Lawson State Community College

 

 

 

 

Department of Mathematics

Course Descriptions

 

Disclaimer:  The course descriptions listed below reflect ALL courses available within the Alabama College System's two colleges.  Not all courses and programs listed are available at Lawson State Community College; however, this guide may be used to compare and contrast course content with that of other institutions.

 

MATHMATICS (MTH)

                                                                 

MTH 100      Intermediate College Algebra                                                                         3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         MTH 092 or MTH 098 or appropriate mathematics placement score

This course provides a study of algebraic techniques such as linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, systems of equations, and operations with exponents and radicals. Functions and relations are introduced and graphed with special emphasis on linear and quadratic functions. This course does not apply toward the general core requirement for mathematics.

 

MTH 103      Introduction to Technical Mathematics                                                   3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         MTH 092 or MTH 098 or appropriate mathematics placement score

This course is designed for the student in technology needing simple arithmetic, algebraic, and right triangle trigonometric skills.

 

MTH 104      Plane Trigonometry                                                                                                 3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         MTH 100 and/or as required by program

This course emphasizes such topics as the solution of triangles, vectors, geometric concepts and complex numbers.

 

MTH 110      Finite Mathematics                                                                                                    3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         All core mathematics courses in Alabama must have as a minimum prerequisite high school Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II with an appropriate mathematics placement score. An alternative to this is that the student should successfully pass with a C or higher (S if taken as pass/fail) Intermediate College Algebra.

This course is intended to give an overview of topics in finite mathematics together with their applications, and is taken primarily be students who are not majoring in science, engineering, commerce, or mathematics (i.e., students who are not required to take Calculus). This course will draw on and significantly enhance the student's arithmetic and algebraic skills. The course includes sets, counting, permutations, combinations, basic probability (including Baye's Theorem), and introduction to statistics (including work with Binomial Distributions and Normal Distributions), matrices and their applications to Markov chains and decision theory. Additional topics may include symbolic logic, linear models, linear programming, the simplex method and applications.

 

MTH 112      Precalculus Algebra                                                                                                 3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         All core mathematics courses in Alabama must have as a minimum prerequisite high school Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II with an appropriate mathematics placement score. An alternative to this is that the student should successfully pass with C or higher (S if taken as pass/fail) Intermediate College Algebra.

This course emphasizes the algebra of functions - including polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The course also covers systems of equations and inequalities, quadratic inequalities, and the binomial theorem. Additional topics may include matrices, Cramer's Rule, and mathematical induction.

 

MTH 113      Precalculus Trigonometry                                                                                  3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         A minimum prerequisite of high school Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II with an appropriate mathematics placement score is required. An alternative to this is that the student should successfully pass with a C or higher (S if taken as pass/fail) MTH 112.

This course includes the study of trigonometric (circular functions) and inverse trigonometric functions, and includes extensive work with trigonometric identities and trigonometric equations. The course also covers vectors, complex numbers, DeMoivre's Theorem, and polar coordinates. Additional topics may include conic sections, sequences, and using matrices to solve linear systems.

 

MTH 115      Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry                                                      3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         A minimum prerequisite of high school Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II with an appropriate mathematics placement score is required. An alternative to this is that the student should successfully pass with a C or higher (S if taken as pass/fail) MTH 100 and receive permission from the department chairperson.

This course is a one semester combination of Precalculus Algebra and Precalculus Trigonometry intended for superior students. The course covers the following topics: the algebra of functions (including polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions), systems of equations and inequalities, quadratic inequalities, and the binomial theorem, as well as the study of trigonometric (circular functions) and inverse trigonometric functions, and includes extensive work with trigonometric identities and trigonometric equations, vectors, complex numbers, DeMoivre's Theorem, and polar coordinates.

 

MTH 116      Mathematical Applications                                                                                    3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         MTH 090 or appropriate mathematics placement score

This course provides practical applications of mathematics and includes selected topics from consumer math and algebra. Some types included  are integers, percent, interest, ratio and proportion, metric system, probability, linear equations, and problem solving. This is a terminal course designed for students seeking an AAS degree and does not meet the general core requirement for mathematics.

