Mathematics (MA)
MA 090 Preparation for Quantitative Reasoning Pathway (3)
Selected topics in pre-algebra, algebra, geometry and other areas designed to prepare students for quantitative reasoning and beyond. Not open to students with credit for MA 108 or above. Does not count towards degree credit hour requirements, nor general education requirements. Prerequisites: ACT English score of at least 18 or a C or better in EN 101 or EN 103
MA 095 Preparation for College Algebra Pathway (3)
Selected topics in pre-algebra, algebra, geometry and other areas designed to prepare students for college algebra and beyond. Not open to students with credit for MA 108 or above. Does not count towards degree credit hour requirements, nor general education requirements. Prerequisites: ACT English score of at least 18 or a C or better in EN 101 or EN 103
MA 108 College Algebra Preparation (3)
This course is the first of a two-semester College Algebra sequence. Topics covered include: factoring, equations (linear, quadratic, rational, absolute value, root, linear systems), functions (notation, domain), graphing (linear, quadratic, piece-wise), inequalities (linear, compound, absolute value), applications involving linear, quadratic, and rational equations. Not open to students with credit in MA 116, or any MA-
designated course numbered above MA 116. Prerequisite: ACT Mathematics score of at least 18 or an equivalent background as determined by the Mathematics Department, for example, comparable score on Departmental Placement Exam, Accuplacer, or the Quantitative Section of the SAT.
MA 112 Contemporary College Mathematics (3)
This course will focus on the mathematical skills and knowledge required for quantitative literacy, so the topics of understanding numerical relationships, financial mathematics, probability, and data analysis and statistics will be addressed. Each academic year the course will adopt a theme such as the political endeavor, the environment, art and culture and will study the topics from the context of the theme. The course will be project-based and to the extent possible the projects will investigate contemporary issues related to the overarching course theme. In addition to demonstrating mastery of the mathematical content, students will be expected to demonstrate an ability to understand how to determine the appropriate representation of quantitative information and to effectively communicate their assumptions and analysis. This course is not intended to prepare students for calculus. Graphics calculator required. Prerequisite: A grade of A or B in MA 090 or an ACT mathematics score of at least 22 or an equivalent background as determined by the Mathematics Department, for example, comparable SAT, COMPASS, or ACCUPLACER score.
Course Attributes:
- Gen Ed AY 2024-2025: Math and Statistics
- Gen Ed Pre-AY 2024-2025: Natural Science
- USLO: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
MA 116 College Algebra (3)
Equations (linear system, polynomial, rational, absolute value, root, exponential, logarithmic), functions (notation, combining, domain, inverse), graphing (linear, quadratic, polynomial, piece-wise, rational, exponential, logarithmic), inequalities (compound, absolute value, polynomial, rational), logarithmic expressions, applications involving various types of equations and/or systems of equations. Not open to students with credit in MA 117, MA 123, or any course numbered above MA 140. Prerequisite: A grade of A or B in MA 095 or an acceptable (as determined by the Mathematics Department) ACT mathematics score or SAT quantitative score or Compass or Accuplacer Mathematics Placement Test score.
Course Attributes:
- Gen Ed AY 2024-2025: Math and Statistics
- Gen Ed Pre-AY 2024-2025: Natural Science
- USLO: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
MA 117 Trigonometry (3)
Trigonometric functions, their inverses, graphs, and identities. Solving trigonometric equations. A wide variety of applications, and appropriate use of technology. Graphics calculator required. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MA 116 or concurrent with MA 116 or an acceptable (as determined by the Mathematics Department) ACT mathematics score or SAT quantitative score or equivalent knowledge as determined by the Mathematics Department.
Course Attributes:
- Gen Ed AY 2024-2025: Math and Statistics
- Gen Ed Pre-AY 2024-2025: Natural Science
- USLO: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
MA 123 Pre-Calculus (3)
Algebraic, exponential and trigonometric functions. Topics in plane analytic geometry. Designed for the student preparing for calculus. Not open to students with credit in MA 141 or MA 151. Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in MA 116 or MA 117 or an acceptable ACT mathematics score or SAT quantitative score or equivalent knowledge as determined by the Mathematics Department.
