Program Advisor: Tim Rogalsky, Ph.D. (web page)
Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Mathematics is the language of our technological world. It lies at the heart of scientific research, engineering, and computer science. A math degree can prepare you for a career in science, industry, business, or teaching.

But the study of mathematics will also assist you in developing skills beneficial for inquiry in any other disciplinary field, such as theology, philosophy, music, or psychology. You will learn to be precise and organized, to solve problems creatively, and to reason analytically.

At CMU, a Christian worldview provides perspective on mathematical studies. We consider limitations and ethical applications of mathematics, how math can inspire awe of the Creator, and how it has informed self-understanding and theology.

At CMU, you can study Mathematics as a four-year major (minimum 48 credit hours), a three-year major (minimum 30 credit hours), or a minor (minimum 18 credit hours) within the Bachelor of Arts.

Click here for information about the requirements of this program (PDF). For specific questions about this program, contact the Program Advisor.

Find below a list of all the courses CMU offers in the field of Mathematics. We offer the introductory courses each year. Other courses are offered in a rotation so that students will have opportunity to take all the courses required by their majors or minors over the years of their studies at CMU.

Courses

The following section contains a complete list of courses for its curriculum. For current course listings please see the Course Description section of our website.

MATH-1000/3 Basic Statistical Analysis (Formerly: 82.104/3): An introduction to the basic principles of statistics and procedures used for data analysis. Topics to be covered include gathering data, displaying and summarizing data, examining relationships between variables, sampling distributions, estimation and significance tests, inference for means, and applications for specific disciplines. Includes a laboratory requirement. A laboratory fee will be assessed. This course is cross-listed as PSYC-2040/3 Research Analysis in Psychology.

MATH-1010/3 Vector Geometry and Linear Algebra (Formerly: 82.101/3): An introduction to vectors, matrices, systems of linear equations, and three-dimensional geometry. Includes a laboratory requirement. A laboratory fee will be assessed. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of 60 per cent in Grade 12 Mathematics or permission of the instructor.

MATH-1020/3 Introduction to Calculus (Formerly: 82.100/3): Differentiation and integration of elementary functions, with applications to maxima and minima, rates of change, area, and volume. Includes a laboratory requirement. A laboratory fee will be assessed. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of 60 per cent in Pre-calculus Mathematics 40S.

MATH-1030/3 Calculus II (Formerly: 82.103/3): Theory and techniques of integration, curve sketching, volume, arc length, surface area and partial derivatives. Prerequisite: MATH-1020.

MATH-2000/3 Discrete Mathematics (Formerly: 82.213/3): An introduction to elements of discrete mathematics. Logic, proof techniques, set theory, permutations and combinations, the binomial theorem, functions, relations, partial orders, mathematical induction, graphs and trees. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of 60 per cent in Pre-calculus Mathematics 40S.

MATH-2010/3 Linear Algebra 2 (Formerly: 82.201/3): A continuation of MATH-1010. Finite dimensional vector spaces; linear transformation and matrices; eigenvalues and eigenvectors; diagonalization and applications; inner product spaces. Pre-requisites: MATH-1010 and 1020 with minimum grades of “C.”

MATH-2020/3 Intermediate Calculus – Multivariable (Formerly: 82.200/3): Calculus of several variables. Prerequisites: MATH-1010 and 1030 with minimum grades of “C.”

MATH-2030/3 Intermediate Calculus – Sequences and Series (Formerly: 82.202/3): Introductory analysis, sequences and series. Pre-requisite: MATH-1030/3 with a minimum grade of “C.”

MATH-2040/3 Ordinary Differential Equations 1 (Formerly: 82.203/3): An introduction to the theory of ordinary differential equations, and practical techniques of solution, principally relating to first order and linear higher order equations; linear systems. Applications to problems in science and other selected areas. Pre-requisites: MATH-1010 and 1030 with minimum grades of “C”.

MATH-2950/3 Topics in Mathematics (Formerly: 82.295/3): The content of this course will vary from year to year, depending on the needs of students and the interests and availability of instructors. Prerequisite: To be determined, depending on the topic.

MATH/PHIL/INTG-3000/3 Philosophy of Mathematics: The philosophy of mathematics includes matters of metaphysics, semantics , and epistemology. This course will provide an overview of the philosophy of mathematics, including (1) the views of some historical philosophers of mathematics, from Plato and Aristotle to Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill, (2) the three major positions of the twentieth century, namely, logicism, intuitionism, and formalism, and (3) some contemporary accounts of mathematics, such as ontological realism, anti-realism, and structuralism. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including MATH-2000 with a minimum grade of “C.”

MATH-3040/3 Ordinary Differential Equations 2 (Formerly: 82.303/3): Laplace transforms, series solutions of ODEs, systems of linear ODEs, applications, introduction to dynamical systems. Pre-requisite: MATH-2040 with a minimum grade of “C” and 30 credit hours of university-level studies. Corequisite: MATH-2030.

MATH/INTG-3050/3 Chaos Theory (Formerly: 82/11.301/3): Introduction to dynamical systems, attractors, bifurcation, fractals, chaos. Examples include logistic map, Lorenz attractor, Julia sets, Mandelbrot set. Philosophical and theological consideration will be given throughout, including epistemic limitations, unreasonable effectiveness, determinism, complexity, divine action, open theism. Prerequisite: MATH-2040/3 or COMP-1040/3 and 30 credit hours of university-level studies.

MATH-3950/3 Topics in Mathematics (Formerly: 82.395/3): The content of this course will vary from year to year, depending on the needs of students and the interests and availability of instructors. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university level study, plus additional prerequisites to be determined, depending on the topic.

MATH-4940/3 Independent Study in Mathematics (Formerly: 82.494/3): A study in a specific area of Mathematics under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisites: MATH-1010/3and 1020/3, an additional nine credit hours in Mathematics, and a minimum of 60 credit hours of post-secondary education.

MATH-4950/3 Topics in Mathematics (Formerly: 82.495/3): The content of this course will vary from year to year, depending on the needs of students and the interests and availability of instructors. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university level study, plus additional prerequisites to be determined, depending on the topic.