 

MTH 117      College Mathematics With Applications                                                          3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         MTH 092 or MTH 098 or appropriate placement score

This is an applied course designed to meet mathematics requirements for some students in certificate and two-year terminal programs. Emphasis is placed on percent, interest, proportions, fu nctions, graphing, systems of equations, logarithmic and exponential functions, quadratics, and linear programming as used to solve applied problems in selected programs of study. This course does not meet the general core requirement for mathematics.

 

MTH 118      Technical Mathematics                                                                                              3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         MTH 100 or appropriate mathematics placement score

This course includes selected topics from algebra, analytic geometry, and trigonometry with emphasis on applications to engineering technology. Topics may include variation, determinants, conic sections, exponential and logarithmic functions, and solutions of right triangles.  This course does not apply toward the general core requirement for mathematics.

 

MTH 120      Calculus and ITS Applications                                                                                3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         A minimum prerequisite of high school Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II with an appropriate mathematics placement score is required. An alternative to this is that the student should successfully pass with a C or higher MTH 112.

This course is intended to give a broad overview of calculus and is taken primarily by students majoring in Commerce and Business Administration. It includes differentiation and integration of algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions and applications to business and economics. The course should include functions of several variables, partial derivatives (including applications), Lagrange Multipliers, L'Hopital's Rule, and multiple integration (including applications).

 

MTH 125      Calculus I                                                                                                                          3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):        A minimum prerequisite of high school Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II with an appropriate mathematics placement score is required. An alternative to this is that the student should successfully pass with a C or higher MTH 113 or MTH 115.

This is the first of three courses in the basic calculus sequence taken primarily by students in science, engineering, and mathematics. Topics include the limit of a function; the derivative of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions; and the definite integral and its basic applications to area problems. Applications of the derivative are covered in detail, including approximations of error using differentials, maximum and minimum problems, and curve sketching using calculus.

 

MTH 126      Calculus II                                                                                                                      3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         A minimum prerequisite of high school Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II with an appropriate mathematics placement score is required. An alternative to this is that the student should successfully pass with a C or higher MTH 125.

This is the second of three courses in the basic calculus sequence. Topics include vectors in the plane and in space, lines and planes in space, applications of integration (such as volume, arc length, work and average value), techniques of integration, infinite series, polar coordinates, and parametric equations.

 

MTH 131      Mathematics in General Education                                                               3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         As required by program

This course is designed for general education and for all students in education programs except those who will concentrate on science or mathematics. Emphasis is on the structure of the number system from the integers to the real numbers, logic, numeration systems, prime numbers, basic concepts of algebra, elementary probability and statistics, graphs, informal geometry, and the metric system. This course does not apply toward the general core requirement for mathematics.

 

MTH 132      Mathematics in General Education                                                               3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):        MTH 131 or appropriate mathematics placement score

This course is a continuation of MTH 131. This course does not apply toward the general core requirement for mathematics.

 

MTH 156      Mathematics Computer Programming                                                         3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         MTH 125 and/or as required by program

This course is a balance between C++ programming, Windows programming, and applications to engineering and mathematics. This course is designed primarily for pre-engineering students as a first course in computer programming and applications. This course does not meet the general core requirement for mathematics.

 

MTH 186      Medical Dosage Calculation                                                                              3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         MTH 090 or suitable placement score

This course explains mathematical applications to the following dosage calculations: oral dosages, injectable drugs, intravenous fluids, insulin, heparin, pediatric dosages, geriatric dosages, and electrolyte solutions. This course does not apply toward the general core requirement for mathematics.

 

MTH 227      Calculus III                                                                                                                     3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         MTH 126 and/or as required by program

This is the third of three courses in the basic calculus sequence. Topics include vector functions, functions of two or more variables, partial derivatives (including applications), quadric surfaces, multiple integration, and vector calculus (including Green's Theorem, Curl and Divergence, surface integrals, and Stokes' Theorem.

 

MTH 231      Math for the Elementary Teacher I                                                              3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         Regular Admission Status and/or as required by program

This course is designed to provide appropriate insights into mathematics for students majoring in elementary education and to ensure that students going into elementary education are more than proficient at performing basic arithmetic operations. Topics include logic, sets and functions, operations and properties of whole numbers and integers including number theory; use of manipulatives by teachers to demonstrate abstract concepts; and by students while learning these abstract concepts as emphasized in the class. Upon completion, students are required to demonstrate proficiency in each topic studied as well as to learn teaching techniques that ate grade level and subject matter appropriate, and test for mathematical proficiency and the learning of teaching concepts.

