University of the Cumberlands
Department of Math and Physics

 

Course Descriptions

MATH 110. Freshman Seminar
This seminar course introduces the freshman mathematics student to the curriculum, facilities, faculty, and other students in the mathematics program. Credit, 1 hour. Offered fall semesters.

MATH 130. Concepts of Mathematics for the Elementary and Middle School Teacher I
This course is required of all P-5 elementary education majors, all 7-12 special education majors, and in the mathematics emphasis and specialization for P-5 and middle grades, respectively. The mathematical topics discussed in the course are chosen to reflect the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics and Kentucky’s Learning Goals and Valued Outcomes. It is a study of our numeration system and
bases, number theory, and the real number system with the concepts of algebra, logic, sets, estimation, and relations emphasized throughout. Problem solving techniques, manipulative aids, coop-erative learning, writing, and available technology will be utilized as appropriate to help foster a constructive belief about mathematics. Credit: 3 hours. Offered fall semesters and other semesters by demand.

MATH 131. College Mathematics
Topics studied in this course include the arithmetic of whole numbers and integers, greatest common divisor, prime numbers, least common multiple, arithmetic of fractions, arithmetic of signed numbers, angles, lines, polygons, circles, ratio, proportion, algebraic expressions, algebra of linear equations, exponents and scientific notation, algebra of polynomials, factoring and special products, algebra of rational expressions, systems of linear equations, square roots, and quadratic equations. Credit, 3 hours. Offered fall and spring semesters and summer term by demand.

MATH 132. College Algebra
This is a study of exponents, radicals, polynomials, rational expressions, inequalities, relations and graphs, linear equations, quadratic equations, systems of equations, and complex numbers. Credit, 3 hours. Offered fall and spring semesters and summer term by demand.

MATH 136. Precalculus
This course is the study of equations and graphs, polynomial functions, composition of functions, rational functions, trigonometric functions, the solutions of right triangles, oblique triangles, trigonometric functions of multiple angles, and trigonometric identities and equations. Credit, 3 hours. Offered fall and spring semesters.

MATH 140. Calculus I
Prerequisite knowledge of trigonometry and proficiency in algebraic operations is required to enter this course. It is the study of analytic geometry, functions, continuity, concept of limit, differentiation of algebraic and trigonometric functions, applications of derivatives, and introduction to the process of integration. Credit, 4 hours. Offered fall and spring semesters.

MATH 211. Numerical Techniques
This course focuses on the use of graphing calculators and the numerical techniques in calculus that can be employed using them. This course is strongly recommended for all secondary mathematics education majors. Prerequisite: MATH 140. Credit, 1 hour. This course will be taught during the Spring semester as needed.

MATH 230. Concepts of Mathematics for the Elementary and Middle School Teacher II
This course is required of all P-5 elementary education majors, all 7-12 special education majors, and in the mathematics emphasis and specialization for P-5 and middle grades, respectively. The mathematical topics discussed in the course are chosen to reflect the National Council of  teachers of Mathematics Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics and Kentucky’s Learning Goals and Valued Outcomes. It is a study of probability, statistics, measurement, and geometry with the concepts of algebra, logic, sets, estimation, and relations emphasized throughout with various problem solving techniques. Manipulative aids, cooperative learning, writing, and available technology will be utilized to help foster a constructive belief about mathematics. Credit, 3 hours. Offered spring semesters and other semesters by demand.

MATH 240. Calculus II
This course is a continuation of MATH 140. Topics include transcendental functions, areas, volumes, inverse functions, techniques of integration, conic sections, polar coordinates, indeterminate forms, and improper integrals. Prerequisite: grade of C or better in MATH 140. Credit, 4 hours. Offered fall and spring semesters.

MATH 241. Calculus III
This is a continuation of MATH 240. Topics include sequences, series, vectors, the calculus of vector-valued functions, and the calculus of functions of more than one independent variable. Prerequisite: grade of C or better in MATH 240. Credit, 4 hours. Offered fall and spring semesters.

MATH 330. Geometry for the Elementary and Middle School Teacher
This course is designed for those elementary and middle school education majors with teaching emphasis in mathematics. It is the study of plane and solid Euclidean geometry as an axiomatic system. (This course does not count toward the mathematics major.) Credit, 3 hours. Offered spring semesters of odd years and other semesters by demand.

MATH 331. College Geometry
This course is the study of Euclidean geometry at the college level and the introduction to development of non Euclidean geometries. Topics include: Historical development, sets and propositions, equivalence of logic, axiomatic systems, coordinate systems, and plane hyperbolic geometry. Prerequisite: Proficiency in high school geometry and methods of proof are required to enter this course. Credit, 3 hours. Offered fall semesters.

