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Mathematical Sciences
Faculty
*Year of initial appointment at Binghamton
Brewster, Benjamin C., Professor, PhD, 1970, University of Kentucky: Algebra,
group theory. (1970)*
Brin, Matthew G., Associate Professor, PhD, 1977, University of Wisconsin
at Madison: Geometric topology. (1978)
Farrell, F. Thomas, Distinguished Professor, PhD, 1967, Yale University:
Topology and differential Geometry. (1990)
Feingold, Alex J., Associate Professor, PhD, 1977, Yale University: Algebra,
Lie algebras, conformal field theory. (1979)
Ferry, Steven, Distinguished Professor, PhD, 1973, University of Michigan:
Algebraic and geometric topology. (1988)
Geoghegan, Ross, Professor, PhD, 1970, Cornell University: Topology, geometric
group theory. (1972)
Guzman, Fernando, Associate Professor, PhD, 1985, Syracuse University: Algebra,
algebraic logic, theoretical computer science. (1985)
Hanson, David L., Professor and Chair, PhD, 1960, Indiana University: Probability,
mathematical statistics. (1973)
Head, Thomas, Professor, PhD, 1962, University of Kansas: Theoretical computer
science, algebra, and automata. (1988)
Hilton, Peter J., Distinguished Professor Emeritus, DPhil, 1949, Oxford
University: Algebraic topology, algebra. (1982)
Houghton, Charles J., Associate Professor, PhD, 1964, Ohio State University:
computer science. (1964)
Kappe, Luise-Charlotte, Professor, Dr. rer nat, 1962, University of Freiburg,
Germany: Group theory, number theory. (1968)
Kappe, Wolfgang P., Professor, Dr. phil nat, 1961, University of Frankfurt,
Germany: Algebra, group theory. (1968)
Klimko, Eugene M., Associate Professor, PhD, 1967, Ohio State University:
Probability and statistics. (1973)
Kronk, Hudson V., Associate Professor, PhD, 1964, Michigan State University:
Graph theory. (1964)
Lercher, Bruce L., Associate Professor Emeritus, PhD, 1963, Pennsylvania
State University: Mathematical logic. (1962)
McAuley, Louis F., Professor, PhD, 1954, University of North Carolina: Topology.
(1969)
McAuley, Patricia T., Associate Professor, PhD, 1962, University of Wisconsin:
Algebraic topology. (1969)
Pedersen, Erik, Professor, PhD, 1974, University of Chicago: Algebraic and
geometric topology. (1989)
Pixton, Dennis G., Associate Professor, PhD, 1974, University of California
at Berkeley: Dynamical systems, formal languages. (1977)
Riley, Robert F., Professor, PhD, 1980, Southampton University (England):
Hyperbolic geometry, knot theory, number theory. (1982)
Schick, Anton, Associate Professor, PhD, 1983, Michigan State University:
Statistics, probability. (1984)
Sterling, Nicholas J., Associate Professor and Director of the MAT/MST Program,
PhD, 1966, Syracuse University: Mathematical education. (1966)
Wetzel, Nathan, Assistant Professor, PhD, 1993, University of Minnesota:
Statistics. (1993)
Yu, Qiqing, Assistant Professor, PhD, 1986, University of California at
Los Angeles: Statistics. (1995)
Zacks, Shelemyahu, Professor, PhD, 1962, Columbia University: Statistics.
(1980)
Zaslavsky, Thomas, Professor, PhD, 1974, Massachusetts Institute of Technology:
Combinatorics, graph theory. (1985)
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Undergraduate
Programs
Mathematics belongs both to the liberal arts and to the sciences. Not only
is it the language of science (including social science), but it is also
studied for its own beauty. It is therefore one of the most vital and lively
subjects in the university curriculum. In the technology-oriented climate
of today, the department's graduates have excellent employment opportunities.
The Mathematical Sciences Department has programs leading to BA and BS degrees,
and MA, MAT/MST, and PhD degrees. The challenging BS degree program is excellent
preparation for graduate work at any university. Students considering a
BS degree should seek advice as early as possible and plan their schedules
carefully to meet the demanding requirements.
Three actuarial science seminars (MATH 324, 325, and 425) are offered for
students interested in this profession.
The department serves other disciplines by providing instruction in various
mathematical skills. For example, the department offers MATH 220, Calculus
for Management Decisions, to students in the School of Management. Traditional
mathematical preparation for the hard sciences (biology, chemistry, physics)
is provided by MATH 221, 222, 304, 323, 371, 375, 471, 478, 479, and other
courses.
Statistics has long been a fundamental tool in a variety of fields. MATH
147 does not demand the prior knowledge of calculus required by the more
rigorous (but still basic) probability and statistics two-course sequence
MATH 447-448.
Grade Requirements and Prerequisites
The department views the grade of D as passing, but unsatisfactory, and
the grade of C- as indicating inadequate preparation for subsequent courses.
Therefore:
1. A course in which the grade of either D or C- was received is not acceptable
as a prerequisite.
