Mathematics and Computer Science Courses
Mathematics Courses
MAT 090 Intermediate Algebra Review (2 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
This course is designed as a preparation for college algebra and other 100-level mathematics courses covering the following topics: the real number system, exponents, roots, radicals, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, equations and inequalities, graphing linear equations and inequalities, graphing quadratic equations, and word problems. Counts as two credit hours toward course load and full-time student status but does not count as college credit.
MAT 130 Exploring With Mathematics (3 cr.) *FTC (*FTC -This course partially fulfills the Fundamental Technology Competencies of the Meredith College General Education Program.)
(Fall, Spring and Summer, Course Offered Every Year)
This course emphasizes reasoning and communicating to clarify and refine thinking in practical areas of life. Students will gain confidence in their ability to apply their mathematical skills to applied problems and decision making. Topics will be chosen from: set theory, probability, visual representation of information, geometry, and graph theory.
MAT 141 College Algebra (3 cr.) *FTC
(Fall, Spring and Summer, Course Offered Every Year)
This course is a study of the algebra of functions. Topics covered include polynomial and rational functions, exponential functions and logarithmic functions. Graphing calculators will be used. Credit not allowed for both MAT 141 and MAT 144. Credit in this course is not given to students who already have credit for MAT 211.
MAT 143 Trigonometry (2 cr.) *FTC
(Fall, Spring and Summer, Course Offered Every Year)
The course will emphasize the use of analytic trigonometry in a wide variety of applications. Topics covered will include trigonometric relationships in triangles, trigonometric functions and trigonometric identities. Graphing calculators will be used. Credit not allowed for both MAT 143 and MAT 144. Credit in this course is not given to students who already have credit for MAT 211.
MAT 144 Functions and Graphs (3 cr.) *FTC
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
This course is a study of the algebra and geometry of functions. Topics covered include polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions. Graphing calculators will be used. After completing this course, a student would have an appropriate background for MAT-211, Calculus I. Credit not allowed for both MAT 141 or MAT 143 and MAT 144. Credit in this course is not given to students who already have credit for MAT 211.
MAT 211 Calculus I (4 cr.) *FTC
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
A study of functions, limits, continuity, the derivative and the integral. Applications of differentiation and integration include maxima, minima, marginal cost and revenue, rectilinear motion, areas and volumes. Students will use graphing calculators. May be taken without prerequisite courses with department's permission. Prerequisites: MAT 141 and MAT 143 or MAT 144).
MAT 212 Calculus II (4 cr.) *FTC
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
A continuation of the calculus of functions of one variable. Topics include volumes of rotation, transcendental functions, integration techniques, polar coordinates, parametric equations and infinite series. Students will use graphing calculators and computer packages. May be taken without prerequisite with department's permission. Prerequisites: MAT 211.
MAT 220 Linear Algebra (3 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
A study of vector spaces, linear transformations, matrices, determinants and their applications. Students will use calculators and computer packages. Prerequisites: MAT 211.
MAT 245 Statistics I (3 cr.) *FTC
(Fall, Spring and Summer, Course Offered Every Year)
A general introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include elementary probability, distributions, estimation of population parameters, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression. Students will use statistical analysis technology. May be taken without prerequisites with department's consent. Prerequisites: MAT 141 or MAT 144.
MAT 250 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning (3 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
This course is a study of logic and an introduction to various techniques of mathematical proof, including direct proof, indirect proof and proof by induction. Students will be involved actively in the construction and exposition of proofs from multiple representations - visually, numerically, symbolically - and will present their reasoning in both oral and written form. Topics covered include sets and basic properties of the integers, rational numbers and real numbers. Throughout the course, students will explore strategies of problem solving and active mathematical investigation. After completing this course, a student would have an appropriate background for upper level theoretical mathematics courses. Prerequisites: MAT 212 or Corequisites: MAT 212 with permission of the instructor.
MAT 262 Discrete Mathematics (3 cr.)
(Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
An introduction to various topics chosen from combinatorics, propositional logic and graph theory. Topics include counting techniques, permutations and combinations, induction and recursion, Boolean algebra, planarity, minimal paths and minimum spanning trees. Recommended for middle grades and secondary mathematics licensure students. Also offered as CSC 262. May be taken without prerequisites with department's consent. Prerequisites: MAT 141 and MAT 143 or MAT 144.
MAT 264 Topics in Math-Middle Grades Licensure (1-2 cr.)
(Fall, Course Offered Every Year)
An independent study designed to complete the mathematics concentration for a middle grades (6-9) licensure program. The course is tailored for each student according to her mathematical background, and therefore may carry one or two semester hours of credit. A student usually takes the course in conjunction with MAT 764, which is offered every fall. May not be counted toward a mathematics major or minor. Prerequisite: admission to the Teacher Education Program or permission of the instructor. Instructor's consent required.
MAT 290 Honors Math Lab (1 cr.)
(Fall, Course Offered Every Year)
Students work in teams to explore via computer various mathematical concepts. The experiment-conjecture-proof technique allows students to experience some of the excitement of discovering mathematics. During the lab period, the teams interact in a cooperative setting and discuss the meaning of what they are learning. All of the labs contain dynamical graphical displays which enhance the students' understanding of the topics studied. At the end of each experiment, students submit a written report describing their findings. Pre or Corequisite courses: MAT 211, 212 or 314.
MAT 299 Introduction to Mathematics Research (1-3 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
This course will provide opportunities for freshmen and sophomores to participate in original research in mathematics. Students will submit findings in a formal written report and will give an oral presentation. Students will be expected to work approximately three hours per week on the research project for each semester hour of credit. May be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours.
MAT 314 Calculus III (4 cr.) *FTC
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
A study of vectors in two and three dimensions and multivariable calculus. This includes three-dimensional analytic geometry, partial differentiation and multiple integration, and line integrals. Students will use technology for exploration and problem solving. May be taken without prerequisite with department's permission. Prerequisites: MAT 212.
MAT 321 Modern Abstract Algebra (3 cr.)
(Fall, Course Offered Every Year)
A study of general algebraic systems. Topics covered will include relations, mappings, groups, rings and fields. Group theory is emphasized. Prerequisites: MAT 250.
MAT 334 Modern College Geometry (3 cr.)
(Fall, Even-Numbered Years Only)
A course emphasizing Euclidean geometry and introducing hyperbolic, elliptic, and transformational geometries. Students will use methods of discovery, construction, and proof to study geometric systems. Prerequisites: MAT 250, three courses from MAT except MAT 130, MAT 141, MAT 143, MAT 144.
MAT 340 Probability and Statistics (3 cr.)
(Fall, Odd-Numbered Years Only)
The study of probability and statistical inference. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical development of probability distributions, discrete, continuous, and multivariate, and the sampling distributions used in statistical inference. Prerequisites: MAT 212, MAT 245.
MAT 345 Statistics II (3 cr.)
(Spring, Odd-Numbered Years Only)
A continuation of MAT 245 which includes linear models (simple and multivariate), analysis of variance, and regression analysis (linear and non-linear). Application of these topics will be drawn from business, economics, the social sciences, biology and other areas. Students will use statistical analysis technology. Prerequisites: MAT 245 or PSY 200.
MAT 348 Nonparametric Statistics (3 cr.)
(Spring, Even-Numbered Years Only)
A study of distribution-free statistical methods. Estimation and hypothesis testing when population distributions are specified only in broad terms. Studies of randomness, trend, independence, symmetry and goodness-of-fit. Analysis of qualitative (nominally scaled) and ranked data. Chi-squared tests, rank procedures, Spearman rank correlation, and other methods. Students will use statistical analysis technology. Prerequisites: MAT 245 or PSY 200.
MAT 354 Differential Equations (3 cr.)
