Mathematics

The Mathematics program is designed to enable students to acquire an appreciation for mathematics by studying and working with some of the modern and ancient ideas in the field. Students preparing to teach mathematics will be competent in those areas specifically recommended by the Committee on the Undergraduate Program in Mathematics and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Students majoring in Mathematics or Education with a concentration in Mathematics will be expected to maintain a 2.5 average in Mathematics and in the overall cumulative index. Other grade expectations may apply for students seeking degrees in other programs that have mathematics requirements; see other programs’ Catalog section for any specific grade expectations.

Math Placement Exam and Levels:

Freshmen:

All freshmen entering the University are given a placement test in mathematics to determine an appropriate course assignment.

Transfer Students:

Note that most students receiving transfer credit for a course equivalent to MA 112, 113, 114, or 221 can use that course to determine eligibility for further math coursework without taking our Math Placement Exam. Some majors require transfers to take the Math Placement Exam even if they are transferring in math credits (Busi-ness Administration, Teacher Education, Nursing, Social Work). Transfer students testing at the MA 112 or 13 level who have transfer credit for the equivalent course or higher are eligible to take MA 118: Enhanced Math. Transfer students not transferring in the equivalent of MA 112, 113, 114, or 221 who need to, or choose to, take a mathematics course should take the placement exam upon entry.

With a placement of LEVEL A, a student is only eligible to take MA 112: Introduction to College Math. Note that placement at this level makes this a required class. A minimum grade of C- is required for graduation when a student places into this class. A student is subject to dismissal from the College if he or she fails two times to achieve the required minimum grade in MA 112. Note that grades of W or WU are considered as attempts.

With a placement of LEVEL B, a student is eligible to take

  • MA 113: College Algebra
    DC 125MA: Quantitative Reasoning

With a placement of LEVEL C, a student is eligible to take

  • MA 114: Precalculus
  • MA 116: Finite Math
  • MA 117: Discrete Math
  • MA 120: Math, Money, & You: Mathematics of Financial Literacy
  • DC 125MA: Quantitative Reasoning
  • MA 225: Introduction to Statistics

With a placement of LEVEL D, a student is eligible to take

  • MA 116: Finite Math
  • MA 117: Discrete Math
  • MA 120: Math, Money, & You: Mathematics of Financial Literacy

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

MA 112: Introduction to College Mathematics

Credits 3

Properties of the real numbers; basic concepts of algebra; graphing of linear functions; verbal problems. 
In order to proceed to the next course in the sequence, a minimum grade of C- (C for Math majors) is required. 
 

MA 113: College Algebra

Credits 3

Polynomials and factoring; linear and quadratic equations; functions and graphs.

In order to proceed to the next course in the sequence, a minimum grade of C- (C for Math majors) is required.

MA 114: Precalculus

Credits 3

Real functions; linear and higher order functions; conic sections; trigonometric functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; sequences and series.

In order to proceed to the next course in the sequence, a minimum grade of C- (C for Math majors) is required.

MA 116: Finite Mathematics

Credits 3

Linear equations and inequalities; matrix algebra and linear programming; the mathematics of finance; Markov chains and probability.

This course does not serve as a prerequisite for any other course.

MA 118: Enhanced Mathematics

Credits 3

Real number computations and properties; basic algebra; dimensional analysis; problem solving; mixed application. 

Reserved for transfer students with placement scores of Level A (MA 112) or Level B (MA 113) who have transferred in a math class at that level or higher.

MA 120: Math, Money and You: Mathematics of Financial Literacy

Credits 3

The study of business and personal finance topics viewed through a mathematical lens. Topics may include banking, investing, taxes, credit, insurance, home ownership and business applications. Real world problems and applications will be stressed and examined.

This course does not serve as a prerequisite for any other course.

MA 221: Calculus I

Credits 3

Analytic geometry and functions, including trigonometric; limits and continuity; derivatives; and applications of derivatives.

