Mathematics & Physics Department
Mathematics Program
The program’s mission is to foster students’ development in quantitative and analytical reasoning skills, powerful mathematical problem-solving strategies, effective techniques for the communication of results and the capacity for lifelong independent learning. The major in mathematics leads to either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. The program’s flexible curriculum prepares students for diverse professional careers and for graduate studies. Faculty advisors work directly with majors and minors to design individual programs of study. Students who are potential majors or minors should consult with a faculty advisor as early as possible. Appointments with a faculty advisor can be made anytime by calling the department office.
Co-Curricular Requirements
Students have the opportunity to broaden and reinforce the academic experience through participation in a variety of co-curricular activities. All students are encouraged to join the CSU Pueblo Math Club. Many students serve as tutors in the Math Learning Center.
Physics/Physical Science Program
The major in physics leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree. In addition, supporting courses and general education courses in physics and astronomy are available for students with a wide spectrum of interests, backgrounds and needs. Physics majors must consult with a program advisor as early as possible and must file a departmentally approved plan of study by the beginning of the junior year. A degree plan may be designed based on the student’s interests through consultation with the advisor and the department chair.
Co-Curricular Requirements
The program faculty believes that students should have co-curricular experiences that complement and reinforce their academic experiences. Therefore, the faculty encourages students to join and participate in events sponsored by the department and the Society of Physics Students (SPS), Sigma Pi Sigma initiations, physics expositions, picnics, graduation dinners, potluck dinners, etc. to foster a spirit of camaraderie.
Academic Programs
Mathematics
Undergraduate Programs
Minors
Certificates
Physics
Undergraduate Programs
Minors
Mathematics (MATH)
As Needed.
Special topics are offered to students in areas where regular course offerings are not available. This course does not count toward graduation.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Satisfactory placement exam score. Repeatable (99).
Fall, Spring.
Operations with real numbers. Solving and graphing linear equations with applications. Polynomial addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. This course does not count toward graduation.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Satisfactory placement exam score or equivalent.
Fall, Spring.
Factoring polynomials, solving polynomial equations. Rational expressions and equations with applications. Inequalities and absolute value. Quadratic functions with applications. This course does not count towards graduation.
Prerequisite: MATH 096.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Satisfactory placement exam score or equivalent.
Fall, Spring, Summer.
Solving systems of linear equations. Introduction to functions. Operations with radical expressions. Solving radical equations. Exponential and logarithmic functions with applications.
Prerequisite: MATH 097.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Satisfactory placement exam score or equivalent.
(GT-MA1)
Fall, Spring.
Emphasis on quantitative reasoning and problem solving. Topics chosen from: logic, sets, algebra, linear programming, probability, statistics, number theory, geometry, voting theory and graph theory.
Prerequisite: MATH 097.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Satisfactory placement exam score or equivalent.
(GT-MA1)
Fall, Spring.
Solutions of algebraic equations, graphs of rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions.
Prerequisite: MATH 101.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Satisfactory placement exam score or equivalent.
(GT-MA1)
As Needed.
Trigonometric and circular functions, identities, inverse functions, vectors, complex numbers.
Prerequisite: MATH 120.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Satisfactory placement exam score or equivalent.
Fall, Spring.
Polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions; solution of systems of equations; trigonometric, circular and certain special functions.
Prerequisite: MATH 120.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Satisfactory placement exam score or equivalent.
(GT-MA1)
Fall, Spring, Summer.
Introduction to data analysis. Binomial and normal models. Sample statistics, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests, linear regression and correlation, and chi-square tests.
Prerequisite: MATH 101.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Satisfactory placement exam score or equivalent.
(GT-MA1)
As Needed.
Special topics suitable for entry level math students.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor or department chair. Repeatable (99).
Fall, Spring.
Systems of equations, matrices, inverses, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, scalar and cross-product, selected applications.
Prerequisite: MATH 124.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Spring, Summer.
An introduction to quantitative methods required for business studies, including linear programming, probability and statistics.
Prerequisite: MATH 101.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Satisfactory placement exam score or equivalent.
Fall, Spring.
Non-rigorous introduction to calculus with emphasis on applications and modeling in the life sciences, social and behavioral sciences and business.
Prerequisite: MATH 120.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Satisfactory placement exam score or equivalent.