2. A course cannot be used to fulfill the requirements for a major in mathematical
science unless a grade higher than a D has been received in it. In particular,
courses taken pass/fail may not be counted toward a major (unless the only
grade available is pass/fail; then permission of the department is required
to count the course).
3. The department requires a GPA of 2.0 or better in courses presented to
satisfy either BA or BS degree major requirements.
A student may not take for credit a course that is prerequisite to one for
which the student has already received credit unless departmental approval
is obtained in advance.
BA Degree Program
The BA program is highly flexible and allows each student to fashion a course
of study to meet his or her individual needs and interests.
A student must complete a minimum of 10 courses as follows:
1) Calculus-Linear Algebra: MATH 221, 222, 323, and 304.
2) Introduction to Higher Mathematics: MATH 330.
3) A pairing of two courses to be selected according to the student's interests
from the following: MATH 401-402, 401-404, 401-407, 351-451, 478-479, 375-478,
478-461, 461-462, 371-471, 357-358, 447-448, 381-386; CS 332-375, 332-350,
332-432, and 471-472.
4) Three additional MATH courses numbered above 330. CS 332 may be substituted
for one of these three additional courses if the sequence in 3 is not a
CS-sequence.
No more than three transfer and independent study courses may be used to
satisfy the requirements listed under 2, 3, and 4 above.
The 10-course requirement should be considered a strict minimum. Students
are encouraged to take some additional mathematics courses numbered above
MATH 330.
The flexibility of the BA program makes it especially important for the
student to get early and regular advice from the faculty advisor. See further
comments under the headings Departmental Advising, and Mathematics and Computer
Science.
BS Degree Program
This degree affords excellent preparation for graduate study in mathematics
or the teaching of mathematics. A student must complete the following courses:
MATH 221, 222, 304, 323, 330, 375, 401, 402 or 404, 461, 478, and 479.
Five additional departmental courses, numbered above 330 (including graduate
courses) or courses in the Division of Science and Mathematics above the
introductory level (e.g., above PHYS 132). If courses outside the department
are elected to fulfill this requirement, at least two must be chosen from
one department.
Transfer and independent-study credit cannot be used for more than five
courses numbered above MATH 330.
Exceptions to the requirements for the BS degree may, in rare cases, be
allowed. They must be approved by the department.
Departmental Advising
Students considering a major in mathematical sciences should seek advice
from the faculty as early as possible. Every declared major should be assigned
to a faculty advisor, and should meet regularly with the advisor to discuss
course selection and career goals.
Mathematicians and statisticians are in demand not only in mathematics teaching
and research, and in the traditional fields of physics, chemistry, computer
science, and engineering, but also and increasingly, in business, economics,
environmental sciences, geology, biology, and the health sciences, among
others. Students interested in applications of mathematics should consider
a minor in another discipline or even a double major, and consult the faculty
in the relevant departments.
A basic knowledge of computer programming will be useful for most mathematics
majors.
Actuarial Science
Actuaries analyze and solve complex business and social problems related
to insurance and pension plans. They are employed by federal and state agencies,
consulting firms, and universities, as well as insurance companies. Professional
advancement results from passing a series of examinations administered by
the actuarial societies. A strong background in mathematics is essential
to success.
Students interested in an actuarial career should include MATH 221, 222,
304, 323, 357, 358, 447, and 448 in their programs, as well as the actuarial
seminars (MATH 324, 325, and 425). They should have knowledge of computer
programming equivalent to CS 140, and also take courses in accounting, economics,
insurance, marketing, and other areas of business administration.
Mathematics and Computer Science
The Computer Science Department in the Watson School of Engineering and
Applied Science offers a minor program which can be combined with a BA in
mathematics to provide a strong background leading to careers in computer
science. The BA in mathematics is designed to facilitate this combination
by allowing two computer science courses to be included in the degree program.
Students interested in mathematics and computer science should also consult
with the Computer Science Department.
Mathematics Minor
A minor in mathematical sciences requires the student to complete, with
a grade higher than D, at least six departmental courses numbered above
MATH 300, of which at least three are numbered above MATH 330. Transfer
and independent study credit cannot be used for more than one of the latter
three courses. Students interested in pursuing a mathematics minor should
consult with the undergraduate director.
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Course Offerings/
Undergraduate
NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, all undergraduate courses carry 4 credits
and are offered every year.
MATH 101. BASIC MATHEMATICS/2 credits
Ratios and percents, geometric concepts and measurement; introduction to
algebra. Credit given only to students with deficiencies in the mathematics
admission requirement. Does not fulfill all-college distribution requirements.
Not open to students who have credit for any higher-numbered mathematics
course.
MATH 102. BASIC ALGEBRA/every semester, 2 credits
Polynomials and rational fractions. Solving equations and inequalities.
Functions and graphing. Roots and exponents. College credit given only to
students with deficiencies in the mathematics admissions requirement. May
not be used to satisfy major requirements or all-college distribution requirements.
Not open to students who have credit for any higher-numbered mathematics
course. Prerequisite: MATH 101 or equivalent.
MATH 103. BASIC ALGEBRA/every semester, 2 credits
Continuation of MATH 102. The same restrictions apply. Prerequisite: MATH
102 or equivalent.
