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.
The Bachelor of Science Degree in physics is offered with several emphasis areas:
For the Physics emphasis the recommended sequences of courses presume that the student is ready to begin MATH 126 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (5 c.h.) in the first term of the freshman year. If not, MATH 124 Pre-calculus Math (5 c.h.) should be taken in the fall and MATH 126 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (5 c.h.) in the spring of the freshman year concurrently with PHYS 221 General Physics I (4 c.h.). Otherwise it may not be possible to complete the requirements for a physics degree within four years. Students, especially transfers, who do not strictly adhere to the plan of study, may find that the term of attendance at CSU Pueblo will be extended beyond four years.
Physics Secondary Certification Emphasis
This emphasis provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain Colorado Department of Education certification as science teachers with an emphasis in physics.
Students completing a major in Physics with an emphasis in Secondary Certification are required to complete a minor in education and meet all other requirements outlined by the Teacher Education Program.
Physical Science Secondary Certification Emphasis
This emphasis provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain Colorado Department of Education certification as science teachers with an emphasis in physics and chemistry.
Students completing a major in Physics with an emphasis in Secondary Certification are required to complete a minor in education and meet all other requirements outlined by the Teacher Education Program.
Double Majors
A Math and Physics double major is also available. See Math Program for details.
A double major with Chemistry, Biology, or Engineering, for example, is possible. Please consult your advisor and the department chair.
Minors
A minor is available in physics, and is an especially attractive addition to majors in chemistry, engineering or mathematics. See the course requirements below.
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
- Computational Mathematics, Minor
- Math/Physics Double Major, Bachelor of Science
- Mathematics, Bachelor of Art
- Mathematics, Bachelor of Art: Secondary Certification Emphasis
- Mathematics, Bachelor of Science
- Mathematics, Minor
- Physics, Bachelor of Science: Physical Science Secondary Certification Emphasis
- Physics, Bachelor of Science: Physics Emphasis
- Physics, Bachelor of Science: Physics Secondary Certification Emphasis
- Physics, Minor
Mathematics (MATH)
Undergraduate Courses
Special topics are offered to students in areas where regular course offerings are not available. This course does not count toward graduation. Prerequisite: Satisfactory placement exam score. (AN) Repeatable (99).
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: Satisfactory placement exam score. (F, S)
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: Satisfactory placement exam score or MATH 096 or equivalent. (F, S)
Solving systems of linear equations. Introduction to functions. Operations with radical expressions. Solving radical equations. Exponential and logarithmic functions with applications. Prerequisite: Satisfactory placement exam score or MATH 097 or equivalent. (F, S) (Gen Ed: M, GT-MA1)
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: Satisfactory placement exam score or Math 097 or equivalent. (F,S) (Gen Ed: M, GT-MA1)
Solutions of algebraic equations, graphs of rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions. Prerequisite: Satisfactory placement exam score or Math 101 or equivalent. (F, S) (Gen Ed: M, GT-MA1)
Trigonometric and circular functions, identities, inverse functions, vectors, complex numbers. Prerequisite: MATH 120 or equivalent. (F,S,SS,E,O)
Polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions; solution of systems of equations; trigonometric, circular and certain special functions. Prerequisite: Satisfactory placement exam score or MATH 120 or equivalent. (F,S) (Gen Ed: M, GT-MA1)
Introduction to limits, continuity, differentiation and integration with selected applications. Prerequisite: Satisfactory placement exam score or MATH 124 or equivalent. (F, S) (Gen Ed: M, GT-MA1)
Introduction to data analysis. Binomial and normal models. Sample statistics, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests, linear regression and correlation, and chisquare tests. Prerequisite: Satisfactory placement exam score or Math 101 or equivalent. (F,S) (Gen Ed: M, GT-MA1)
Special topics suitable for entry level math students. Available in S/U grading. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor or approval of the department chair. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Systems of equations, matrices, inverses, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, scalar and cross-product, selected applications. Prerequisite: MATH 124 (F, S)
An introduction to quantitative methods required for business studies, including linear programming, probablity and statistics. Prerequisite: Satisfactory placement exam score or Math 101 or equivalent. (F,S)
Non-rigorous introduction to calculus with emphasis on applications and modeling in the life sciences, social and behavioral sciences and business. Prerequisite: Satisfactory placement exam score or MATH 120 or equivalent. (F,S) (Gen Ed: M, GT-MA1)
Differentiation and integration of transcendental functions, infinite sequences and series, parametric curves, and applications. Prerequisite: MATH 126. (F, S)
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. (S)
Special Topics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and approval of the department chair. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Independent Study. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Divisibility, prime numbers, linear congruences, multiplicative functions, cryptology, primitive roots, and quadratic residues. Prerequisite: MATH 224 (F,S,SS,E,O)
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: A grade of C or better in MATH 224. (AN)
Euclidean, hyperbolic, finite, and transformation geometries, models, and constructions. Prerequisite: MATH 224 or permission of instructor. (F,S,SS,E,O)
First order differential equations, homogeneous and non-homogenous linear differential equations, introduction to the Laplace transform, applications. Prerequisite: MATH 224 or equivalent. (F, S)
Numerical solutions of polynomial, differential, integral, and other equations using the computer. Prerequisite: MATH 224 and a programming language, or permission of instructor. (AN)
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. (F)
Calculus-based introduction to statistical methods. Sampling distributions, hypothesis testing, linear regression, design of experiments using ANOVA. Data analysis with Minitab. Prerequisite: MATH 350. (S)