(GT-MA1)
Fall, Spring.
Differentiation and integration of transcendental functions, infinite sequences and series, parametric curves, and applications.
Prerequisite: MATH 126.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring.
Computer programming and computation with applications. Loops, conditionals, data types and structores, I/O, functions debugging, testing, and documentation. Numerical, graphical, symbolic computation issues and projects.
Prerequisite: MATH 126.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
Special Topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor and approval of the department chair. Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Independent Study.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (99).
Spring, Odd.
Divisibility, prime numbers, linear congruences, multiplicative functions, cryptology, primitive roots, and quadratic residues.
Prerequisite: MATH 224.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall.
Introduction to discrete structures with emphasis on logic and proof. Topics selected from graph theory, boolean algebra, combinatorics, binary relations, set theory, functions and sequences.
Prerequisite: MATH 224.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring, Even.
Euclidean, hyperbolic, finite, and transformation geometries, models, and constructions.
Prerequisite: MATH 224.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
Spring.
First order differential equations, homogeneous and non-homogenous linear differential equations, introduction to the Laplace transform, applications.
Prerequisite: MATH 224.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Odd.
Linear systems, existence and uniqueness of solutions, non-linear equations, series solutions, orthogonal sets of functions. Fourier series, boundary value problems, partial differential equations and applications.
Prerequisite: MATH 337.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: MATH 325 is recommended as prerequisite.
Spring, Even.
Numerical solutions of polynomial, differential, integral, and other equations using the computer.
Prerequisite: MATH 224.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Programming language recommended. Permission of instructor.
Spring.
Introduction to probability theory and stochastic processes. Probability spaces, random variables and their distributions, exponential and Poisson processes, limit theorems and applications.
Prerequisite: MATH 325.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall.
Calculus-based introduction to statistical methods. Sampling distributions, hypothesis testing, linear regression, design of experiments using ANOVA. Data analysis with Minitab.
Prerequisite: MATH 350.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall.
Development of the real number system and related concepts, including sets, numeration systems, whole numbers, integers, number theory and algorithms.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: MATH 101 or MATH 109 recommended as prerequisite. Satisfactory placement score.
Spring.
Conceptual development of fractions, rational numbers, geometry, measurement, probability and statistics.
Prerequisite: MATH 360.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Satisfactory placement score.
Fall.
This course focuses on the process of mathematical problem solving. Students will develop and implement useful heuristics, and reflect on problem solving strategies.
Prerequisite: MATH 361.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Liberal Studies General Education Mathematics requirement met.
Fall, Even.
An introduction to complex function theory. Complex numbers, sequences and series, the calculus of complex functions, analytic functions, and conformal mappings.
Prerequisite: MATH 325.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
Implementation of algorithms for supervised and unsupervised learning, to include linear/logistic regression, random forests, naïve Bayes, neural networks, clustering, support vector machines, hidden markov models.
Prerequisite: MATH 242.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Even.
Topics and issues in secondary mathematics education, including materials development, learning theories, instructional and assessment strategies, curriculum, planning and standards. Sixty hours field experience required.
Prerequisite: MATH 319 or MATH 320 or MATH 330.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Acceptance into Teacher Education Program.
As Needed.
Participation in tutoring mathematics in the MLC under the guidance of the MLC Director.
Prerequisite: MATH 224.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of Math Learning Center Director. Repeatable (2).
As Needed.
Special Topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Research project selected by student and supervised by a regular mathematics faculty member.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Approval of department. Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Seminar.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Senior standing. Permission of instructor. Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Independent Study.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Senior standing. Permission of instructor. Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Work experience using the discipline of mathematics under the direction of the selected organization and a faculty member.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Junior or senior standing. Permission of department chair. Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Sets, logic, axiomatics, mappings and the various sub-systems of the reals for beginning graduate students.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
As Needed.
Vector spaces, linear transformations, matrix representation, canonical form.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
As Needed.
Point set theory, including the Bolzano-Weierstrass and the Heine-Borel theorems, theory of differentiation and Riemann integration, and sequences and series of functions.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
As Needed.
Groups, rings, integral domains, quotient rings, ideals, fields, homomorphisms and related topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
As Needed.
Foundations of geometry, geometric transformations, and applications.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
As Needed.