MATH 104. INTRODUCTION TO FUNCTIONS/every semester, 2 credits
The concepts of functions and their graphs. Logarithm and exponential functions.
Right triangle trigonometry. This course is preparation for MATH 108. Credit
given only to students with deficiencies in the mathematics admissions requirement.
May not be used to satisfy major requirements or all-college distribution
requirements. Not open to students who have credit for any higher-numbered
mathematics course. Prerequisite: MATH 103 or equivalent.
MATH 108. ALGEBRA AND TRIGONOMETRY/every semester
Topics essential for study of calculus, including elements of trigonometry,
complex numbers, logarithms, and basic algebra. Skill development in algebraic
and trigonometric manipulations.
MATH 147. ELEMENTARY STATISTICS/every semester
Classification of data, frequency distributions, probability and the normal
curve, elementary sampling theory. Not open to students who have credit
for any other course in statistics. Prerequisite: MATH 108 or equivalent.
MATH 220. CALCULUS FOR MANAGEMENT DECISIONS/every semester
Elements of calculus; emphasis on maximum and minimum problems. Primarily
for School of Management students, who may satisfy their mathematics requirement
with either MATH 220 or 221. Not equivalent to MATH 221 as prerequisite
for MATH 222. Credit not given for both MATH 220 and 221. Prerequisite:
MATH 108 or equivalent.
MATH 221. CALCULUS I/every semester
Differentiation and integration of elementary functions. Credit not granted
for both MATH 221 and 220. Prerequisite: MATH 108 or equivalent.
MATH 222. CALCULUS II/every semester
Techniques and application of integration. Sequences and series. Prerequisite:
MATH 221.
MATH 304. LINEAR ALGEBRA/every semester
Vector spaces, linear transformations, determinants, characteristic values.
Prerequisite: MATH 221.
MATH 314. DISCRETE MATHEMATICS/every semester
Logic, sets, relations, functions. Induction, recursion, counting methods.
Graphs, trees. Some abstract algebra. Prerequisite: MATH 221.
MATH 323. CALCULUS III/every semester
Calculus of functions of several variables. Prerequisite: MATH 222.
MATH 324. SEMINAR IN ACTUARIAL SCIENCE I/2 credits
Advanced problem solving seminar for students interested in careers as actuaries.
Does not satisfy major requirements. Prerequisites or corequisites: MATH
304 and 323. P/F only.
MATH 325. SEMINAR IN ACTUARIAL SCIENCE II/2 credits
Advanced problem solving seminar In probability and statistics; extends
materials covered in MATH 448. Does not satisfy major requirements. Prerequisite
or corequisite: MATH 448. P/F only.
MATH 330. INTRODUCTION TO HIGHER MATHEMATICS/every semester
Exposure to basic mathematical methods and concepts, including introductory
set theory and mappings. Prerequisite: MATH 222.
MATH 335. MATHEMATICAL LOGIC
Development of predicate calculus. Introduction to metatheory of propositional
and predicate calculus: completeness, consistency, decidability. Axiomatics.
Prerequisite: MATH 314, 330, or consent of department.
MATH 339. PROBLEM SOLVING SEMINAR/1 credit
Techniques of problem solving. Focus on hard problems not usually addressed
in ordinary course work. Problems chosen from a variety of mathematical
topics and levels. Prerequisite: consent of department. P/F only.
MATH 341. PROBABILITY WITH STATISTICAL METHODS/3 credits
Development of probabilistic concepts in discrete and absolutely continuous
cases. Classical combinatorial methods, independence, random variables,
distributions, moments, transformations, conditioning, confidence intervals,
estimation. Open only to students in the Watson School. Does not serve as
a prerequisite for MATH 448. Prerequisite: MATH 222 or consent of department.
MATH 351. AUTOMATA AND FORMAL LANGUAGES
Words and languages. Regular languages: finite automata, regular expressions,
the finite state pumping lemma. Context-free languages: context-free grammars,
pushdown automata, the context-free pumping lemma. Deterministic context-free
languages and parsing. Prerequisite: MATH 314.
MATH 357. OPERATIONS RESEARCH
Theory and applications of operations research, including linear programming,
mathematical programming, and queueing theory. Prerequisites: MATH 222 and
304. No computer programming experience is required.
MATH 358. NUMERICAL ANALYSIS I
Floating-point arithmetic, error analysis, root finding, interpolation and
approximation by polynomials, numerical integration and differentiation,
numerical differential equation methods, solutions of linear systems by
Gaussian elimination with pivoting, direct factorization of matrices. Prerequisites:
MATH 222 and 304, and CS 140 or equivalent.
MATH 371. MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN SCIENCE I
Ordinary differential equations. Emphasis on applications to problems in
physics, chemistry, biology, economics, etc. Prerequisite: MATH 323.
MATH 375. COMPLEX VARIABLES
Analytic functions. Cauchy's integral theorem, power series. Prerequisite:
MATH 323.