(Spring, Even-Numbered Years Only)
A study of first order differential equations, linear differential equations of higher order, Laplace transforms, series solutions and applications. Students will use a computer package. Prerequisites: MAT 212.
MAT 360 Numerical Analysis (3 cr.)
(Fall, Even-Numbered Years Only)
A computer-oriented study of analytical methods in mathematics. Topics include solving non-linear equations, least squares approximation, interpolating polynomials, numerical differentiation and numerical quadrature. Also offered as CSC 360. Prerequisites: MAT 212.
MAT 362 Topics in Discrete Mathematics (3 cr.)
(Spring, Odd-Numbered Years Only)
Topics chosen from combinatorics, graph theory, and other areas of discrete mathematics of particular application in computer science. Prerequisites vary with the topics studied.
MAT 410 Advanced Calculus (3 cr.)
(Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
A rigorous treatment of the foundations of calculus. A study of the algebraic and topological properties of the real numbers; one-variable calculus, including limits, continuity, differentiation, Riemann integration, and series of functions. Prerequisites: MAT 250, MAT 314.
MAT 415 Topics in Analysis (3 cr.)
(Fall, Course Offered Every Year)
Topics chosen from among the areas of advanced multivariable calculus, advanced calculus, real analysis or complex variables. Prerequisites: MAT 250, MAT 314.
MAT 425 Topics in Algebra (3 cr.)
(Spring, Odd-Numbered Years Only)
Topics chosen from the areas of advanced linear algebra, number theory or abstract algebra. Prerequisites vary with the topic studied.
MAT 434 Topics in Geometry & Topology (3 cr.)
(Spring, Even-Numbered Years Only)
Topics chosen from the areas of geometry or topology. Prerequisites: MAT 250.
MAT 490 Senior Seminar (3 cr.)
(Fall, Course Offered Every Year)
Students will work in teams on problem solving and on a research project. The results of the research project will be presented in both written and oral forms. Topics will also include selected readings in the discipline and study of professional organizations. A satisfactory score on the end-of-course test is required for completion of the course. Open to seniors only.
MAT 498 Honors Thesis in Mathematics (3 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate in a paper and a presentation. The research project must meet Honors Program thesis requirements as well as the expectations of the mathematics faculty. Open to seniors in the Honors and/or Teaching Fellows Programs only. Second semester juniors may enroll with permission of the faculty mentor.
MAT 499 Research in Mathematics (1-3 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate in a paper and a presentation. Open to juniors and seniors majoring in mathematics and to others by permission of the department. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of six credit hours.
MAT 764 Methods Secondary/Middle Math (3 cr.)
(Fall, Course Offered Every Year)
A study of the philosophy and objectives of mathematics education, emphasizing methods and materials needed for teaching mathematics in the middle and secondary schools. Attention is given to the importance of planning for instruction and evaluating both the instruction and student performance. Students must demonstrate their skills in planning, teaching, and evaluating. Instructor's consent required.
*FTC This course partially fulfills the Fundamental Technology Competencies of the Meredith College General Education Program.
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Computer Science Courses
CSC 101 Beginning Programming (3 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
Students learn how a computer works and how to make it work as they design, code, debug and document programs to perform a variety of tasks. This course is intended for students who have not programmed a computer before, but may also serve as an introduction to Java (or other language) even if the student DOES know some programming. (This course fulfills the Quantitative-Field of Knowledge requirement of Gen Ed.)
CSC 203 Foundations of Computer Science (3 cr.)
(Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
A survey course, which emphasizes the algorithmic process and its implications for computer science. Topics include machine architecture (data storage and data manipulation), the human/machine interface (operating systems, algorithms, programming languages and software engineering), data organization (data structures, file structures, database structures) and the potential of algorithmic machines (artificial intelligence, theory of computation). Prerequisites: CSC 101.
CSC 212 Object Oriented Programming (3 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
A continuation of the development of programming, with introduction of Objects and
Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), including multiple-file projects, windows, buttons, mousing, event-handling
and principles of Human Computer Interaction (HCI). Prerequisites: CSC 101.
