Department of Mathematics
           West Chester University

 Room 101,
25 University Avenue,
West Chester, PA 19383
Phone: 610-436-2440
Fax: 610-738-0578
bmaleno@wcupa.edu

 

Graduate Mathematics Courses


    MATHEMATICS
    Symbol: MAT

    503 History of Mathematics (3) Development of mathematics from prehistoric time to present. Emphasis on changes in the mainstreams of mathematical thought through the ages.

    513 Linear Algebra (3) Vectors, vector spaces, determinants, linear transformations, matrices, and bilinear and quadratic forms.

    514 Theory of Numbers (3) Elementary number theory and selected topics in analytic number theory.

    515 Algebra I (3) Elements of abstract algebra, groups, commutative ring theory, modules, and associative algebras over commutative rings.

    516 Algebra II (3) A continuation of MAT 515. Vector spaces, representation theory, and Galois theory. PREREQ: MAT 515.

    521 Discrete Mathematics and Graph Theory (3) Techniques of problem solving, including the use of binomial coefficients, generating functions, recurrence relations, the principle of inclusion exclusion, and Polya's Theorem.

    532 Geometry I (3) This course is a rigorous introduction to geometry from a transformational point of view, emphasizing Euclidean, hyperbolic, and/or projective geometry. Other topics such as Spherical geometry, symplectic geometry, or Affine geometry may be included if time permits.

    533 Geometry II (3) A study of geometry using calculus as our main tool. The course covers the basics of differential geometry - parametrizations, tangent spaces, curvature, geodesics - leading to Stokes theorem and the Gauss-Bonnett theorem. Several examples will be studied in depth, including the sphere and the projective plane (which were introduced in the first course).

    535 Topology (3) A rigorous treatment of filters, nets, separation axioms, compactness, connectedness, and uniform spaces.

    541 Advanced Calculus (3) For students with background deficiencies in analysis. Ordinary and uniform limits; sequences of functions; and the Riemann integral.

    545 Real Analysis I (3) A rigorous study of real-valued functions of real variables. PREREQ: MAT 541 or equivalent.

    546 Real Analysis II (3) Continuation of MAT 545. PREREQ: MAT 545.

    570 Mathematical Models in the Life, Physical, and Social Sciences (3) Techniques and rationales of model building. Applications to the life, physical, and social sciences.

    572 Proseminar (3) Seminar in generating and solving problems in mathematics.

    575 Complex Analysis I (3) A rigorous study of complex-valued functions of complex variables.

    593 Topics in the History of Mathematics (3) Specialized topics in the history of mathematics announced at the time of offering. PREREQ: Permission of instructor.

    595 Topics in Mathematics (3) Topics announced at time of offering. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. Offered as needed.

    599 Independent Study (1-3) Offered as needed.

    609 Thesis I (3) Conduct literature search, develop thesis proposal, and begin research under the guidance of a mathematics faculty member. Offered as needed.

    610 Thesis II (3) Carry out research proposal developed in MAT 609 and present results to committee. Develop a graduate-level thesis under the guidance of the Department of Mathematics. Offered as needed.

    MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
    Symbol: MTE

    501 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics I (3) Selected topics that reflect the spirit and the content of the modern elementary school mathematics programs. Logic, sets, functions, number systems, integers, number theory, rational numbers, and problem solving, including estimations and approximations, proportional thinking, and percentages.

    502 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics II (3) A continuation of MTE 501. The real number system, probability, statistics, geometry, measurement, and problem solving. PREREQ: MTE 501.

    507 Foundations of Secondary Mathematics Education (3) Research methods in mathematics education; forces which have shaped mathematics education; classroom implications of 20th-century learning theorists; assessment in the classroom; methods of organizing for instruction; cultural and gender considerations.

    508 Junior High School Mathematics - Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (3) This course will focus on the curricula, methods of instruction, and assessment techniques used to teach mathematics in a junior high school setting. Course topics will include elementary school mathematics from the perspective of a secondary school teacher, junior high school mathematics, algebra I, and general/consumer mathematics. Teachers also will explore strategies that can be used to integrate the calculator and computer into the mathematics classroom. PREREQ: MTE 507 for students in the M.A. program.

    510 Algebra for the Elementary Teacher (3) An introduction to modern algebra. A comparative study of mathematics systems. PREREQ: MTE 501 or equivalent.