MATH 381. GRAPH THEORY
Directed and undirected graphs, trees, connectivity, Eulerian and Hamiltonian
graphs, planar graphs, coloring of graphs, graph parameters, optimization,
and graph algorithms. Prerequisite: MATH 304, and either MATH 314 or 330,
or consent of department.
MATH 386. COMBINATORICS
Topics from among counting techniques, generating function and recurrence
relations, pigeonhole principle, Ramsey's Theorem, Latin squares, combinatorial
designs. Prerequisite: MATH 304 and either MATH 314 or 330, or consent of
department.
MATH 391. PRACTICUM IN COLLEGE TEACHING/1 credit
Independent study through teaching in particular mathematics course. Various
assignments closely directed by instructor in course, including development
of syllabi and other course materials; construction and reading of examinations;
lecturing and/or discussion leadership; laboratory supervision; academic
counseling of student. May be repeated for total of no more than eight credits.
Credits may not be earned in conjunction with course in which student is
currently enrolled. Does not satisfy major or all-colIege requirements.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor. P/F only.
MATH 401. MODERN ALGEBRA I
Groups, rings, integral domains, fields. Prerequisites: MATH 304 and 330,
or consent of department.
MATH 402. MODERN ALGEBRA II
Further study of topics in MATH 401. Vector spaces, modules, lattices, Galois
theory. Prerequisite: MATH 401.
MATH 404. ADVANCED LINEAR ALGEBRA
Modules, normal forms of linear transformations, quadratic forms. Prerequisite:
MATH 304 and 330, or consent of department.
MATH 407. INTRODUCTION TO THE THEORY OF NUMBERS
Classical number theory. Divisibility, prime numbers, quadratic reciprocity,
Diophantine equations. Prerequisite: MATH 330, or consent of department.
MATH 425. SEMINAR IN ACTUARIAL SCIENCE III/2 credits
Advanced problem solving seminar in numerical analysis and operations research.
Prerequisite: MATH 358. Recommended prerequisite: MATH 357. Pass/fail only.
MATH 447. INTRODUCTION TO PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS I
Development of probabilistic concepts, sampling distributions, estimation,
confidence intervals, tests of hypotheses. Prerequisite: MATH 323 or consent
of department.
MATH 448. INTRODUCTION TO PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS II
Methods of probability applied to estimation and testing on hypotheses,
both parametric and non-parametric; random variables, limit theorems, Markov
chains, stochastic processes. Prerequisite: MATH 447.
MATH 451. COMPUTABILITY
Turning machines. Church's thesis. Undecidability, Post's correspondence
problem. Complexity measures, polynomial time and space. P versus NP; NP-completeness.
Prerequisite: MATH 351 or consent of department.
MATH 459. NUMERICAL ANALYSIS II
Advanced matrix methods, Fast Fourier transforms, multivariable nonlinear
problems. Topics may include aspects of real-time programming, signal processing
or other subjects depending on the instructor. Introduction to the use of
an array processor for parallel computations. Prerequisites: MATH 323 and
358.
MATH 461. TOPOLOGY I
Study of topological spaces. Metric spaces, separation properties, connectivity,
compactness. Prerequisites: MATH 304, 323, and 330, or consent of department.
MATH 462. TOPOLOGY II
Topology of the plane, introductory algebraic topology, local connectivity,
applications of topology to analysis. Prerequisite: MATH 461.
MATH 465. FOUNDATIONS OF GEOMETRY
Postulational treatment of geometric systems, including projective, affine,
and non-Euclidean geometries. Prerequisites: MATH 304 and 330, or consent
of department.
MATH 471. MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN SCIENCE II
Vector calculus, Fourier series, partial differential equations, with emphasis
on applications. Prerequisite: MATH 371.
MATH 478. REAL ANALYSIS I
Geometry and topology of Rn, functions and limits, calculus of functions
on Rn and higher dimensional spaces. Prerequisites: MATH 304, 323, and 330,
or consent of department.
MATH 479. REAL ANALYSIS II
Sequences and series of functions, more advanced study of differentiation
and integration. Prerequisite: MATH 478.
MATH 480. SEMINAR IN ALGEBRA/variable credit
Current research. Prerequisites: MATH 401 and consent of department. May
be repeated for credit.
MATH 488. TOPICS IN HIGHER MATHEMATICS/as needed
Some topic in higher mathematics not normally part of regular curriculum.
Prerequisite: consent of department. May be repeated for credit.
MATH 497. INDEPENDENT WORK/variable credit
Individual study under direct supervision of faculty member. Prerequisite:
consent of department. May be repeated for credit with maximum of eight
credit hours of MATH 497 allowed toward major requirements.
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Graduate Programs
The department is committed to the idea that pure and applied mathematics
are two faces of the same subject. The research of the faculty and the training
of the students cover a wide variety of topics in pure mathematics, as well
as statistics and computer science. The department offers a lively research
atmosphere. Students are encouraged to take a broad range of courses. Teaching
assistants are given varied assignments intended to increase their experience
and employability. The distinguished research faculty offers considerable
personal attention to graduate students.
The department offers the MA, MAT, MST, and PhD degrees. Research areas
of faculty expertise include algebra, combinatorics, dynamical systems,
geometry, graph theory, probability, statistics, theoretical computer science,
and topology.
