Courses
MATH-104C P4 Math Perspectives (3)
This course is designed to bring the beauty, fun, and utility of mathematics to a broad variety of students. By use of games, puzzles, paradoxes, art, and other explorations, students gain insight into the way mathematicians think and learn ways of thinking that significantly improve their ability to solve problems. Possible topics include number theory and secret codes, notions of the infinite, geometry and topology, chaos and fractals, and probability and expectation.
Attributes: P4 YLIBMATH-107 Math in Pop Culture (3)
This course will explore mathematics as it is presented in various popular culture phenomena, such as TV, movies, puzzles, games, and literature. Potential mathematical ideas to be explored include game theory, probability, statistics, mathematical modeling, and the history of mathematical ideas.
Formerly titled: Mathematics in Games
Attributes: YLIBMATH-109C College Algebra (3)
Topics in this course include relations and their graphs, functions and some of their important properties, trigonometry, exponential and logarithmic models, and methods for solving systems of equations and inequalities.
Attributes: YLIBMATH-111C SQ Finite Math Soc Sci (3)
Topics include: functions, linear and non-linear models, matrix algebra and applications, linear programming applications.
Typically offered:
Attributes: SQ YLIB
Fall & SpringMATH-112C P4 Calculus for Soc Sci (3)
This course is devoted to the study of calculus concepts and techniques. Emphasis is placed on differential and integral calculus. Applications to business, industry, and the social sciences are heavily stressed in the course. This course is not equivalent to MATH 120C and may not be taken concurrently with MATH 120C or if the equivalent of MATH 120C has been successfully completed.
Typically offered:
Attributes: P4 YLIB
Fall & SpringMATH-114C P4 Math for Teachers (3)
Course design is guided by the CAEP, NCTM, and New York State Standards, and therefore mathematics content will be developed through problem-solving, communication (both written and oral), reasoning, and with the objective of creating mathematical connections. Students gain an understanding of the mathematical concepts by studying patterns and making generalizations. Topics in the two-course sequence include: numeration systems (including non-decimal bases), the four basic arithmetic operations and the development of their associated algorithms, the extension of the integers and rational numbers to the real number system, mathematical modeling, number theory, proportional reasoning, measurement, geometry, probability, and statistics.
MATH 114C and MATH 115C are a two-course mathematics content sequence designed for the prospective educator.
Typically offered:
Attributes: P4 YLIB
Fall
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Inclusive Adolescence Educ, Inclusive Childhood EducationMATH-115C P4 Math Explorations II (3)
This course is a continuation of the topics included in MATH 114C.
Attributes: P4 YLIB
Pre-requisites: MATH-114C C OR MSTI-114C CMATH-119C P4 Precalculus (3)
Topics include trigonometric functions, analytic geometry, and properties of functions, with emphasis on exponential and logarithmic functions. Graphical interpretations are emphasized throughout the course. Most topics are supported by the use of graphing calculators.
Attributes: P4 YLIB
This 3-credit course was formerly offered for 4 credits.
Pre-requisites: -MATH-120C P4 Calculus I (4)
This is a first course in calculus primarily aimed at mathematics and science students. Limits of functions are explored algebraically and graphically. Tangent lines, derivatives, and their applications are introduced. Students work with mathematical properties and consequences of the derivative such as concavity and finding extreme values as well as applications, such as applied optimization and related rates. The course also includes an introduction to definite and indefinite integrals. the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and some basic applications of the definite integral.
Prerequisite will be met by a grade of B (83%) in a high school pre-calculus course.
Typically offered:
Attributes: P4 YLIB
Fall & Spring
Pre-requisites: GPA >=PCALB OR MATH-119C CMATH-122C P4 Calculus II (4)
This is a second course in calculus, building on the material of MATH 120C.