MATH 332. P-5 Teaching Math
This is a course in modern methods of teaching mathematics in grades P-5 with emphasis on applications of KERA to the primary school mathematics classroom. Prerequisites: MATH 130, 230 and ACT of 21+. Credit, 3 hours. Offered fall and spring semesters, and summer by demand.

MATH 333. Middle School Math Methods
This is a course in modern methods of teaching mathematics in grades 5-9 with emphasis on applications of KERA to the middle school mathematics classroom. Prerequisites: MATH 130, 230, and ACT of 21+. Credit, 3 hours. Offered fall and spring semesters, and summer by demand.

MATH 334. Mathematics History
This course provides the student with the opportunity to study the development of mathematics from the ancient Babylonians to the present day from a historical point of view. An in-depth study is made of the Greek contribution and of the mathematical revolution of the l7th and l8th centuries. Credit, 3 hours. This restricted elective course will be offered on demand.

MATH 335. Introduction to Probability and Statistics
The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with the basic concepts of statistics and probability and how they are used in handling data. Prerequisite: MATH 132. Credit, 3 hours. Offered fall and spring semesters.

MATH 430. Differential Equations
First order ordinary differential equations are studied, followed by differential equations of high order. Prerequisite: MATH 241. Credit, 3 hours. Offered spring semesters.

MATH 431. Abstract Algebra
Topics covered include structure of the number systems, groups, mappings, rings, fields, sets, and metrics. Prerequisite: MATH 241 or consent of instructor. Credit, 3 hours. Offered fall semesters.

MATH 432. Linear Algebra
Topics covered include topics from classical algebra, vector spaces, linear transformations, change of bases, orthogonality, determinants, eigenvalues, and eigenspaces. Prerequisite: MATH 241 or consent of instructor. Credit, 3 hours. Offered spring semesters.

MATH 433. Discrete Mathematics
Topics will include symbolic logic, functions, cardinality, proofs, mathematical induction, pigeonhole principle, permutations, combinations, trees, and graphs. Prerequisite: MATH 241 or consent of instructor. Credit, 3 hours. Offered spring semesters.

MATH 435. Mathematical Statistics
This is an introduction to discrete and continuous distributions, expected values and moments, special probability distributions and densities. Prerequisite: MATH 241. Credit, 3 hours. Offered on demand.

MATH 436. Real Analysis I
This is the study of partial differentiation, application of partial differentiation, line and surface integrals, and Fourier series. Prerequisite: grade of "C" or better in MATH 241. Credit, 3 hours. Offered fall semesters.

MATH 437. Real Analysis II
Topics covered are point set theory, sequences, limits, continuity, and uniform continuity. Prerequisite: MATH 436. Credit, 3 hours. Offered spring semesters.

MATH 490. Topics in Mathematics
Topics are generally selected from complex variables, number theory, numerical analysis, and problems research in mathematics or mathematics education. Enrollment in this course is open only to mathematics majors and minors. Prerequisite: MATH 241. Credit, 1 to 3 hours each topic. A topics course is offered on demand.

PHYS 117 Physical Science Laboratory
This laboratory course illustrates the scientific method through a series of experiments into physical phenomena. As a companion course to PHYS 137 Physical Science, it provides students an opportunity to view science as a process and not just a body of knowledge. This course also provides prospective teachers with a model for the methods and materials of teaching science. This course fulfills the laboratory requirement for certification in Elementary Education (P-5). One and a half laboratory hours per week. Prerequisite: PHYS 137 recommended, but not required. Credit, 1 hour. Offered fall and spring semesters.

PHYS 137. Physical Science
This introductory course integrates physics, chemistry, and earth sciences to emphasize general principles and their application to real-world situations. As the magnificent order of the physical world is demonstrated, the scientific method is highlighted as a powerful means to discover knowledge that can help us understand and shape our world. Three lectures per week. Prerequisite: None. Credit, 3 hours. Offered fall and spring semesters.

PHYS 140. Astronomy
This introductory course investigates the observations and theories of astronomy. The success of the scientific method is demonstrated through the logical application of the laws of science to construct an understanding of our universe. A descriptive study of our solar system and Milky Way galaxy is highlighted by observation sessions. Three lectures and one and a half laboratory hours per week. Prerequisite: None. Credit, 4 hours. Offered fall and spring semesters.

PHYS 241. Physics I
This algebra-based, introductory course investigates physical phenomena primarily associated with motion, forces, momentum, energy, waves, and thermodynamics. Specific topics are chosen that emphasize the interests of students from physics, chemistry, engineering, medicine, and related fields. Problem solving and the scientific method are stressed throughout the course. Three lectures and three laboratory hours per week. Prerequisite: grade of C or better in MATH 132, MATH 136, or a calculus course. Credit, 4 hours. Offered fall and spring semesters.