The MA program is intended to give the student a solid professional basis
either for proceeding to the PhD program, or for work in government, industry,
or teaching at the community college level. The PhD degree prepares a student
for university or college teaching, and for higher level employment in government
and industry. The MAT and MST degrees are preparation for careers in high
school teaching. Entering students having substantial graduate level training
may enter the PhD program, skipping the MA.
The department is noted for its method of graduate education. In first-year
courses, the emphasis is on training the student to do mathematics in depth.
Many students report that these courses are the formative experiences of
their professional lives.
Teaching assistantships are available. They provide not only financial support,
but also valuable experience either in teaching a variety of courses or
assisting faculty in special courses. The aim is to enhance students' training
with actual experience helpful in obtaining employment.
Department members assist students in obtaining suitable employment and
offer advice for career development.
Minors
Although there is no official requirement of a minor, the department supports
the concept of suitable study outside the area of primary emphasis, particularly
for doctoral students. Doctoral students in pure mathematics are encouraged
to obtain expertise in an area of applied mathematics sufficient for competency
in instruction in that area at the undergraduate level. Students in statistics
and other applied areas naturally obtain appropriate training in pure mathematics
in the regular course of study.
Note: A departmental graduate student handbook is available on request.
Requirements
Admission to Regular Standing
For admission to regular standing, a student should have a bachelor's degree
and have completed (with an average of at least 3.0) a set of mathematics
courses approximately equivalent to those required for a bachelor's degree
at Harpur College with a specialization in mathematics. The department encourages
submission of Graduate Record Examination scores for the aptitude and advanced
tests which are useful in evaluating applicants.
Master of Arts Program
The official requirement for a master's degree is a minimum of 30 credit
hours at the graduate level. This requirement can technically be satisfied
in three semesters. However, the 30-hour requirement is regarded as minimal,
and most students take four semesters to complete the master's degree. Each
student's program is worked out in consultation with an advisor, under the
general supervision of the graduate committee. While it is possible for
a student to fulfill up to eight hours of course requirements by writing
a master's essay, only in certain circumstances is this encouraged. Students
writing a master's essay must pass an oral examination covering the subject
matter of the essay.
MA students who do not write master's essays must pass an oral examination
in the last semester of their MA program. For this purpose, a committee
of three or more faculty members is appointed. Usually these are faculty
members who have taught the student. The examination syllabus is arranged
by the committee in consultation with the student; in general it covers
30 hours of the student's course work.
Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Science in Teaching
The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers jointly with the Division
of Education, the MAT (master of arts in teaching) and the MST (master of
science in teaching) degrees.
The MAT degree program is for those with no preservice teacher preparation
at the undergraduate level. The MST degree program is for those already
provisionally certified to teach in New York State. Requirements for these
degrees are listed elsewhere in this Bulletin. Mathematics courses specifically
designed for these programs are indicated by MAT/MST following the course
title.
Inquiries about these programs should be directed to the MAT/MST advisor,
Mathematical Sciences Department, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New
York 13902-6000.
Doctor of Philosophy
Program
A minimum of 14 semester courses at the graduate level is required. A total
of four or five years of full-time graduate study is normally required to
complete the doctorate.
Admission to PhD study begins with informal discussions between the student,
the advisor, and other members of the department on whether it is wise for
the student to consider pursuing a doctorate. Such discussions generally
take place early in the student's fourth semester of graduate study, near
the end of the master's program, when department members are able to assess
the student's abilities. The student then finds a prospective dissertation
adviser who is an active and established researcher and who is willing (at
least provisionally) to supervise the student's doctoral dissertation.
At an appropriate time, the advisor presents to the graduate committee a
format for the "admission to candidacy'' examination of the student.
This format, worked out in consultation with the student, might be one or
several examinations, written or oral, in several areas; an oral presentation
of research papers; or a combination of these. The advisor provides syllabi
for the areas to be covered on the examination. The graduate committee either
accepts the advisor's recommendation or suggests alternatives; it then appoints
an examining committee to carry out its instructions. The examining committee
reports the results of its examination and its recommendations to the graduate
committee. The graduate committee makes the final decision on the student's
admission to candidacy. A detailed explanation of this procedure is available
in the department.
It is department policy that the PhD candidate have working experience in
at least two foreign languages. The chair of the candidate's thesis guidance
committee is responsible for implementing this policy.
Dissertation
The student must, of course, do research and write a dissertation. It is
the student's responsibility to find an advisor willing to supervise the
research and guide the student in writing the thesis. The graduate committee
then appoints a guidance committee for the student. The dissertation must
be defended in an oral examination.
Components in Mathematics and Statistics
Within the one MA or PhD program there are two components or areas of emphasis.
The flavor of these components can be indicated as follows:
Mathematics Component
The department is committed to the idea that the student whose primary interest
is pure mathematics should also be acquainted with some applications. Thus,
even students pursuing the PhD degree in mathematics are encouraged to take
some courses in computer science and/or statistics. The department has special
emphasis in algebra, combinatorics, dynamical systems, functional analysis,
geometry, graph theory, probability, statistics, theoretical computer science,
and topology. The department has a tradition of developing intellectual
independence in its graduate students. Much time is given to the education
of graduate students, both individually and in small classes.
