Mathematics Department Home Page

Mathematics (MTH)
The mathematics department at Dakota Wesleyan University provides programs for the math major and minor aimed at preparing students for mathematical careers in actuarial science, business, government, teaching and industry. Cognizant of the reality that most college students will have several careers during their lives, the department strives to provide learning experiences which allow all students to apply their mathematical training in a variety of situations.

Mathematics Education
Students interested in teacher certification in 7-12 mathematics must complete the following program and exceed the minimum score on the appropriate PRAXIS exam. For further clarification, see “Education,” speak to your adviser or speak to the education department chair.

7-12 Mathematics Endorsement
This endorsement requires a teaching major in 7-12, K-8 or K-12 and passage of the appropriate PRAXIS II test. The following courses are only suggested content in preparation for exceeding the minimum score of the PRAXIS II series test. These classes are not required for this endorsement; see your adviser or the education department chair for any clarification.

Course Descriptions
110 Elementary Algebra 3 hours F
This first course in algebra introduces signed numbers, linear equations, factoring, fractional equations, systems of linear equations and radical expressions.

115 Mathematics for the Liberal Arts 3 hours F,S
This course considers the role of mathematics in practical, real-world applications by exploring the mathematics involved in savings accounts, loans, stock and mutual fund investments, taxes, statistics and probability. A brief review of basic math and algebra is included, but the course is not meant to be a remedial course.
Prerequisites: Mathematics ACT score of 16 and two years of high school mathematics, or consent of instructor.
General Education: Mathematics

120 Intermediate Algebra 3 hours F,S
This second course in algebra includes linear equations, quadratic equations, rational exponents, inequalities, systems of equations, logarithms, exponential equations and graphing equations.
Prerequisites: MTH 110 or an equivalent course, math placement or consent of instructor.

125 College Algebra 3 hours F,S
This course immerses students in algebraic methods in the context of modeling real-world phenomena, particularly those related to social issues, including hunger and poverty. Mathematical topics will include functions and graphs; solving equations; displaying and describing data; linear, exponential, logarithmic, power and quadratic functions; mathematical modeling; and probability. This course does not meet the prerequisites for biology and chemistry courses.
Prerequisites: MTH 120 or an equivalent course, math placement or consent of instructor.
General Education: Mathematics

130 College Algebra and Trigonometry 4 hours S
This course in algebra is for students with prior training in the subject, including equations, inequalities, functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations, graphing of equations, trigonometric functions and identities.
Prerequisites: MTH 120 or an equivalent course, math placement or consent of instructor.
General Education: Mathematics

140 College Geometry 2 hours S08
Students will learn Euclidean geometry from an intuitive point of view, including the study of perimeter and area, congruence and similarity, geometric constructions, circles, triangles, polygons and polyhedra.
Prerequisite: MTH 120 or consent of instructor.

150 Mathematics for the Elementary Teacher 3 hours F06
This course is designed expressly for the needs of elementary school teachers, including the structure of arithmetic, sets, elementary logic, number systems, relations and functions.
Prerequisite: MTH 120 or other course approved by the education department.

170 Introduction to College Algebra and Trigonometry 3 hours TBA
This course introduces the basic skills and concepts of algebra and trigonometry. MTH 170 is open only to high school students in an approved DWU dual-credit program. Refer to "Academic Programs" or contact the office of academic affairs for further information.
Comparable to: MTH 130

171 Introduction to Statistics 3 hours TBA
This course introduces the basic skills and concepts of statistics. MTH 171 is open only to high school students in an approved DWU dual-credit program. Refer to "Academic Programs" or contact the office of academic affairs for further information.
Comparable to: MTH 200

172 Calculus 3 hours TBA
This course introduces the basic skills calculus. MTH 172 is open only to high school students in an approved DUW dual-credit program. Refer to “Academic Programs” or contact the office of academic affairs for further information.
Prerequisite: MTH 170
Comparable to: MTH 210