The subject matter includes techniques of integration, applications of the
integral, infinite series, power series, Taylor series, and improper integrals.Typically offered:
Attributes: P4 YLIB
Fall & Spring
Pre-requisites: MATH-120C CMATH-130C SQ Math Modeling&Quan An (3)
This course provides students with the background necessary to study both the quantitative aspects of business (decision-making, etc.) and the foundations of differential calculus for functions of several variables. This is accomplished through various projects, which provide a contextual framework to study the mathematical content of the course. The course topics include functions, curve fitting, and statistics. These topics are tied together through the central ideas of mathematical modeling and communication. Throughout the course, technology (such as Microsoft Excel) is integrated and used as a tool for the solving of problems.
MATH 130C replaces and is the equivalent of MSTI 130C.
Attributes: HHSM SQ YLIBMATH-150C Elem Discrete Math (3)
This course introduces students to the mathematics that is needed for computer science. In particular, this includes sets, ordered tuples, logic, rates of growth, finite state machines, functions, composition of functions, relations, matrices as representations of digraphs, Karnaugh maps, and binary representation of data in the computers.
Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Spring
Pre-requisites: -MATH-170 P4 Mathematical Modeling (3)
This course is designed to introduce students to various applications of mathematics utilizing relatively simple mathematics and basic technology. The course reinforces the cycle of steps in modeling real-world phenomena through the study of topics such as: difference equations, sequences of numbers, recursive relationships, and the Game of Life.
Attributes: P4 YLIBMATH-190 Intro Topics in Math (3)
An introductory math course on a topic of interest that is not typically part of a regularly scheduled class. The topic will vary depending on student and instructor interests. Students may take this course again for credit, but not with the same topic.
Attributes: YLIB
Restrictions: Excluding: -Class: SeniorMATH-199C RW Research-based Writing (3)
Students learn the basics of writing an academic research paper in this discipline. Emphasis is on elements of persuasive argumentation, the inclusion of more than one perspective on an issue, the proper use and documentation of sources, and revision. Students also learn how to make an effective oral presentation of their research. Department-determined topic may change from semester to semester and is likely to include literary texts as primary materials.
Restricted to freshmen and transfers.
Note: 199C courses may not be taken for credit more than once.
Research-based Writing (199) Courses & Topic Descriptions [pdf]
Attributes: RW YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Freshman, SophomoreMATH-200C Discrete Structures (3)
This course has a two-fold purpose: the first is to introduce the student to modern mathematics and its methods of argument and proof; the second is to make practical applications of these ideas in the fields of applied mathematics and computer science. The subject matter includes a selection from: sets, functions, relations, combinations, graphs, trees, strings, number systems, abstract structures, Boolean algebra, and the design of logical circuits. Students begin their exploration and study of proofs in mathematics.
Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Fall
Pre-requisites: MATH-120C C OR MATH-150C CMATH-201 Math Seminar (1)
Students will focus on mathematical problem solving and computational mathematics. This will take the form of problem-solving sessions and competitions as well as learning the fundamentals of computing as it pertains to mathematical problem solving and representation. Throughout, students will further their understanding of software packages such as Maple and Matlab or open-source alternatives.
Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Fall
Pre-requisites: MATH-122C CMATH-221C Calculus III (4)
This is a course in multivariable calculus. The topics include three-dimensional coordinate geometry, vector arithmetic, visualization of multivariable functions, partial derivatives and gradients, optimization, double and triple integrals in Cartesian and other common coordinate systems, line integrals, surface integrals, and the main integral theorems of vector calculus. The course also covers applications of these concepts.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: MATH-122C CMATH-222 SQ Intro Dynamical Systems (3)
This is a first course in the study of modeling dynamical systems using differential and difference equations. Topics include explicit solutions, methods, qualitative analysis, numerical methods, and applications of using continuous and discrete equations as models in chemistry, physics, biology and other areas.