Course Attributes:
- Gen Ed AY 2024-2025: Math and Statistics
- Gen Ed Pre-AY 2024-2025: Natural Science
- USLO: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
MA 131 Topics in Trigonometry and Introduction to Calculus (3)
Trigonometric functions, using right triangles and the unit circle. Trigonometric identities, sinusoidal graphs, and trigonometric applications, including periodic phenomena. Limits, continuity, rates of change, and the meanings of differentiation and integration. Not open to students with credit in MA 141 or MA 151.
Prerequisites: MA 116 with a grade of "C" or better or an acceptable ACT mathematics score or SAT quantitative score or equivalent knowledge as determined by the Mathematics Department.
Course Attributes:
- Gen Ed AY 2024-2025: Math and Statistics
- Gen Ed Pre-AY 2024-2025: Natural Science
- USLO: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
MA 140 Statistics (3)
Introduction to statistics and probability with practical applications. Descriptive techniques including graphical methods, linear regression, probability distributions, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests. Graphics calculator required. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in either MA 116 or MA 112 or, an acceptable ACT mathematics score or SAT quantitative score or Compass or Accuplacer Mathematics Placement score.
Course Attributes:
- Gen Ed AY 2024-2025: Math and Statistics
- Gen Ed AY 2024-2025: Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
- Gen Ed Pre-AY 2024-2025: Natural Science
- USLO: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
MA 141 Applied Calculus I (3)
Definition and elementary properties of the derivative and definite integral with emphasis on the application of the derivative and integral to problems in business. Not open to students with credit in MA 151. Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in MA 116 or MA 123 or an acceptable ACT mathematics score or SAT quantitative score or equivalent knowledge as determined by the Mathematics Department.
Course Attributes:
- Gen Ed AY 2024-2025: Math and Statistics
- Gen Ed Pre-AY 2024-2025: Natural Science
- USLO: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
MA 151 Calculus & Analytic Geometry I (5)
Course Attributes:
- Gen Ed AY 2024-2025: Math and Statistics
- Gen Ed Pre-AY 2024-2025: Natural Science
- USLO: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
MA 152 Calculus & Analytic Geometry II (5)
A continuation of Mathematics 151. Topics in plane analytical geometry, techniques of integration with applications, and infinite series. Graphics calculator required. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MA 151.
MA 200 Number & Operation for Elementary Teachers (3)
Investigation of K-6 mathematical concepts and procedures for counting & cardinality, patterns & algebraic thinking, number systems, operation with whole numbers, fractions, decimals & integers. Significant emphasis on conceptual in-depth understanding of these mathematical topics and connecting concepts to a range of procedures for beginning teachers. Prerequisite: MA 112 or higher (or appropriate ACT or SAT quantitative score as determined by the Mathematics Department)
MA 201 Geometry, Proportion & Data Analysis for Elementary Teachers (3)
Investigation of K-6 mathematical concepts and procedures for geometry, measurement, proportional reasoning, and probability & statistics. Significant emphasis on conceptual in-depth understanding of these mathematical topics and connecting concepts to a range of procedures for beginning teachers. Prerequisite: MA 200 with a “C” or better.
MA 204 Number Theory and Discrete Math for Middle School Teachers (3)
Fundamental ideas of number theory, including divisors, factorization, and modular arithmetic. An introduction to discrete mathematics, including discrete structures, enumeration, logic, and applications. Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in MA 201 or concurrent.
MA 206 Discrete Mathematics for Computing (3)
Discrete mathematics topics useful in computer-aided problem solving. Topics will include Boolean algebra and computer logic, graphs and trees with algorithms, and analysis of algorithm complexity. Prerequisites: CM 111 and one of the following: A “C” or better in MA 116 or MA 123, or an acceptable (as determined by the Mathematics Department) ACT mathematics score or an acceptable SAT quantitative score, or equivalent knowledge as determined by the Mathematics Department.
MA 253 Calculus/Analytic Geometry III (3)
A continuation of Mathematics 152. Multivariable calculus, vectors in two and three-dimensional spaces. Graphics calculator required. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in MA 152.
MA 260 Introduction to Number Theory (3)
Topics include properties of numbers (prime, composite, rational, irrational, transcendental), divisibility, congruences, Diophantine equations, and continued fractions. Prerequisites:MA 152 or concurrent.