CSC 230 Web Programming (3 cr.)
(Fall, Course Offered Every Year)
This course focuses on the server side of client-server programming for the Web,
especially database programming. There will be a study of fundamentals of databases including
normalization and security, and students will apply this knowledge to real web-database
applications. Current tools: JavaScript (prerequisite), PHP (a programming language), SQL (Structured Query
Language). Prerequisites: CIS 140, CIS 156.
CSC 262 Discrete Mathematics (3 cr.)
(Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
An introduction to various topics chosen from combinatorics, propositional logic and graph theory. Topics include counting techniques, permutations and combinations, induction and recursion, Boolean algebra, planarity, minimal paths and minimum spanning trees. Recommended for middle grades and secondary mathematics licensure students. Also offered as MAT 262. Prerequisites: MAT 141 and MAT 143 or MAT 144 or competency.
CSC 299 Introduction to Research in Computer Science (1-4 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
This course will provide opportunities for freshmen and sophomores to participate in original research in computer science. Students will submit findings in a formal written report and will give an oral presentation. Students will be expected to work approximately three hours per week on the research project for each semester hour of credit. May be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours.
CSC 301 Data Structures & Algorithms (3 cr.)
(Fall, Course Offered Every Year)
Topics include the sequential and linked allocation of lists, stacks, queues, trees and graphs. Students gain maturity by writing complex algorithms and through studying run time analysis and program integrity. Prerequisites: CSC 212, CSC/MAT 262.
CSC 311 Computer Organization (3 cr.)
(Fall, Odd-Numbered Years Only)
The fundamentals of logic design, the organization and structuring of the major hardware components of computers. Prerequisites: CSC 203.
CSC 312 Information Systems Management (3 cr.)
(Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
The main theme of the course is solving problems and creating opportunities with technology in an organizational setting. Topics include how information systems affect and are affected by organizational goals and strategies; basic overviews of the components of an information system; hardware, software, data storage and retrieval, and network communications; the Internet; the information systems development process; and systems development as planned organizational change. Also offered as CIS 312. Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education fundamental computer skills competency requirement.
CSC 326 Networking and Operating Systems (3 cr.)
(Spring, Even-Numbered Years Only)
In the ever-shifting and related fields of operating systems and networking, this
course teaches the fundamental aspects of computing systems including security, memory
management, job scheduling, synchronization, client-server programming and distributed
programming. There will also be significant hands-on application of principles in the lab.
Prerequisites: CSC 203, CSC 212.
CSC 360 Numerical Analysis (3 cr.)
(Fall, Even-Numbered Years Only)
A computer-oriented study of analytical methods in mathematics. Topics include solving non-linear equations, least squares approximation, interpolating polynomials, numerical differentiation and numerical quadrature. Also offered as MAT 360. Prerequisites: MAT 212.
CSC 407 Software Engineering (3 cr.)
(Spring, Odd-Numbered Years Only)
Introduction to the principles of design, coding and testing of software projects; the software development cycle; and managing the implementation of large computer projects. Students undertake a large team project. Also offered as CIS 407. Prerequisites: CSC 301.
CSC 420 Computer Science Seminar (1 cr.)
(Fall, Course Offered Every Year)
Current developments and themes in computer science. An introduction to industry as it exists in the Research Triangle area, to journals in the field of computer science, and to societies and associations dedicated to the advancement of computing. Includes field trips, speakers and discussions of selected topics. Course open to juniors and seniors only. Prerequisites: 6 credits; from CSC.
CSC 421 Topics in Computer Science (3 cr.)
(Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
Topics of current interest in computer science not covered in other courses. Prerequisites vary with topic studied.
CSC 498 Honors Thesis in Computer Science (3 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate in a paper and a presentation. The research project must meet Honors Program thesis requirements as well as the expectations of the computer science faculty. Enrollment limited to seniors or second semester juniors in the Honors and/or Teaching Fellows Programs.