Statistics Component
The statistics component gives broad training. The master's degree prepares
students for jobs as statisticians and data analysts in government and industry.
The PhD degree prepares students for university teaching and research, as
well as consulting and research roles in industry and government. Students
are given training in many diverse statistical methods used to analyze data,
as well as the mathematical, statistical, and probabilistic foundation.
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Course Offerings/
Graduate
It should be noted that a substantial number of the department's advanced
graduate courses are offered under the "Topics'' number 590, and are
therefore not described. This allows for flexibility and the offering of
once-only courses on topics of current research interest. Recent topics
have included: geometric topology, differential geometry, dynamical systems,
geometric methods in group theory, Lie algebras, group theory, recent developments
in knot theory, theoretical computer science, homological algebra, algebraic
K-theory, stochastic differential equations, recursive estimation and control
theory, sequential analysis, reliability theory, finite state structures,
and varieties of formal languages.
MATH 501. PROBABILITY
Basic probability notions, classical combinatorial methods, conditional
probabilities. Random variables and properties of distributions. Moments,
moment generating functions, covariances, correlations. Transformations,
order statistics. Convergence in probability and large sample properties.
Prerequisite: MATH 323 or equivalent.
MATH 502. STATISTICAL INFERENCE
Likelihood functions and sufficient statistics. Theory of estimation; completeness
and UMVU estimators. Blackwell-Rao theorem; information inequality. MLEs
and their asymptotic properties. Confidence intervals. Testing hypotheses
and Neyman-Pearson theory. Introduction to linear models and nonparametric
methods. Prerequisite: MATH 501 or equivalent.
MATH 503-504. ALGEBRA
Higher algebra, especially groups, rings, fields, and modules. Prerequisites:
MATH 401 and 402, or consent of department.
MATH 505-506. ANALYSIS
Real analysis including theory of Lebesque measure, integration, and elementary
theory of Banach and Hilbert spaces. Complex analysis. Prerequisites: MATH
478 and 479, or consent of department.
MATH 507. LINEAR ALGEBRA AND MATRIX THEORY
Linear algebra over the complex numbers and finite fields, eigenvectors
and eigenvalues, quadratic forms, normal forms of matrices, selected topics
in matrix theory. Prerequisite: consent of department.
MATH 508. COMPLEX ANALYSIS
A rigorous introduction to complex analysis. Rational functions; conformal
maps; Cauchy's Integral Theorem with applications; representations of analytic
functions as series, products, integrals; topics selected by instructor.
Prerequisite: MATH 479 or consent of department.
MATH 509. GRADUATE COMPUTER SCIENCE FOR MATHEMATICIANS
Graduate level introduction to computer science from mathematician's point
of view, models of computation, automata theory, programming languages,
program semantics, proof theory for programs. Prerequisite: undergraduate
degree in mathematical sciences.
MATH 513-514. GENERAL TOPOLOGY
Topological spaces, metric spaces, separation axioms, compactness, connectedness,
quotient spaces. Topics from geometric topology, including fundamental group,
complexes and homotopy.
MATH 517-518. ALGEBRAIC TOPOLOGY
Concept of homotopy, fundamental group, covering spaces, categories and
functors, simplicial complexes, simplicial homology and cohomology, singular
homology and cohomology, cup product structure, CW-complexes, higher homotopy
groups. Prerequisite: MATH 461, 513-514, or equivalent.
MATH 519. THEORY OF FIBER SPACES
Various types of fibrations (Serre, Hurewicz, Dold fibrations, fiber bundles,
covering spaces), applications of homotopy theory, topics from classical
theory of bundles, classification theorems, spectral sequences. Prerequisites:
MATH 513, 514, consent of department.
MATH 520. HOMOLOGICAL ALGEBRA
Modules, chain complexes, tensor products, derived functors, homology of
groups, other topics selected by the instructor. Prerequisite: MATH 504
or consent of department.
MATH 521-522. DIFFERENTIAL TOPOLOGY
Differentiable manifolds, imbeddings and immersions, Whitney's imbedding
theorem, tangent and cotangent bundles, Morse theory. Prerequisite: MATH
513-514.
MATH 523-524. GROUP THEORY
Properties of groups, extensions, transfer, generators, defining relations.
Prerequisite: MATH 503-504 or equivalent.
MATH 525-526. RINGS AND ALGEBRAS
Advanced study of rings and algebras; special topics selected from current
literature. Prerequisite: MATH 503-504 or equivalent.
MATH 527. REPRESENTATION THEORY
Representations of groups and rings by linear transformations, characters,
applications in structure theory of groups and rings. Prerequisite: consent
of department.
MATH 532. ADVANCED NUMERICAL ANALYSIS
Solution to non-linear equations, differential equations, eigenvalue problems,
finite element method, discretization error, iterative methods, computer
implementation. Prerequisites: undergraduate differential equations, linear
algebra, advanced calculus, some programming experience.