 

MTH 232      Math for the Elementary Teacher II                                                              3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):        MTH 231 and/or as required by program

This course is the second of a three-course sequence and is designed to provide appropriate insights into mathematics for students majoring in elementary education and to ensure that students going into elementary education are more proficient at performing basic arithmetic operations.  Topics include numeration skills with fractions, decimals and percentages, elementary concepts of probability and statistics, and analytic geometry concepts associated with linear equations and inequalities. The use of manipulatives and calculators in the teaching and learning process is stressed. Upon completion, students will test for mathematical proficiency and the learning of teaching concepts. Students also will demonstrate an appropriate teaching technique by preparing a lesson and teaching it to the class for their final exam grade.

 

MTH 233      Math for the Elementary Teacher III                                                             3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         MTH 232 and/or as required by program

This course is the third of a three-course sequence and is designed to provide appropriate insights into mathematics for students majoring in elementary education and to ensure that students going into elementary education are more than proficient at performing basic arithmetic operations. Topics include concepts for plane and solid geometry. Emphasis is on linear measurement as well as fundamental concepts of geometry dealing with lines, angles, triangles, polygons, and solids. The metric system is used for measurement through the course. The use of manipulatives and calculators in the teaching and learning process is emphasized. Upon completion, students will be given exams to test for mathematical proficiency and the learning of teaching concepts. Additionally, students will demonstrate teaching techniques by preparing a lesson and teaching it to the class for their final exam grade.

 

MTH 237      Linear Algebra                                                                                                             3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         MTH 126 and/or as required by program

This course introduces the basic theory of linear equations and matrices, real vector spaces, bases and dimension, linear transformations and matrices, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, inner product spaces, and the diagonalization of symmetric matrices. Additional topics may include quadratic forms and the use of matrix methods to solve systems of linear differential equations.

 

MTH 238      Applied Differential Equations I                                                                      3 Hours

Co-requisite(s):         MTH 227 and/or as required by program

An introduction to numerical methods, qualitative behavior of first order differential equations, techniques for solving separable and linear equations analytically, and applications to various models (e.g. populations, motion, chemical mixtures, etc.); techniques for solving higher order linear differential equations with constant coefficients (general theory, undetermined coefficients, reduction of order and the method of variation of parameters), with emphasis on interpreting the behavior of the solutions, and applications to physical models whose governing equations are of higher order; the Laplace transform as a tool for the solution of initial value problems whose inhomogeneous terms are discontinuous.

 

MTH 246      Mathematics of Finance                                                                                         3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         MTH 092 or MTH 098 or appropriate mathematics placement score

This course explores mathematical applications relevant to business practices. Types covered include simple and compound interest, credits, trade and bank discounts, annuities, amortization, depreciation, stocks and bonds, insurance, capitalization, and perpetuities. This course does not meet the general core requirement for mathematics.

 

MTH 250      Discrete Mathematics                                                                                           3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         As required by program

Co-requisite(s):         MTH 126 and/or as required by program

This course provides an introduction to combinatorics and graph theory. Topics include sets, logic, relations and functions, mathematical induction, algorithmic processes, recurrence relations, counting techniques, asymptotic growth, Boolean algebra, graphs, and network algorithms.

 

MTH 265      Elementary Statistics                                                                                            3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):        MTH 100 or appropriate mathematics placement score and/or as required by program

This course provides an introduction to methods of statistics, including the following topics: sampling, frequency distributions, measures of  central tendency, graphic representation, reliability, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, analysis, regression, estimation, and applications.  Probability, permutations, combinations, binomial theorem, random variables, and distributions may be included.

 

MTH 270      Probability and Statistics Concepts                                                            3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):         As required by program

Co-requisite(s):        MTH 126-Calculus II and/or as required by program

This course provides an examination of the theory and applications of probability and statistics based on topics from calculus. It includes probability, sample spaces, random variables, probability distributions, estimation, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, experimental analysis, moments and moment-generating functions, and computer-assisted data analysis using appropriate computer software.