In order to proceed to the next course in the sequence, a minimum grade of C - (C for Math majors) is required.

MA 222: Calculus II

Credits 3

Integrals; the definite integral; exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions; formal methods of integration; basic properties of continuous and differentiable functions; area and volume. 

In order to proceed to the next course in the sequence, a minimum grade of C - (C for Math majors) is required.

MA 224: Probability

Credits 3
Elements of probability theory, including set theory, sampling, and combinatorics; random variables, discrete and continuous; probability functions, expected value; probability distributions and modeling.

MA 225: Introduction to Statistics

Credits 3
The nature and scope of statistical inquiries; collection and presentation of data; descriptive methods with particular reference to frequency distribution analysis, central tendency, and dispersion; probability distributions; statistical inference and sampling methods; estimation theory; tests of hypotheses; regression and correlation.

MA 226: Inferential Statistics

Credits 3
Sampling distributions, point and interval estimation, random variables; one & two sample T-tests; hypothesis tests of the mean, proportion, and variance; ANOVA of multiple classifications; multiple regression and correlation. Design, execution, and analysis of original research is required.

MA 227: Classical Greece: The Vision of Geometry

Credits 3

The classical Greek concept of proportion as it developed from Pythagoras to Euclid in the setting of Greek history, religion, philosophy, and art. Famous problems of antiquity that have challenged great minds; influenced thinking, literature, and art through the ages; and furthered the vision of the liberally-educated person.

 Knowledge of college algebra and basic geometry needed.

MA 228: The Dawn of Mathematics

Credits 3

Mathematics as a Human Endeavor arising from, and changing as the result of, societal needs and intellectual curiosity. The growth of the various branches of mathematics which become the foundations of Modern Mathematics; the contributions of the Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese and Indians, as arithmetic becomes mathematics. 

Knowledge of college algebra is needed.

MA 235: Biostatistics and Epidemiology

Credits 3

This course offers the student methods and use of statistics as they apply to scientific studies. It begins with collecting and displaying the distribution of data where the student will pay attention to central tendencies and correlation. Students will examine study designs, data relationships, confidence intervals, correlation, and run appropriate tests and analyses (t-tests, ANOVA, chi-squared, regression). Focus will be on the statistics of epidemiology, incidence and prevalence, and measures of risk. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

MA 332: Linear Algebra

Credits 3
Matrices and their operations; determinants; linear equations and linear dependence; vector spaces and linear transformations.

MA 333: Calculus III

Credits 3
Improper integrals; vectors and parametric equations; polar coordinates; multivariable calculus; sequences and series.

MA 334: Advanced Calculus

Credits 3
Foundations of analysis; limits, and proof; differentiation, integration, and series from a theoretical perspective.

MA 335: Differential Equations

Credits 3
Solutions of first order equations; modeling applications; equations of higher order; series solutions; Laplace transforms.

MA 336: Numerical Analysis

Credits 3
Mathematical analysis of interpolation procedures, polynomial approximation, numerical differentiation and integration. Also includes methods for solving equations, solutions of ordinary differential equations, approximations of least squares, and curve fitting.

MA 455: Mathematics Practicum

Credits 1
Use of Math skills in a practical setting as opportunities arise (primarily in the Academic Success Center). Includes preparation and supervision by the instructor. Essential Math topics from high school, college, and standardized tests will be discussed.

MA 465: Topics in Mathematics

Credits 3
A seminar course emphasizing topics and problem-solving techniques of particular interest to students preparing for careers in Mathematics or Mathematics education.

MA 466: Teaching Mathematics (Adolescence Education)

Credits 3

Diagnosing instructional needs; planning, implementing, and evaluating instruction in Mathematics. Attention to developing an eclectic approach to the teaching of Mathematics to adolescents by acquiring a strategy repertoire that meets the needs of today’s diverse learner population. 

Students prepare units and lessons that focus on the NYS Learning Standards for Mathematics. Field experience required.