2023-2024 Course Catalog

Mathematics (BA/BS)

Mathematics includes an introduction to the principle branches of mathematics: calculus, algebra, probability, statistics, and analysis with emphasis on application of mathematics to the sciences and social sciences. The teacher certification program offers certification in secondary mathematics teaching. Students interested in this program should see the Certification Coordinator in the Education program for specific requirements.

Admission Requirements

  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  • Learning Outcomes

    Upon successful completion of the major, students will be able to:

    • Write well on exams, short paper, long papers and laboratory reports.
    • Make poster presentations and oral reports of varying lengths, either alone or as part of a team.
    • Exhibit critical thinking when reading texts, lecture supplements, and other materials.
    • Prepare a literature review and a bibliography on a topic in mathematics.
    • Obtain relevant information from primary sources in a library or online.
    • Demonstrate knowledge about the history and broad core of mathematics.
    • Recognize and use connections of mathematics to computing and science.
    • Use ethical scientific methods in obtaining and evaluating data.
    • Demonstrate proper methods in the design of algorithms and in the conduct of research.
    • Use Maple, a software package for solving mathematical problems.
    • Appreciate the value of proofs, logic, and applications in mathematics.
    • Understand mathematical notation.
    • Demonstrate skill with numerical, algebraic and calculus problem-solving, and in thinking spatially.

    Learning Outcomes Matrix [PDF]

    » Click here to view more detailed learning outcomes listings for each course.

    Chatham University Mathematics

    Buhl Hall • Woodland Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15232

    Curriculum

    +Major Requirements (BA)

    43 credits, including:

    IND350 Scientific Research Methods

    This course serves as an introduction to research literature and research methodology in the sciences. Students prepare a research proposal including literature review, experimental design and methods, budget, timetable, and bibliography. Other topics include professional presentation techniques and research ethics. The student's major department must approve proposals prior to the Tutorial.

    2
    INTMTH303 Internship - Mathematics

    Internship - Mathematics

    3
    MTH110 Elementary Statistics

    Topics include statistical measures and distributions, decision making under uncertainty, application of probability to statistical inference, linear correlation, introduction to nonparametric statistical methods, and application to problems drawn from the natural and social sciences. Three hours of class per week. Three hours of class per week.

    3
    MTH151 Calculus I

    This is the first course in the calculus sequence. Topics include differential and integral calculus for algebraic and trigonometric functions with applications. Four hours of class per week.

    4
    MTH152 Calculus II

    This is the second course in the calculus sequence. Topics include differential and integral calculus for the transcendental functions, advanced methods of integration, and infinite sequences and series.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • MTH151 Calculus I
  • 4
    MTH215W Introduction to Proof

    This course introduces students to the process of reading, understanding and writing rigorous mathematical arguments. Additionally, students will become familiar with computer software used for analyzing math problems and typesetting mathematical documents. This course is a pre-requisite for many upper-level math courses and is intended to help students transition from problem-solving oriented classes such as Calculus into courses focused on understanding and writing proofs. Topics include: basic logic, introductory set theory, functions and relations, and quantifiers.

    Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses:
  • MTH151 Calculus I
  • MTH152 Calculus II
  • 4
    MTH221 Linear Algebra

    Topics include finite dimensional vector spaces, geometry of R, linear functions, systems of linear equations, and theory of matrices and determinants.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • MTH151 Calculus I
  • 3
    MTH222 Multivariate and Vector Calculus

    An introduction to multivariate calculus using vector spaces, partial differentiation and multiple integration, calculus of vector functions, applications to extremum problems, and differential equations. Three hours of class per week.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • MTH152 Calculus II
  • 3
    MTH327 Advanced Analysis

    Foundations for abstract analysis, real and complex number systems, elements of point set topology and limits, continuity, and derivatives.

    Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses:
  • MTH222 Multivariate and Vector Calculus
  • MTH215W Introduction to Proof
  • 3
    OR
    MTH341 Abstract Algebra

    Introduction to elements of modern abstract algebra, including rings, groups, and fields.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • MTH221 Linear Algebra
  • 3
    MTH490 Integrative Capstone

    The integrative capstone, undertaken by the student during the senior year, is an extended project that helps the student complete their transition from an undergraduate student to a world-ready professional.  The study usually centers on the student’s major and may be conducted, at least in part, in the context of a group experience.  Such programs are crafted to meet the unique needs of each major, and could include, for example, fieldwork, theater production, creative work in the arts, independent research, or independent readings. The integrative capstone in an interdisciplinary major must have the approval of both academic programs.  

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • IND350 Scientific Research Methods
  • 3
    9 additional 200-level or above physics or mathematics credits approved in advance.

    +Major Requirements (BS)

    56 credits, including

    CMP120 Introduction to Programming

    An introduction to the theory and practice of computer programming with an emphasis on problem solving. No previous programming experience is required.