Statistical modeling as a framework for the analysis of experimental data. Emphasis on use of statistical software. Regression, ANOVA, variance components, and chisquare tests.
Prerequisite: MATH 156.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Summer.
Foundations of experimental design, outline efficient methods to implement experiments, develop statistical methods to sort signal from noise, and analyze information derived from the experiment.
Prerequisite: MATH 256 and MATH 356.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
Problems of teaching secondary school mathematics; the slow learner, methods, gifted students, evaluation.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
As Needed.
Special Topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Independent Study.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Volunteer or paid work experience under the combined supervision of the selected organization and a faculty member.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Graduate standing. Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Thesis Research.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Graduate standing. Repeatable (99).
Physics/Physical Science (PHYS)
Fall, Spring.
Solar system, including motions of the planets, eclipses, and satellite exploration; classification and evolution of stars; clusters, nebulae, galaxies and the expanding universe.
Prerequisite: MATH 096.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Satisfactory placement score.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
As Needed.
A non-mathematical approach to light, energy sources, conservation, atoms, nuclei and nuclear radiation. Emphasis on phenomena encountered in everyday life or that affect public policy.
Prerequisite: MATH 096.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Satisfactory placement score.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
As Needed.
Optional laboratory to accompany PHYS 140. Experiments in light, solar energy, atomic and nuclear physics with emphasis on qualitative understanding of observations.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: PHYS 140 strongly recommended as co-requisite.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)
Spring.
Hands-on standards-based approach to understanding basic concepts of physics and chemistry. Integrated lecture, lab and discussion periods.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Acceptance into Teacher Education Program.
Fall, Spring, Summer.
Motion, forces, conservation of energy and momentum, wave motion, sound and heat. For engineering, technology, life sciences, and other interested students.
Prerequisite: MATH 120.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Satisfactory math placement exam score. PHYS 201L strongly recommended as co-requisite.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
Fall, Spring, Summer.
Principles of Physics Lab I.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: PHYS 201 strongly recommended as corequisite.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)
Fall, Spring.
Electrostatics, electromagnetism, light, atomic and nuclear physics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: PHYS 201L strongly recommended as corequisite.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
Fall, Spring.
Principles Of Physics II Lab.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: PHYS 202 strongly recommended as corequisite.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)
Spring.
Newtonian mechanics, including linear and rotational dynamics, momentum, energy, gravitation, fluid mechanics, wave motion and thermodynamics. Uses the calculus and vector notation.
Prerequisite: MATH 126.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: PHYS 221L strongly recommended as corequisite.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
Fall, Spring.
General Physics II Lab.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: PHYS 222.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)
As Needed.
Special Topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
The student attends at least 11 Physics Seminar presentations or other approved presentations and then presents a public seminar presentation on some approved physics-related topic.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (99).
Fall, Even.
Statics & dynamics of particles & rigid bodies. Conservation principles, minimum principles, accelerated coordinate systems, Lagrangian & Hamiltonian methods. Applications to astrodynamics & oscillations applications.
Prerequisite: MATH 325 and MATH 337 and PHYS 221.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring, Odd.
Introduction to thermodynamic laws and principles, entropy, kinetic theory and statistical mechanics.
Prerequisite: PHYS 221.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring.
Teaches how and why experimental physics is done through representive experiments related to PHYS 323 topics; techniques of good record keeping, data analysis, modeling, instrumentation and presentation of results.
Prerequisite: MATH 242.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: PHYS 323 strongly recommended as corequisite.
Spring, Even.
Develops skills, experience and independence in experimental research design, modeling, data analysis, instrumentation and presentation of results through representative experiments related to PHYS 431.
Prerequisite: MATH 242 and PHYS 431.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (2).
As Needed.
Participation in laboratory instruction under the guidance of a staff member. Includes instruction on laboratory safety.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (2).
As Needed.
Special Topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Research.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Eight credits in upper-division PHYS courses. Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Class members report on recently published work or on their own research in physics or applied physics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Advanced standing with a major or minor in physics. Repeatable (2).
As Needed.
Independent Study.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Junior or senior standing. Permission of department chair. Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Work experience using the discipline of physics under the direction of the selected organization and a faculty member.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Junior or senior standing. Permission of department chair. Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Students write a research paper describing their own research.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Senior standing. Repeatable (99).