200 Statistical Methods I 3 hours F,S
This course is an introduction to descriptive statistics, including graphs, sampling distributions, measures of central tendency, probability theory, hypothesis testing through nonparametic tests, confidence intervals, correlation and regression. Statistical applications, hypotheses testing and the use of statistical software for graphing is emphasized.
Prerequisite: MTH 125 or consent of instructor.
General Education: Mathematics

210 Calculus I 4 hours F
This course is an introduction to differential and integral calculus. Students will learn rates of change of functions, including trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions, initial value problems and optimization.
Prerequisite: MTH 130 or math placement.
General Education: Mathematics

220 Calculus II 4 hours S
This course is a continuation of MTH 210. Students will learn the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, separation of variables in differential equations, topics in integration, Taylor polynomials and series.
Prerequisite: MTH 210.
General Education: Mathematics

250 Discrete Mathematics 3 hours S
This course introduces discrete methods of mathematical problem solving. Topics include set theory, symbolic logic, sequences and mathematical induction, basic combinatorics, probability and graph theory.
Prerequisite: MTH 210.

299 Selected Topics - Basic 1-3 hours TBA
This course covers topics in basic mathematics not normally included in freshman- and sophomore-level courses.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

300 Linear Algebra 3 hours S
This course is an introductory treatment of systems of linear equations, vectors and matrices, determinants, vector spaces, linear transformations and eigenvalues.
Prerequisite: MTH 220 or consent of instructor.

305 Calculus III 3 hours F
This first course in multivariate calculus includes vector functions and their derivatives, plane curves, surfaces, partial derivatives, multiple integrals and Green’s Theorem.
Prerequisite: MTH 220.

320 Differential Equations 3 hours F07
This introduction to the solution of differential equations includes first order differential equations, higher-order equations, Laplace transforms and linear systems.
Prerequisite: MTH 220.

325 Introduction to Probability Theory 3 hours F
This course is an introduction to probability, including basic combinatorics and set theory; independence; conditional probability; random variables; specific discrete and continuous probability distributions; jointly distributed random variables; expectation; moments and moment generating functions; and various limit theorems.
Prerequisite: MTH 210 or consent of instructor.

330 Modern Algebra 3 hours F07
This course is an introduction to algebraic systems, including groups, rings and integral domains.
Prerequisite: MTH 300 or consent of instructor.

340 Modern Geometry 3 hours F06
This axiomatic study of various geometries includes Euclidean geometry and hyperbolic geometry. Students will also study historical and philosophical implications of the development of non-Euclidean geometries.
Prerequisite: MTH 210 or consent of instructor.

350 Statistical Methods II 3 hours F07
This project-oriented course in statistics and experimental design includes categorical analysis, multiple regression, the analysis of variance, factor analysis and other statistical techniques as appropriate.
Prerequisite: MTH 200.

380 Research Project 2-3 hours TBA
In consultation with the instructor, students may determine a topic for research. Evaluation consists of a paper and a presentation before an audience of the student's peers.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

410 Teaching Secondary School Mathematics 3 hours F06
This course covers the methods of teaching mathematics, and considers all the aspects and responsibilities that come with job, including classroom management, selecting subject matter, math anxiety and identifying learning styles. Classroom time is spent on developing lesson plans, tools and strategies to meet the needs of all students. Problem solving is approached from the instructional, recreational and motivational aspects. Students are required to infuse technology and manipulatives into all aspects of this course. Because technology changes rapidly, an extensive folder of Web site resources is available.
Prerequisites: EDU 201 and SPD 206.
Corequisites: EDU 300 and EDU 330.

460 Independent Study 1-4 hours F,S
This course allows for advanced study in selected areas for mathematics majors and minors.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

499 Selected Topics - Advanced 1-3 hours TBA
This course covers topics in advanced mathematics not normally covered in junior- and senior-level courses.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.