomial, trigonometric, logarithmic and exponentialfunctions combined with differential calculus of functions of one variableand mathematical reasoning. This calculus sequence is intended forstudents who need to strengthen their precalculus skills. The sequenceMath 13 –14 is equivalent to Math 27. Prerequisites: for Math 13: oneyear each of high school algebra I, II, and geometry or equivalent, anda passing score on the placement exam.Math 13 or equivalent is prerequisite to Math 14.*Math 13 alone does not satisfy an Area B mathematics requirement.Offered every fall.125