MA 271 Contemporary Actuarial Concepts (1)
Current issues in Actuarial Mathematics with emphasis on the releases of the Society of Actuaries. Includes practical application to solving problems of the type included in the Society of Actuary’s Course P. Prerequisite: MA 253.
MA 281 History of Early Mathematics (1)
Chronological development of early mathematics, with emphasis on the great mathematicians and the corresponding concrete & pictorial representations utilized during periods of discovery and invention. Topics include numeration systems and geometry. Focus on extending understandings from physical representations to abstract/formula representations for the mathematics of the time in history. Prerequisite: MA 116 or consent of instructor.
MA 299 Special Topics in Mathematics (1-6)
Directed study in some area of mathematics at the lower division level.
MA 301 Linear Algebra (3)
An introduction to the fundamental concepts and basic computational techniques of linear algebra. Topics investigated from both a theoretical and computational perspective include systems of linear equations, vector spaces, transformations, matrices, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and orthogonality. Prerequisite: MA 152.
MA 307 Discrete Mathematics (3)
Logic, counting methods, induction, functions, equivalence, partial order, and congruence relations. Set up and solve recurrence relations problems. Graph theory and its applications. Significant emphasis on the format and method of mathematical proof. Prerequisites: MA 151 or MA 204 or MA 206, and PH 220 or consent of instructor.
MA 315 Seminar: Teaching Mathematics (1)
MA 316 Teaching Algebra (1)
Pedagogical knowledge needed for teaching algebra. Emphasis on fundamental ideas of algebra including algebraic notation; interpreting the structure of an expression in terms of its context; function families and representations; and patterns of change. Includes co-teaching an algebra-based course. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in MA 151 and ED 275. A grade of "C" or better in MA 315 or taken concurrently with MA 315.
MA 317 Teaching Trigonometry (1)
Pedagogical knowledge needed for teaching trigonometry. Emphasis on fundamental ideas of trigonometry including right triangles, identities, application of periodic phenomena, and trig function families. Includes co-teaching a trigonometry-based course. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in MA 151 and ED 275. A grade of "C" or better in MA 315 or taken concurrently with MA 315.
MA 318 Teaching Statistics (1)
Pedagogical knowledge needed for teaching statistics. Emphasis on fundamental ideas of statistics including variability, measures of central tendency, randomness, inference, and multiple representations. Includes co-teaching a statistics-based course. Prerequisites: C or better in MA 140, MA 151, and ED 275. A grade of "C" or better in MA 315 or taken concurrently with MA 315.
MA 320 Mathematics for Middle School Teachers (3)
The investigation of mathematical problems as a means to develop as practitioners of the discipline of mathematics. Problems rely on a wide range of math topics. The primary focus of the course is on developing expertise in doing mathematics. By solving problems, students gain expertise in reasoning, constructing arguments, modeling, using resources, being precise, noticing deep structures of problems & expressing those structures with appropriate mathematical language. Significant emphasis on conceptual understanding of mathematics, connecting concepts to a range of realistic problem situations and appropriate use of technology. Understand and develop mathematical arguments and be able to clearly communicate those arguments using multiple representations. Prerequisite: MA 201 or concurrent
MA 331 Differential Equations (3)
Methods for solving ordinary differential equations and systems of ordinary differential equations including Laplace transforms, series, numerical methods with applications. Prerequisite: MA 253 or concurrent.
MA 340 ANOVA/Design of Experiments (3)
An introduction to the design and analysis of experiments, both single and multi-factor. Analysis of variance, both fixed effects and random effects. Topics will include Randomized Complete Block Design, the Latin Square Design, Incomplete Block Designs, Nested Designs, and the Split-Plot Design. Prerequisite: A 'C' or better in MA 140 Statistics.
MA 341 Nonparametric Tests/Quality Control (3)
An introduction to nonparametric statistical procedures including signed-rank tests, sign tests, rank and rank sum tests, along with an introduction to the use of statistical methods for the purpose of quality control, including control charts for variables, control charts for attributes, the analysis of process capability, and acceptance sampling. Prerequisite: A "C" or better in MA 140 Statistics.
MA 342 Statistical Computing (3)
An introduction to the statistical software packages SAS and R that includes basic commands and the structure, as well as data entry and manipulation, creating graphs and plots, simulation, bootstrapping, and introductory level programming. Prerequisite: A "C" or better in MA 140 Statistics.
