Mathematics Course Descriptions

A detailed analysis of topics essential to mastery of a follow-up course in calculus. Assisted by applications utilizing a graphical/scientific calculator, topics include: functions and inverse relations; trigonometric functions and identities; the study of polynomial, rational, logarithmic and exponential functions; and selected topics in analytic geometry. Class hrs. 4. Prerequisites: Strong grades in High School Regents examinations or MATH 110A College Algebra with Trigonometry. Note: students who take this course are not granted credit for MATH 115A.

An introductory course in preparation for the study of calculus. Designed primarily for technology students who require some of the concepts of calculus as well as most precalculus topics but who may not require the depth of an engineering or mathematics major. Topics include: complex numbers, vectors, composition of functions, polynomial, rational, logarithmic and exponential functions, and basic differentiation and integration. Emphasis is on technological applications. Class hrs. 4. Prerequisites: Strong grades in High School Regents Math A and B or MATH 110A College Algebra with Trigonometry. Note: students who take this course are not granted credit for MATH 115. Not offered every semester.

A chronological survey of mathematics presented in historical perspective as a major cultural force in the rise of civilization. Emphasis is on problem studies with classical solutions, student projects, classroom demonstrations, and selected historical readings. The course is designed primarily for non-technical students. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisites: MATH 003 Beginning Algebra or appropriate score on Placement Exam.

A course in quantitative literacy designed for students in Liberal Arts, Social Science, and Humanities. Emphasis is on the practical aspects of mathematics. Topics include: non-traditional problem-solving techniques, personal finance utilizing a graphical calculator, organizing and analyzing data, methods of counting, applications of elementary probability, and mathematical research on the Internet. Written projects are required in one or more of the following areas: analysis of a stock market portfolio, a statistical case study, and historical topics related to mathematics. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisite: MATH 003 Beginning Algebra or appropriate score on Placement Exam.

Angles; definition of the trigonometric functions; radian measure; linear and angular velocity; graphs and transformations of the trigonometric functions; identities; inverse trigonometric functions; solving trigonometric equations; Law of Sines; Law of Cosines. Applications of trigonometry to right triangles, oblique triangles, vectors, work, navigation, elevation and depression problems. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisite: MATH 110A College Algebra with Trigonometry, MATH 110B College Algebra: Functions & Models, MATH 115 Technical Mathematics with Calculus, or high school equivalent.

Topics include differentiation and integration of algebraic, logarithmic, and exponential functions from a non-theoretical point of view. Business and economic applications are emphasized and include: break-even points; cost-benefit models; supply and demand curves; marginal cost and profit functions; growth and decay models; optimization techniques; average cost; elementary differential equations; and Lagrange multipliers. Class hrs. 4. Prerequisites: MATH 115 Precalculus, or B+/A in either MATH 110A College Algebra with Trig, or MATH 110B College Algebra: Functions and Models.
 

The purpose of this course is to improve problem-solving skills and extend students’ understanding of the nature of mathematics beyond algebra. The topics include: problem solving, number theory, secret codes, the golden rectangle, symmetry, the concept of infinity, topology, chaos, fractals, the uses and abuses of statistics, uncertainty and decision making. This course is appropriate for liberal arts students entering fields of study that are not mathematically-oriented. Class hrs. 4. Prerequisite: Any completed college credit course or permission of the instructor.

See Honors for course description.
 

Concept of limit; derivatives of algebraic functions; curve plotting, related rates, maxima and minima; Rolle’s theorem; Mean Value theorem; introduction to integration; differentiation and integration of sines and cosines; area under a curve; definite integral; fundamental theorems of integral calculus. Class hrs. 4. Prerequisite: MATH 115 Precalculus, MATH 115A Tech Math with Calculus, or equivalent.

Theory and applications of the definite integral; logarithmic, exponential, and other transcendental functions; hyperbolic functions; techniques of integration; plane analytic geometry; numerical integration; L’Hopital’s Rule; improper integration. Class hrs. 4. Prerequisite: MATH 121 Calculus I.

This course is designed for students in the Childhood Education curriculum. It investigates the practical context of the mathematics taught in elementary school and the reasoning behind its skills and methods. Topics include numbers and numeration, place value, arithmetic operations and algorithms, estimation, prime numbers and factoring, fractions, decimals, proportional thinking, and negative numbers. Emphasis is on problem-solving and communication in mathematics. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisite: MATH 003 Beginning Algebra, or placement into college-level math and INTER 101 Introduction to Schools and Teaching, or permission form the instructor. INTER 101 may also be taken as a corequisite.

Primarily for Computer Science students. The role of discrete mathematics applied to computer science. Includes sets, graphs, trees, Boolean algebra, and advanced computability topics such as finite difference equations. Class hrs. 3; Lab hrs. 1. Prerequisites: MATH 115 Precalculus or MATH 110B College Algebra: Functions & Models and COMSC 101 Computer Programming I or some other programming language equivalent. Offered based on student demand.

Infinite series, including power series and Taylor’s formula; vectors and vector functions in two and three dimensions; partial differentiation; analytic geometry and calculus of functions of several variables; multiple integration with applications. Class hrs. 4. Prerequisite: MATH 122 Calculus II.

An introductory study of the solution of several kinds of first order and linear higher order differential equations that occur in the real world. Applications include chemical mixing, electrical circuits, mechanical oscillations, the spread of epidemics and logistic population growth. Other topics include Laplace Transforms, series solutions, and numerical methods with applications in science and engineering. Class hrs. 4. Prerequisite: MATH 201 Calculus III or the permission of the instructor.

A challenging introduction to modern mathematical thinking, showing the structure of mathematics as opposed to routine mechanical techniques. Topics include: vector spaces, linear mappings, bases, duality, orthogonality and scalar products, determinants and matrices, and matrix transformations. Applications in engineering, science, business, and computer science. Class hrs. 4. Prerequisites: MATH 121, MATH 122 Calculus I & II. Offered once a year.

Successive approximations, error analysis, differentiation and integration, interpolation, polynomials, simultaneous linear algebraic equations, inversion of matrices and eigenvalues, various methods of solving differential equations using computer implementation. Lecture hrs. 3; Prerequisite: MATH 121 Calculus I, COMSC 101 Computer Programming I, COMSC 207 Java Application Development, or equivalent.

A calculus-based approach to modern probability and statistics, topics include an introduction to probability, counting methods, conditional probability, Bayes’ Theorem, discrete and continuous random variables and functions of random variables. This course is particularly suited for students intending to major in mathematics, statistics, computer science, physics (and the physical sciences) or engineering. Prerequisites: MATH 122 Calculus II. Calculus III is recommended though not required.

Adapted to the needs and interests of the special college student. Content and number of credits to be approved and determined by the Math Department Chair. This course is designed for enrolled Westchester Community College students only. Prerequisite: Successful mathematical and general academic background.

A course in creative problem solving in which each participant is encouraged to experiment with diverse strategies on a wide range of unique problems in algebra, geometry and number theory. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisites: Primarily open to mathematics teachers. (Interested math phobics are also welcome). Offered evenings only, based on student demand.

* Specific graphics calculator required; wait until first day of class before purchasing.

** This course is developmental and may not be appropriate for satisfying the mathematics or elective requirements in degree or certificate programs. Tuition for this course is charged as four hours.