Formerly titled: SQ Differential Equations
Typically offered:
Attributes: SQ YLIB
Spring
Pre-requisites: MATH-122C CMATH-232 Linear Algebra (3)
This is an introductory course in linear algebra. The key topics in the course are systems of linear equations, vector spaces and inner product spaces, linear transformations and matrices, determinants, eigenvectors, eigenvalues, and applications of linear algebra.
Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Spring
Pre-requisites: MATH-122C CMATH-290 Peer Tutoring in Math (1)
This course educates students in the theory and practice of tutoring in mathematics. Students tutoring in the Math Center must be taking or have taken this course.
Graded S/U.
Permission of the Professor is required to register.
Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Fall & SpringMATH-300 Junior Seminar (1)
Students will focus on learning to read mathematical journal articles written at an appropriate level. Students will also explore mathematics as a profession, including careers in industry, academia, and government, as well as graduate school opportunities in the mathematical sciences and summer research experiences that are available to undergraduates.
Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Fall
Pre-requisites: (MATH-200 D- OR MATH-232 D-) AND MATH-201 Y D-MATH-301 Mathematical Stats I (3)
The content includes probability models, finite sample spaces, conditional probability and independence, random variables, functions and sums of random variables, characterizations of random variables, and moment-generating functions.
Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Fall
Pre-requisites: MATH-122C CMATH-302 Mathematical Statistics II (3)
As a continuation of MATH 301, this course will use the probabilistic framework developed there to develop statistical analyses. Estimation (including the method of maximum likelihood), confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, regression, and correlation are covered. Analysis of Variance and tests of categorical relationships are included, as well as an introduction to time series analysis and an introduction to Bayesian statistics.
Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Spring – Odd Years
Pre-requisites: MATH-301 CMATH-310 Number Theory (3)
The following topics are covered: Euclid’s algorithm, prime numbers, perfect numbers, Diophantine equations, congruences, and other specialized applications. In addition, some of the historical background of the subject is discussed.
Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Variable
Pre-requisites: MATH-200C C AND MATH-232 CMATH-325 Abstract Algebra (3)
This proof-intensive, theoretic course examines the properties of generalized algebraic structures, focusing primarily on topics selected from groups, permutations, cyclic groups, normal subgroups, rings, and homomorphisms. Illustrative examples include the real number systems and several of its subsystems, permutation groups, functions under composition, modular arithmetic, the complex numbers, and matrices.
Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Fall – Odd Years
Pre-requisites: MATH-200C C AND MATH-232 CMATH-333 Applied Mathematics I (3)
The first of a two-semester sequence in applied mathematics for the physical sciences and engineering. The course content is derived from the following list of topics: vector calculus; tensor analysis; functions of a complex variable; solutions of partial differential equations; eigenvalue problems; Fourier series; Laplace and Fourier transforms; calculus of variations; and properties of some special functions.
Cross-listed with PHYS 333.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: MATH-221C C AND MATH-222 CMATH-334 Applied Math II (3)
A continuation of MATH 333.
Attributes: YLIB
Cross-listed with PHYS 334.
Pre-requisites: MATH-333 C OR PHYS-333 CMATH-391C Numerical Analysis I (3)
A study of numerical methods for solving problems, such as approximating the zeroes of non-linear equations, approximation of functions by polynomials, numerical solution of systems of equations, numerical integration, and numerical solution to differential equations. Use of the computer for application to the above problems through student-written and/or commercially available programs is examined.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: (CSCI-161 C OR DIGC-158 C OR STAT-275 C) AND (MATH-222 C OR MATH-232 C)MATH-400 Special Topics (1 TO 3)
This course presents a special topic in mathematics that would not be offered regularly. Possible topics include: linear spaces, complex variables, general topology, and differential geometry. This course may be repeated for different topics.