MA 344 Mathematical Statistics I (3)
MA 345 Mathematical Statistics II (3)
An introduction to the theoretical framework of statistical methods including: point and interval estimators, large and small sample theories, hypothesis testing methods, linear statistical models with emphasis on repression and correlation, non-parametric testing methods, brief introduction to Bayesian methods for statistical inference. Prerequisite: MA 344.
MA 346 Regression Analysis (3)
Linear regression and correlation concepts and methods, multiple regression, curvilinear regression, applications including use of statistical software.
Prerequisite: MA 140 or consent of course instructor.
MA 347 Stochastic Processes (3)
Generating functions, normal processes and covariance stationary processes, Poisson processes, renewal processes, Markov chains, discrete time processes. Prerequisite: MA 344.
MA 348 Time Series Analysis (3)
MA 349 Statistical Topics for Actuarial Science (1)
Emphasis on topics in probability and statistics of special importance to actuarial science students. Prerequisites: MA 140 or consent of course instructor.
MA 354 Abstract Algebra (3)
MA 361 Game Design (3)
This course offers students the necessary background to design games on their own, including an introduction to the history of game design in the last 150 years. Students are then guided through an exploration of individual game mechanics which are frequently used in highly successful games. During these explorations the game mechanics are deconstructed to understand their structure using elementary mathematical tools, techniques, and language. While making these connections and observations, students are guided through isolated examples on how to integrate these into a game design. The course culminates with a final project in the form of an original game design of the students’ own making – either analogue (physical) or digital. Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in MA 112 or MA 116, or consent of instructor.
MA 367 Modern Geometry (3)
This course will focus on the study of geometry as an axiomatic system. Emphasis will be placed on conjecture, proof and construction utilizing both classical tools as well as appropriate technology. Geometries investigated will include Euclidean, affine, projective, hyperbolic, and elliptical. A variety of approaches (synthetic, analytical and transformation) will be used to investigate the geometries. Prerequisite: MA 151.
MA 371 Introduction to Real Analysis I (3)
MA 372 Introduction to Real Analysis II (3)
Continuity, differentiation, the Riemann integral, sequences of functions, and infinite series. Prerequisite: MA 371.
MA 380 Problem Solving Strategies (1)
Weekly problem sets require a wide variety of techniques to achieve solutions to the problems. Problem solutions may feature one or more techniques from calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, statistics, geometry, and other areas. The course is repeatable up to three times. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in MA 152, or consent of the instructor.
MA 381 History of Mathematics (3)
Chronological development of mathematics, with emphasis on the great mathematicians and the corresponding concrete & pictorial representations utilized during periods of discovery and invention. Topics include numeration systems, algebra, geometry, measurement, probability, and statistics. Focus on extending understandings from physical representations to abstract/formula representations for the mathematics of the time in history... Prerequisite: MA 116 or consent of instructor.
MA 384 Theory of Interest (3)
Topics include measure of interest (emphasis on continuous nature), accumulated and present value factors, annuities, yield rates, sinking funds, and bonds and related securities. Prerequisite: MA 152 or concurrent.
MA 385 Actuarial Mathematics (3)
MA 388 Capstone Research (1)
Students must complete an individual semester project on a topic in the mathematical sciences under the guidance of one or more faculty from the department. The project serves as a culminating experience for Bachelor's degree students, requiring both a written and an oral component. A minimum of two hours of MA 380 Problem Solving Strategies are required unless permission is granted by the department Chair. Prerequisites: MA 151, MA 152, MA 253, MA 301, a minimum of two hours of MA 380; and, a total of 19 or more hours in mathematics/statistics (MA 151 or above), at least 6 hours of which must have been completed at Washburn University; and, consent of the instructor. Students must have junior or senior standing to enroll in this course.
MA 390 Seminar (1-3)
Directed study in some advanced area. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
MA 400 Internship in Mathematics or Statistics (1-6)
A work experience in the area of mathematics and/or statistics performed in cooperation with a business, industrial, medical or educational institution. The internship study must provide a learning experience in the applications of mathematics or statistics. Prerequisite: Consent of Department Chair.
MA 450 Topics in Mathematics (1-6)
Directed study in some area of mathematics at the graduate level. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.