Development of the real number system and related concepts, including sets, numeration systems, whole numbers, integers, number theory and algorithms. Recommended MATH 109. Prerequisite: Satisfactory placement score. (F)
Conceptual development of fractions, rational numbers, geometry, measurement, probability and statistics. Prerequisite: MATH 360 and satisfactory placement score. (S)
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 and Liberal Studies General Education Mathematics requirement met. (F,S)
An introductory course in real analysis providing a rigorous development of the concepts of elementary calculus. Prerequisite: MATH 307 and three approved upper division MATH courses. (F)
An introduction to complex function theory. Complex numbers, sequences and series, the calculus of complex functions, analytic functions, and conformal mappings. Prerequisite: MATH 325. (AN)
Introduction to groups, rings and fields and their elementary properties. Prerequisite: MATH 307 and three approved upper division MATH courses. (S)
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: Acceptance into Teacher Education Program and MATH 307 or MATH 320. (F, E)
Participation in tutoring mathematics in the MLC under the guidance of the MLC Director. Prerequisite: MATH 224 and permission of MLC Director. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (2).
Special Topics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Research project selected by student and supervised by a regular mathematics faculty member. Prerequisite: Department approval. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Seminar. Prerequisite: Senior standing and permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Independent Study. Prerequisite: Senior standing and permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Work experience using the discipline of mathematics under the direction of the selected organization and a faculty member. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing and permission of the department chair. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Graduate Courses
Sets, logic, axiomatics, mappings and the various sub-systems of the reals for beginning graduate students. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN)
Vector spaces, linear transformations, matrix representation, canonical form. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN)
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: Permission of instructor. (AN)
Groups, rings, integral domains, quotient rings, ideals, fields, homomorphisms and related topics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN)
Foundations of geometry, geometric transformations, and applications. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN)
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 or equivalent within the last five years. (AN)
Foundations of experimental design, outline efficient methods to implement experiments, develop statistical methods to sort signal from noise, analysis of variance and response surface models. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN)
Problems of teaching secondary school mathematics; the slow learner, methods, gifted students, evaluation. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN)
Special Topics. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Independent Study. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Volunteer or paid work experience under the combined supervision of the selected organization and a faculty member. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Thesis Research. Prerequisite: Graduate student status. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Physics/Physical Science (PHYS)
Undergraduate Courses
Solar system, including motions of the planets, eclipses, and satellite exploration; classification and evolution of stars; clusters, nebulae, galaxies and the expanding universe. Prerequisite: Pre or corequisite: satisfactory placement score or MATH 096. (F,S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
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: Pre or corequisite: satisfactory placement score or MATH 096.(F,S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
Hands-on standards-based approach to understanding basic concepts of physics and chemistry. Integrated lecture, lab and discussion periods. Recommended: enrollment in the Teacher Education Program. (S)
Principles of Physics Lab I. Prerequisite: Pre or corequisite: PHYS 201. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)
Electrostatics, electromagnetism, light, atomic and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: Pre or corequisite: PHYS 201. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
Principles Of Physics II Lab. Prerequisite: Pre or corequisite: PHYS 202. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)
Newtonian mechanics, including linear and rotational dynamics, momentum, energy, gravitation, fluid mechanics, wave motion and thermodynamics. Uses the calculus and vector notation. For majors in physics, mathematics, geoscience, engineering and chemistry. Prerequisite: MATH 126. Pre or corequisite: PHYS 221L. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
General Physics I Lab. Prerequisite: Pre or corequisite: PHYS 221. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)
General Physics II Lab. Corequisite: PHYS 222. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)
Special Topics. (AN) Repeatable (99).
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. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Introduction to thermodynamic laws and principles, entropy, kinetic theory and statistical mechanics. Prerequisite: PHYS 221. (F, E)
Participation in laboratory instruction under the guidance of a staff member. Includes instruction on laboratory safety. (F, S) Repeatable (2).
Special Topics. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Research. Prerequisite: Eight credits in upper-division physics courses. (F, S) Repeatable (99).
Class members report on recently published work or on their own research in physics or applied physics. Prerequisite: Advanced standing with a major or minor in physics. (S, O) Repeatable (2).
Independent Study. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing; permission of department chair. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Work experience using the discipline of physics under the direction of the selected organization and a faculty member. Prerequisite: Junor or senior standing and permission of the department chair. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Students write a research paper describing their own research. Prerequisite: Senior standing in the department. (F, S) Repeatable (99).