Topic for Fall 2023:Graph Theory for Mathematicians, Computer Scientists, and Statisticians
Mathematically, graphs and networks represent objects (called nodes or vertices) and their connections (called links or edges). Graphs are used to represent a variety of relationships in computer science (such as trees and the flow of an algorithm). Statisticians often deal with graph and network structures in their data. In this class, we will explore the mathematical properties and types of graphs, their applications in the real world (especially computer science and statistics), and how to use graphs for analyzing problems. We will review some fundamental ideas in math, CS, and statistics, and apply these ideas to graphs. Anyone who has completed either MATH 200, or CSCI 290, or STAT 210/220 should be able to succeed in this course.Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Fall – Odd Years
Pre-requisites: MATH-200C C
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Mathematics, Mathematics -Class: Junior, SeniorMATH-401 Senior Seminar (1)
Students will focus on communicating mathematics in written and oral forms and on methods of mathematical research. This will culminate in students selecting a topic, generating initial conjectures and ideas, and completing a written literature review and proposal for their capstone project.
Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Fall
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Mathematics, Mathematics -Class: SeniorMATH-410 Probability Models (3)
This course seeks to apply the mathematical concepts learned in MATH 301 to various applied settings. Probability models are discussed as they relate to the physical sciences, psychology, engineering, and computers. Topics are chosen from discrete and continuous Markov chains, queueing theory, branching processes, Brownian motion, Monte Carlo methods, and applications of conditional probability. An emphasis is placed on using computers to perform simulations.
Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Spring – Even Years
Pre-requisites: MATH-301 CMATH-417 Foundations of Geometry (3)
This course is a study of projective and Euclidean geometries with a special emphasis on axiom systems and the relationships between Euclidean geometry, projective geometry, and the non-Euclidean geometries.
Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Spring – Odd Years
Pre-requisites: MATH-200C C AND MATH-232 CMATH-421 Principles Real Analysis I (3)
Topics covered in the course include those chosen from the following: sets, functions and sequences of real numbers, limits and continuity, elementary topology of the real line, Riemann integration, differentiation and the mean value theorem, infinite series and sequences of functions and uniform convergence. An emphasis is placed on construction of mathematical proof.
Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Fall – Even Years
Pre-requisites: MATH-200C CMATH-422 Prin Real Analysis II (3)
This course is a continuation of the topics included in MATH 421.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: MATH-421 CMATH-460 Actuarial Math Seminar (1)
This course will introduce some concepts in probability, such as joint moment generating functions and order statistics, as well as review many concepts from MATH 301 with a focus on increasing computational accuracy, speed, and understanding. Through problem solving and repeated practice, students will apply the aspects of probability from MATH 301 in a risk management context. This course is recommended for those studying for the Exam P by the Society of Actuaries.
Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Spring
Pre-requisites: MATH-301 CMATH-461 Mathematical Finance (3)
The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of the concepts of financial mathematics and how those concepts are applied in calculating present and accumulated values for various streams of cash flows as a basis for future use in reserving, valuation, pricing, asset/liability management, and other uses. The students are given an introduction to financial instruments, including derivatives, and the concept of no arbitrage as it relates to financial mathematics. Topics are chosen from: interest theory (such as the time value of money, annuities and cash flows, loans, bonds, and immunization), financial economics (such as derivatives, options, futures, swaps, and hedging), and mathematical models (such as finite probability spaces, Martingales and Markov processes, risk-neutral and arbitrage-free pricing theory in a complete market, binomial and trinomial tree models, and Black-Scholes analysis of European options). This class covers topics of the SOA Exam FM.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: MATH-301 Y C OR MATH-200C CMATH-470 Adv Math Perspectives (3)
This course is designed to help students to connect their undergraduate mathematics experience to the high school mathematics curriculum. Concepts from number theory are integrated into the course. This class involves evaluating and critiquing mathematical arguments from across the mathematics curriculum, giving students an opportunity to analyze various logic flaws and misconceptions, and reinforcing the structure of proofs and reasoning.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: MATH-325 C OR MATH-421 CMATH-480 Mathematics Capstone (3)
Students write and present a senior thesis involving a substantive project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the major on a topic from an area of mathematics. The topic chosen is approved by the course thesis advisors and the chair of the department. The student works with the thesis advisors to develop a coherent presentation of his/her chosen topic. The written thesis and its oral presentation must be at a level accessible to an audience of majors who may not have studied the topic presented.