MATH 537. ANALYSIS OF ALGORITHMS
Time and space analysis of algorithms for applications such as sorting,
searching, graphics manipulation, pattern matching, and algebraic calculation.
Statistical analysis. Empirical analysis of complex algorithms arising in
computer systems. Prerequisite: MATH 509.
MATH 538. COMPILERS AND FORMAL LANGUAGES
Formal description of syntax and semantics of computer languages. Transition
from formal description to implementation as compiler or interpreter. Various
languages compared as to their data structures, procedures, and input-output.
Prerequisite: MATH 509.
MATH 545. TOPOLOGICAL GROUPS
Locally compact topological groups, open homomorphism and closed graph theorems,
measure and integration on locally compact topological groups. Prerequisite:
MATH 505-506, 513-514, or consent of department.
MATH 547-548. DECOMPOSITION SPACES
Upper and lower semi-continuous decompositions, properties inherited by
decomposition spaces, applications (in particular to manifolds). Prerequisites:
MATH 513-514 and consent of department.
MATH 549. KNOT THEORY
Knots and knot types, presentation of a knot group, combinatorial covering
spaces, absolute calculus, cubes with holes. Prerequisites: MATH 513-514
and consent of department.
MATH 551-552. POLYHEDRAL TOPOLOGY
Regular neighborhood theory, general position, unknotting balls and spheres,
engulfing techniques, handlebody theory and s-cobordism. Prerequisites:
MATH 513-514 and consent of department.
MATH 553. NONPARAMETRIC INFERENCE
Order statistics and quantiles, nonparametric confidence intervals, nonparametric
measures of association, tests based on ranks, tests of independence, symmetry,
location differences, chi-square and Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness of fit
tests, nonparametric regression, robustness, asymptotic relative efficiency
of tests, concepts of nonparametric density estimation. Prerequisite: MATH
448 or 502.
MATH 554. SAMPLING FROM FINITE POPULATIONS
The classical model and sampling strategies. Sampling distributions of estimators
of population quantities. Simple random sampling, stratified sampling, two-stage
and multi-stage cluster sampling, optimal allocation of resources, and other
design aspects. Sampling inspection techniques for quality control. Other
topics as time permits. Prerequisite: MATH 447 or 501.
MATH 555. LINEAR MODELS
Inference in linear models based on the least squares approach: Point estimation,
confidence regions, hypothesis testing, model building and verification,
residual analysis, selection of best regression, influential observations.
Prerequisites: MATH 448 or 502, and MATH 404 or 507.
MATH 556. DESIGN OF EXPERIMENTS
The role and principles of DE in scientific research. Reference distributions,
ANOVA, multiple comparisons. Randomized complete block designs, latin squares,
Pn factorial design and the calculus of factorial experiments. Balanced
incomplete block designs, the recovery of intrablock information. Exploration
of response surfaces. Prerequisite: MATH 555.
MATH 558. MULTIVARIATE STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Multivariate normal distributions, Wishart distributions, inferences on
means and covariances, Hotelling's T2, multivariate linear models, regression,
ANOVA, tests of independence, discriminant analysis, principal components,
canonical correlations and variables, factor analysis. Prerequisite: MATH
555.
MATH 559. TIME-SERIES ANALYSIS
Trend analysis and smoothing. Estimation, testing, modeling, and forecasting
for ARMA and ARIMA models. Prerequisite: MATH 555.
MATH 561. ALGEBRA SEMINAR/1-4 credits
Prerequisite: consent of department.
MATH 564. PROBABILITY SEMINAR/1-4 credits
Prerequisite: consent of department.
MATH 565. TOPOLOGY SEMINAR I/1-4 credits
Prerequisite: consent of department.
MATH 567. TOPOLOGY SEMINAR II/1-4 credits
Prerequisite: consent of department.
MATH 570. APPLIED MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS
Multivariate normal distributions, Wishart distributions, Hotelling's T,
tests of independence, large sample distribution theory, multivariate linear
models, discriminant analysis, factor analysis, principal components, and
other selected topics. Prerequisite: MATH 558.
MATH 571. ADVANCED PROBABILITY THEORY/5 credits
Measure theoretic probability. Axiomatic foundations, random variables,
conditional probability and expectation, characteristic functions, infinite
divisibility and stable laws, types of convergence, law of large numbers,
central limit theorem, other topics as time permits. Prerequisite: MATH
447 or 501, and MATH 506 or consent of instructor.
MATH 572. STOCHASTIC PROCESSES/5 credits
A continuation of the subject matter presented in MATH 571. Martingales
and Markov processes (if not covered in MATH 571), orthogonality, stationary
processes, other topics as time permits. Prerequisite: MATH 571.
MATH 573. APPLIED PROBABILITY AND STOCHASTIC PROCESSES
Introduction to Markov chains, Markov processes with emphasis on applications.
Classification of states, stationarity. Continuity, integration, and differentiation
of second order processes. Stochastic differential equations. Prerequisite:
MATH 501
MATH 574. NUMBER THEORY (MAT/MST)
Elementary number theory, divisibility, fundamental theorem of arithmetic,
prime numbers, quadratic reciprocity, Diophantine equations. Prerequisite:
consent of instructor.