    512 Senior High School Mathematics - Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (3) This course will focus on the curricula, methods of instruction, and assessment techniques used to teach mathematics in a senior high school setting. Course topics will include geometries, algebra II, trigonometry, precalculus, and discrete mathematics. Teachers also will explore strategies that can be used to integrate the scientific and graphing calculator and computer into the mathematics classroom. PREREQ: MTE 507 for students in the M.A. program.

    530 Geometry for the Elementary Teacher (3) Basic concepts in geometry. Euclidean geometry and postulative systems. PREREQ: MTE 501 or equivalent.

    551 Teaching Mathematics to Diverse Populations (3) Examination of current programs in mathematics for students with special needs; discussion of the pertinent research literature; and development of materials and techniques for these students.

    553 Teaching Elementary School Mathematics I (3) In-depth treatment of strategies, methods, and materials for teaching the following concepts in an elementary classroom: place value; addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers; measurement; elementary number theory; geometry; fractions; and integers. PREREQ: MTE 501 or equivalent.

    554 Contemporary Methods of Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School (3) History and development of the modern elementary school mathematics programs. Theories and findings of recent and contemporary learning theorists are investigated. Modern organizational strategies surveyed, including team teaching, individualized instruction, open space, contemporary instruction strategies, such as individualized learning systems, mathematical laboratories, and individually prescribed instruction, are studied. PREREQ: MTE 553.

    561 Calculus for Teachers (3) Analytic geometry of both the straight line and conics, and elements of the calculus of functions of a single real variable are reviewed. Topics include limits, continuity, the derivative and integral and their applications, curve sketching, and polar coordinates. Emphasis on methods of teaching these topics to secondary school students.

    562 Computer Applications for Elementary and Middle School Mathematics (3) This technology-driven approach to teaching elementary school mathematics will include activities designed to enable teachers to use content-oriented software, spreadsheets, and graphic tools in the development of lessons involving mathematical applications. Emphasis will focus on teacher participation in simulations dealing with student-thinking skills.

    595 Topics in Mathematics Education (1-3) Topics announced at time of offering. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. Offered as needed.

    599 Independent Study (1-3)

    604 Research Seminar (3) This course will focus on the study of research in mathematics education. Contemporary topics of research will be discussed and perused. Students will be expected to report on a topic of research of their choosing. In addition, empirical study and design will be discussed along with data analysis and the reporting of results.

    610 Thesis (3-6)

    APPLIED STATISTICS
    Symbol: STA

    505 Mathematical Statistics I (3) A rigorous mathematical treatment of the underlying theory of probability and statistical inference. Probability spaces, discrete and continuous distribution theory, functions of random variables, Central Limit Theorem, and other topics.

    506 Mathematical Statistics II (3) Continuation of STA 505. Point estimation, hypothesis tests, confidence intervals, asymptotic properties of estimators, and other topics.

    507 Introduction to Categorical Data Analysis (3) Data-driven introduction to statistical techniques for analysis of categorical data arising from a variety of studies. Contingency tables, logistic regression survival models, nonparametric methods, and other topics.

    511 Introduction to Statistical Computing (3) Course will give students the ability to effectively manage and manipulate data, conduct statistical analysis, and generate reports and graphics, primarily using the SAS Statistical Software Package.

    512 Principles of Experimental Analysis (4) Course provides technology-driven introduction to regression and other common statistical multivariable modeling techniques. Emphasis on interdisciplinary applications.

    513 Intermediate Linear Models (4) Rigorous mathematical and computational treatment of linear models.

    514 Modern Experimental Design (3) Focusing on recent journal articles, this course will investigate issues associated with design of various studies and experiments. Pharmaceutical clinical trials, case-control studies, cohort studies, survey design, bias, causality, and other topics.

    531 Topics in Applied Statistics (3) Topics of current interest in research and industry announced at time of offering.

    599 Independent Study (1-3) Individual exploration of nine topics in statistics.

    601 Internship in Applied Statistics (3-6) In cooperation with a regional industrial company student will perform an internship in applied statistics.

    609 Thesis I (3-6) Preliminary research under the guidance of a mathematics faculty member. Students must present oral preliminary findings before proceeding to STA 610.

    610 Thesis II (3-6) Research project under the guidance of the mathematics faculty.

    SERVICE COURSES IN MATHEMATICS
    MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (MTE)

    501 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics I

    502 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics II

    510 Algebra for the Elementary Teacher

    550 Topics in Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers

    553 Teaching Elementary School Mathematics I

    558 Teaching Mathematics in the Junior High School

    560 Teaching Algebra in the Secondary School

    561 Calculus for Teachers

    562 Computer Applications for Elementary School Mathematics

    STATISTICS (STA)

    521 Statistics I