PHYS 242. Physics II
This algebra-based, introductory course (a continuation of PHYS 241 Physics I) investigates physical phenomena primarily associated with electricity, magnetism, optics, and quantum physics. Specific topics are chosen that emphasize the interests of students from physics, chemistry, engineering, medicine, and related fields. Problem solving and the scientific
method are stressed throughout the course. Three lectures and three laboratory hours per week. Prerequisite: grade of C or better in PHYS 241. Credit, 4 hours. Offered fall and spring semesters.

PHYS 330. Classical Physics
This calculus-based, intermediate course provides a thorough quantitative understanding of physical phenomena primarily associated with mechanics and electromagnetism. This course expands upon the course content of PHYS 241 Physics I and PHYS 242 Physics II. Collectively, these three courses are equivalent to the traditional two-semester, calculus-based physics sequence. Prerequisites: grades of C or better in PHYS 242 and MATH 240. Credit, 3 hours. Offered spring semester.

PHYS 332. Experimental Physics
This laboratory course provides an experimental component to the undergraduate physics curriculum. Emphasis is placed on experiment design, error analysis, model evaluation, and professional presentations. Six laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: grades of C or better in PHYS 242 and MATH 240. Credit, 3 hours. Offered spring semester of odd years.

PHYS 335. Quantum Physics
This calculus-based, intermediate course provides a thorough quantitative understanding of physical phenomena associated with quantum theory. Specific topics include light quanta (photons), matter waves, the Schrödinger equation, the Bohr theory, and hydrogenic atoms. An introduction to relativity is also included. Prerequisites: grades of C or better in PHYS 242 and MATH 241. Credit, 3 hours. Offered fall semester.

PHYS 337. Electronics
This laboratory course explores both analog and digital electronics. Specific analog topics include a review of passive components, diodes, transistors, amplifiers, and multivibrators. Specific digital topics include logic gates, flip-flops, registers, pulse generation, memory, and microprocessors. Six laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: grades of C or better in PHYS 242 and MATH 240. Credit, 3 hours. Offered spring semester of even years.

PHYS 410. Science and Society
This seminar course investigates the effect of scientific developments on society, religion, technology, and the environment; the role of science in the history of mankind; and the relationships between the sciences. Society’s perception of scientists and the resulting impact on the development of ideas and support of research are discussed. May be repeated for up to three hours credit. Prerequisite: Junior or senior with a major or minor in biology, chemistry,  mathematics, or physics.  Credit, 1 hour. Offered fall semester.

PHYS 430. Classical Mechanics
This traditional course considers the basic experimental laws of mechanics as stated by Sir Isaac Newton and the development of the mathematical formalism that describes these laws. Specific topics include motion of a particle in one dimension, harmonic oscillation, motion in three dimensions, a noninertial reference system, and a central force field. A brief introduction of Lagrangian mechanics is included. Prerequisites: grades of C or better in PHYS 330 and MATH 241. Credit, 3 hours. Offered fall semester of odd years.

PHYS 431. Electromagnetism
This traditional course develops the mathematical formalism of Maxwell’s equations from basic experimental laws of electricity and magnetism. Specific topics include the electrostatics of conductors and dielectrics, energy considerations electrodynamics electromagnetism, and  magnetism. Prerequisites: grades of C or better in PHYS 330 and MATH 241. Credit, 3 hours. Offered fall semester of even years.

PHYS 436. Lasers
This application course describes the theory and applications of lasers beginning with the underlying electromagnetic theory. Laser action in terms of photon emission and population inversion is developed from atomic structure and quantum statistics. A variety of lasers are described both in terms of their design and application. Prerequisites: grades of C or better
in PHYS 335 and MATH 430 (may be concurrent). Credit, 3 hours. Offered spring semester of even years.

PHYS 439. Applications of Nuclear Physics
This application course explores the nucleus of the atom and how its properties can be applied. Specific topics include nuclear physical properties, nuclear reactions, decay, fission, fusion, and interaction of radiation with matter. Applications of these topics include nucleosynthesis, nuclear reactors, radioactive dating, and biological effects of nuclear radiation. Prerequisites: grades of C or better in PHYS 335 and MATH 430 (may be concurrent). Credit, 3 hours. Offered spring  semester of odd years.

PHYS 490. Selected Topics in Physics
This course explores selected topics in physics. Topics may include thermodynamics, optics, Lagrangian mechanics, electromagnetic fields and waves, waves and vibrations, relativity, robotics, statistical physics, quantum mechanics, computational physics, medical physics, experimental physics, atomic physics, honors research, or current research areas of interest.
Prerequisite: Topic dependent. Credit, 1 to 3 hours. Offered only as needed as determined by physics faculty.

 

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