CSC 499 Research in Computer Science (1-4 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate in a paper and a presentation. Open to juniors and seniors majoring in computer science or others with permission of the department. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of six hours.
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Computer Information Systems
CIS 120 Spreadsheets (1 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
Introduction to and development of skills in the creation and use of spreadsheets. The student will also learn how to set up and create graphs from spreadsheets and to create macros. Extensive use of microcomputer software such as Excel.
CIS 121 Spreadsheets II (1 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
This course is a continuation of CIS-120. Students will learn how to use Excel as a practical business tool with in-depth use of formulas and functions and efficient worksheet and workbook design. Some topics in Excel databases and the creation of simple macros will also be covered. Prerequisite: CIS/BUS 120 or competency in spreadsheets.
CIS 140 Databases (1 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
Creating a database structure, entering and updating data, generating reports based on querying the database. This course includes a project. Hands-on use of software such as MS Access.
CIS 156 Web Site Design & Management (3 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
This course requires extensive use of an HTML editor and a web design package to create web pages and web sites. Students will also learn site planning management. This will include learning to plan web sites and planning and assessing visitor involvement. Specific topics and techniques include: tables, frames, forms, cascading style sheets, use of animation and sound, and image creation and manipulation. Additional topics will include dynamic content, Javascript, XML, file management, file transfer protocol and web site evaluation.
CIS 160 SAS Programming (3 cr.)
(Fall, Even-Numbered Years Only)
A course in programming in the high-level programming language of SAS which is used extensively in business, government and education. By the end of the course the student will be able to immediately apply her skills in real-life programming solutions. Applications in data gathering and manipulation, report generation and elementary statistical procedures. No previous programming experience is required. Prerequisite: computer literacy. Prior experience in statistics is recommended.
CIS 240 Visual Basic (3 cr.)
(Spring, Even-Numbered Years Only)
An introduction to programming in Visual Basic. Emphasis will be placed on the event-driven, graphical nature of Visual Basic, as opposed to procedure-oriented programming. Topics include form layout, event-driven Windows programming concepts, variables and data types, objects and properties, control structures, file management, accessing databases, linking applications, Web page development from a Visual Basic application, and developing and using ActiveX controls. This course is intended for those with programming experience. May be taken without prerequisite course with instructor's consent. Prerequisites: CSC 101.
CIS 299 CIS Research (3 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
This course will allow freshman and sophomores to participate in original research in computer information systems. Maximum credit six hours.
CIS 312 Information Systems Management (3 cr.)
(Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
The main theme of the course is solving problems and creating opportunities with technology in an organizational setting. Topics include how information systems affect and are affected by organizational goals and strategies; basic overviews of the components of an information system; hardware, software, data storage and retrieval, and network communications; the Internet; the information systems development process; and systems development as planned organizational change. Also offered as CSC 312. Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education fundamental computer skills competency requirement.
CIS 370 Ethics and Information Technology (1 cr.)
(Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
Discussion of the ethical and legal issues created by the introduction of information technology into every day life. Codes of ethics for computer users. Topics may include, but are not limited to, information ownership, individual privacy, computer crime, communications and freedom of expression, encryption and security. Prerequisites: five credits; from CIS, CSC.
CIS 407 Software Engineering (3 cr.)
(Spring, Odd-Numbered Years Only)
Introduction to the principles of design, coding, and testing of software projects; the software development cycle; and managing the implementation of large computer projects. Students undertake a large team project. Also offered as CSC 407. Prerequisites: CSC 301.
CIS 498 Honors Thesis in Computer Information Systems (3 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
With a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate in a paper and a presentation. The research project must meet Honors Program thesis requirements as well as the expectations of the computer science faculty. Limited to seniors or second semester juniors, honors students and/or teaching fellows.
CIS 499 Senior Thesis (3 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
Open to junior and senior majors. Maximum credit six hours.
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