    3
    IND350 Scientific Research Methods

    This course serves as an introduction to research literature and research methodology in the sciences. Students prepare a research proposal including literature review, experimental design and methods, budget, timetable, and bibliography. Other topics include professional presentation techniques and research ethics. The student's major department must approve proposals prior to the Tutorial.

    2
    INTMTH303 Internship - Mathematics

    Internship - Mathematics

    3
    MTH110 Elementary Statistics

    Topics include statistical measures and distributions, decision making under uncertainty, application of probability to statistical inference, linear correlation, introduction to nonparametric statistical methods, and application to problems drawn from the natural and social sciences. Three hours of class per week. Three hours of class per week.

    3
    MTH151 Calculus I

    This is the first course in the calculus sequence. Topics include differential and integral calculus for algebraic and trigonometric functions with applications. Four hours of class per week.

    4
    MTH152 Calculus II

    This is the second course in the calculus sequence. Topics include differential and integral calculus for the transcendental functions, advanced methods of integration, and infinite sequences and series.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • MTH151 Calculus I
  • 4
    MTH215W Introduction to Proof

    This course introduces students to the process of reading, understanding and writing rigorous mathematical arguments. Additionally, students will become familiar with computer software used for analyzing math problems and typesetting mathematical documents. This course is a pre-requisite for many upper-level math courses and is intended to help students transition from problem-solving oriented classes such as Calculus into courses focused on understanding and writing proofs. Topics include: basic logic, introductory set theory, functions and relations, and quantifiers.

    Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses:
  • MTH151 Calculus I
  • MTH152 Calculus II
  • 4
    MTH221 Linear Algebra

    Topics include finite dimensional vector spaces, geometry of R, linear functions, systems of linear equations, and theory of matrices and determinants.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • MTH151 Calculus I
  • 3
    MTH222 Multivariate and Vector Calculus

    An introduction to multivariate calculus using vector spaces, partial differentiation and multiple integration, calculus of vector functions, applications to extremum problems, and differential equations. Three hours of class per week.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • MTH152 Calculus II
  • 3
    MTH241 Differential Equations

    Introduction to differential equations. Topics include first-order and linear equations, systems of equations, series solutions, and Laplace transform methods with computer-aided study of numerical solutions, and introduction to partial differential equations, and Fourier series. Three hours of class per week.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • MTH152 Calculus II
  • 3
    MTH327 Advanced Analysis

    Foundations for abstract analysis, real and complex number systems, elements of point set topology and limits, continuity, and derivatives.

    Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses:
  • MTH222 Multivariate and Vector Calculus
  • MTH215W Introduction to Proof
  • 3
    MTH341 Abstract Algebra

    Introduction to elements of modern abstract algebra, including rings, groups, and fields.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • MTH221 Linear Algebra
  • 3
    MTH490 Integrative Capstone

    The integrative capstone, undertaken by the student during the senior year, is an extended project that helps the student complete their transition from an undergraduate student to a world-ready professional.  The study usually centers on the student’s major and may be conducted, at least in part, in the context of a group experience.  Such programs are crafted to meet the unique needs of each major, and could include, for example, fieldwork, theater production, creative work in the arts, independent research, or independent readings. The integrative capstone in an interdisciplinary major must have the approval of both academic programs.  

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • IND350 Scientific Research Methods
  • 3
    PHY251 Principles of Physics I

    Introduction to the concepts, laws, and structure of physics. This is the first course in a calculus-based sequence that focuses on classical mechanics. Topics include vector analysis, kinematics, Newton's laws, work, conservation of energy and momentum, collisions, gravity, harmonic motion, and wave phenomena.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • MTH151 Calculus I
  • 4
    PHY252 Principles of Physics II

    Introduction to the concepts, laws, and structure of physics. The second course in a calculus-based physics sequence. Topics include thermodynamics, fluids, electricity, circuit analysis, magnetism, Maxwell’s equations, properties of light, and optics. Four hours of class per week.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • PHY251 Principles of Physics I
  • 4
    1 additional 200-level or above mathematics courses approved in advance

    +Minor Requirements

    6 courses, including:

    MTH151 Calculus I

    This is the first course in the calculus sequence. Topics include differential and integral calculus for algebraic and trigonometric functions with applications. Four hours of class per week.

    4
    MTH152 Calculus II

    This is the second course in the calculus sequence. Topics include differential and integral calculus for the transcendental functions, advanced methods of integration, and infinite sequences and series.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • MTH151 Calculus I
  • 4
    MTH221 Linear Algebra

    Topics include finite dimensional vector spaces, geometry of R, linear functions, systems of linear equations, and theory of matrices and determinants.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • MTH151 Calculus I
  • 3
    MTH222 Multivariate and Vector Calculus

    An introduction to multivariate calculus using vector spaces, partial differentiation and multiple integration, calculus of vector functions, applications to extremum problems, and differential equations. Three hours of class per week.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • MTH152 Calculus II
  • 3
    1 200-level or above course in mathematics approved in advance.
    1 200-level or above course in computing, mathematics, or physics that has not been counted already toward a major or minor.