MATH 575. SPECIAL TOPICS FOR TEACHERS (MAT/MST)/1-4 credits
Special topics of interest to teachers. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
MATH 576. COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (MAT/MST)
Computer usage in education from historical point of view, evaluation of
various levels of computer usage in learning situation (low key approach,
interactive CAI approach, artificial intelligence approach). Prerequisite:
consent of instructor.
MATH 577. RECREATIONAL MATHEMATICS (MAT/MST)
Sources of recreational mathematics, magic squares, dissection problems,
map coloring problems, traversing of mazes, chessboard recreations, instant
insanity, arithmetical and geometrical fallacies. Prerequisite: consent
of instructor.
MATH 578. COMBINATORICS (MAT/MST)
Combinations and permutations, enumeration techniques, recursion, sum and
difference sequences, partitions, applications to precollege mathematics.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
MATH 579. ADVANCED STATISTICAL INFERENCE
Weak convergence of probability measures on Euclidean spaces. Interval estimation,
point estimation, and hypothesis testing. General decision theory including
the minimax theorem, the complete class theorem, the abstract Rao-Blackwell
theorem, the theorem of Hunt and Stein, and Bayes methods. Asymptotic decision
theory. Prerequisite: MATH 571 and 502.
MATH 580. TOPICS IN COMBINATORIAL ANALYSIS
Variable subject matter chosen from field of combinatorial analysis. Prerequisite:
MATH 401. May be repeated for credit with consent of department.
MATH 581. TOPICS IN GRAPH THEORY
Theoretical and applied graph theory. Applications including personnel assignment
problem, construction of reliable communications networks, chromatic polynomials.
Prerequisite: MATH 401 or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit
with consent of department.
MATH 582. ALGEBRA (MAT/MST)
Classical theory of equations, algebraic systems (including groups, rings,
fields, modules) and their properties. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
MATH 583. METRIC AND AFFINE GEOMETRY (MAT/MST)
Affine and metric geometry from transformational point of view. Finite and
infinite geometries, Euclidean geometry, applications to precollege mathematics.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
MATH 584. EUCLIDEAN AND NON-EUCLIDEAN GEOMETRY (MAT/MST)
Algebraic (analytic) approach to classical geometries (Euclidean, hyperbolic,
projective). Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
MATH 588. PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS (MAT/MST)
Finite probability and probability related statistical problems. Mixture
of formal development and problem solving with applications to precollege
mathematics. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
MATH 589. HISTORY AND CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CALCULUS (MAT/MST)
Historical and conceptual development of mathematical ideas underlying modern
calculus, including problems of infinity and of continuity as treated in
ancient and modern times. Applications to precollege mathematics wherever
appropriate.
MATH 590. TOPICS IN MODERN MATHEMATICS/1-4 credits
Study (at graduate level) of some topic in mathematics not a part of regular
graduate curriculum. Content changes from term to term. With consent of
department, students may repeat course for credit. Prerequisite: consent
of department.
MATH 591. THE TEACHING OF COLLEGE MATHEMATICS/1-4 credits
Required for teaching assistants, suggested for graduate assistants interested
in college teaching. Does not count toward required number of courses for
MA or PhD.
MATH 597. INDEPENDENT WORK/1-4 credits
Reading and research on special topic, under direction of advisor. May be
repeated for credit with consent of department. Commonly taught topics under
Independent Work include but are not limited to the following:
MATH 597A. Studies in Modern Algebra I,
MATH 597B. Studies in Modern Algebra II,
MATH 597C. Studies in Real Analysis I,
MATH 597D. Studies in Real Analysis II
MATH 599. THESIS/1-4 credits
MATH 601. TOPICS IN TOPOLOGY
Variable subject matter chosen from field of topology. May be repeated for
credit with consent of department.
MATH 603. TOPICS IN ALGEBRA/1-4 credits
Variable subject matter chosen from field of algebra. May be repeated for
credit with consent of department.
MATH 604. ADVANCED TOPICS IN THE THEORY OF GROUPS
Topics selected from current research. May be repeated for credit with consent
of department.
MATH 605. SEMINAR IN STATISTICS/1-4 credits
Variable subject matter chosen from field of statistics. Topics selected
from current research. May be repeated for credit with consent of department.
MATH 698. PREDISSERTATION RESEARCH/1-9 credits/semester
Independent reading and/or research in preparation for comprehensive examinations
for admission to PhD candidacy, and/or preparation of dissertation prospectus.
Graded on S/U basis only.
MATH 699. DISSERTATION/1-12 credits/semester
Research for and preparation of the dissertation.
MATH 700. CONTINUOUS REGISTRATION/1 credit/semester
Required for maintenance of matriculated status in graduate program. No
credit toward graduate degree requirements.
MATH 707. RESEARCH SKILLS/1-4 credits
Development of research skills required within graduate programs. May not
be applied toward course credits for any graduate degree. Prerequisite:
approval of relevant graduate program directors or department chairs.
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