Permission of the Department Chair is required to register.Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Fall & Spring
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Mathematics -Class: SeniorMATH-490 Internship (1 TO 3)
The student spends 10 to 15 hours per week as an intern with an organization in the Rochester area. The student performs tasks with the goal of participating meaningfully in real-world mathematical applications or research. The student keeps a journal and participates in additional activities to reflect on their experiences and share them with prospective students, faculty and supervising organizations. To participate in an internship, a student must be a junior or senior MATH major with a GPA of 3.00 or higher in the major and be enrolled in at least one other upper-level mathematics course. There is no guarantee that there are a sufficient number of internships to accommodate qualified students wishing to enroll in the course.
Permission of the Department Chair is required to register.
Typically offered:
Attributes: YLIB
Spring
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Mathematics -Class: Junior, SeniorMATH-496 Independent Study (1 TO 3)
Well-qualified seniors may initiate and carry out a proposal for independent, advanced work under the supervision of a member of the department. Completion of the Independent Study/Tutorial Authorization form is required. See the College Policy on Independent Study.
Attributes: YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Class: SeniorMATH-1024 How to Shape an Election (3)
In this course, we’ll explore how our democracy operates by examining how we can quantify various aspects of it. At the heart of the democratic experience is voting. On the surface, voting seems simple mathematically: the one with the most votes wins. But there are many ways to conduct elections when there are more than two initial candidates, including primary systems, ranked choice voting, proportional representation, and many more. Are there ways that are “better” than the others? What are the benefits and drawbacks of each system? And what are we voting for? Many of our elected officials have districts whose boundaries are redrawn from time to time as populations change and evolve. We’ve all seen examples of “gerrymandering” – drawing these districts in an awkward way so as to benefit one group over another. But how do we know if a district has been gerrymandered? What evidence do we have? We’ll look at measures of how compact a district is, such as the Polsby-Popper test, as well as how biased a set of districts is toward a particular group using measures such as the
Attributes: LC YLIB
Efficiency Gap.
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Freshman -Attribute: New Core 20-21MATH-1130 Intro Business Analytics (3)
This course provides student with the background necessary to study both the quantitative aspects of business and the foundations of general linear regression. This is accomplished through various case studies, which provide a contextual framework to study the mathematical content of the course. The course topics include the collection, description, analysis, and modeling of data, as well as the ethical issues surrounding these topics. Everything is tied together through the central idea of empirical mathematical modeling starting from realistic data drawn from business contexts. Throughout the course, technology is integrated and used as a tool for the solving of problems.
Typically offered:
Attributes: DA YLIB
Fall & Spring
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Freshman, Sophomore -Attribute: New Core 20-21MATH-1170 Predicting the Future (3)
How are informed decisions made about the future based on what has happened in the past? How is phenomena in nature explained when scientific experimentation is too expensive, technologically infeasible, or ethically inappropriate? How is a spectrum of possibilities for the future presented at the same time for ease of comparison? An answer to all of these questions is mathematical modeling. In this course, mathematical models are built to examine a variety of real-world phenomena. While mathematical topics such as difference equations, recursive relationships, and basic time series analysis are explored, the focus is on the building and evaluation of models rather than on the derivation of mathematical principles. Studies are grounded in real data, both as a starting point for model building and as a tool for assessing the performance of models. Computational technology is used heavily throughout the course. Applications can be wide-spread and can include areas such as population forecasting, economic modeling, predator-prey dynamics, and disease spread.
Typically offered:
Attributes: DA YLIB
Fall & Spring
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Freshman, Sophomore -Attribute: New Core 20-21