Mathematics (B.A., B.S.)

Contact or visit us

Mathematics and Computer Science Department
Christine Petersen, Administrative Assistant
Acklie, Room 226
Lincoln, NE 68504
(402) 465-2427 office
cpeters2 [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (cpeters2[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu)

Mathematics (B.A., B.S.)

Academically equivalent, both bachelor of art and bachelor of science will fully prepare you for a career in mathematics. If you choose to graduate with two majors, and one major is only offered as a B.A. or B.S., the second major should match the first degree. Mathematics majors seeking an education endorsement will receive a B.S. degree.

Mission Statement

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at ¶¶ÒõÊÓÆµ is committed to offering experiences that help students expand their mathematical and computational knowledge and problem-solving skills, effectively communicate technical concepts, discover the utility and beauty of mathematical and computational constructs, and value life-long learning

Mathematics Major (B.A. or B.S.**, 44-46 hours)
Courses31 hours
MATH 1600 Calculus I5 hours
MATH 1610 Calculus II5 hours
MATH 2200 Foundations of Modern Mathematics3 hours
MATH 2600 Calculus III4 hours
MATH 3200 Linear Algebra3 hours
MATH 3300 Mathematical Statistics I3 hours
MATH 4200 Abstract Algebra I4 hours
MATH 4300 Real Analysis4 hours
Math Elective3-4 hours

Select one of the following (may not use a course taken above as an elective):

 
Capstone3 hours
MATH 4980 Mathematics Seminar3 hours

Students seeking an education field endorsement in mathematics follow the above requirements with the following changes:

See the ¶¶ÒõÊÓÆµ Department of Education for information regarding education courses required for teaching certification.

Required Supporting Program8 hours
CMPSC 2200 Python Programming I4 hours
DATA 1350 Introduction To Data Analytics4 hours

**A Mathematics major may earn either a B.A. or B.S. degree. However, if a student has a first major that is associated with a different baccalaureate degree, the Mathematics major may serve as a second major for the degree associated with the first major (B.FA., B.M., B.S.N.). 

CMPSC 2200 Python Programming I (4 hours)

An introduction to computational problem-solving using Python. Hands-on labs are used to motivate basic programming concepts, including basic data types and structures, functions, conditionals, and loops. Additional topics may include building and scraping HTML webpages. The course is recommended for all who wish to explore data science and/or computer science. Recommended: Math ACT score of at least 21 or instructor permission of a prerequisite waiver.

(Normally offered every spring semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Mathematical Problem Solving
DATA 1350 Introduction To Data Analytics (4 hours)

An introduction to data analytics from three perspectives: inferential thinking, computational thinking and real-world relevance. Topics include, but are not limited to: organizing real-world data by filtering, sorting, and using pivot tables; exploring data; visualizing data; using programming tools to analyze data through a statistical lens. Statistical topics include: center and spread of data, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, regression, causality, classification and prediction.

(Normally offered every fall semester.)

MATH 1600 Calculus I (5 hours)

An introduction to calculus of a single variable. Topics include limits, continuity, differentiation, and beginning integration with applications. Assignments are given that help build proficiency in the use of a computer algebra system.
Prerequisite(s): Math ACT score of at least 27, or a grade of "C" or better in MATH 1470 Trigonometry or MATH-1400, or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Mathematical Problem Solving
MATH 1610 Calculus II (5 hours)

A continuation of MATH 1600 Calculus I. Topics studied include integration techniques and applications, differential equations, numerical approximations, sequences and series, and vectors. Assignments are given that help build proficiency in the use of a computer algebra system.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair or grade of "C" or better in MATH 1600 Calculus I.
(Normally offered each semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Mathematical Problem Solving
MATH 2200 Foundations of Modern Mathematics (3 hours)

This course develops some of the most fundamental ideas and techniques underpinning all of mathematics. We will investigate questions such as: What is the structure of deductive logic? How do mathematicians ascertain and communicate truth? How are numbers and infinities constructed? Are there limits to mathematical understanding? Emphasis will be placed on strengthening the ability to write clear, precise arguments in the context of mathematical foundations (logic, numbers, sets, functions, etc.). This course is open to students from all majors and requires no specific mathematics background.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 1100 College Algebra or MATH 1300 Statistics or MATH 1600 Calculus I or permission of the instructor.

(Normally offered each spring semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Mathematical Problem Solving
Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Writing Instructive
Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Science and Religion Thread
MATH 2600 Calculus III (4 hours)

An introduction to multivariable calculus. Topics include vector-valued functions, functions of several variables, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and analysis. Assignments are given that help build proficiency in the use of a computer algebra system.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department chair or grade of "C" or better in MATH 1610 Calculus II.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Mathematical Problem Solving
MATH 3100 Differential Equations (4 hours)

A study of ordinary differential equations. Topics include first- and higher-order, linear and nonlinear differential equations with applications. Additional topics may be chosen from systems of differential equations, transform techniques, and numerical methods. Use will be made of a computer algebra system.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MATH 1610 Calculus II.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

MATH 3200 Linear Algebra (3 hours)

A study of vector spaces, determinants, linear transformations, matrices, matrix equations, and their applications in the natural and social sciences.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MATH 1610 Calculus II.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

MATH 3300 Mathematical Statistics I (3 hours)

An introduction to basic probability and statistics concepts with an emphasis on applications. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, Bayes' Theorem, discrete and continuous probability distributions, joint probability distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MATH 1610 Calculus II.
(Normally offered fall of even-numbered years.)

MATH 3500 Geometry (3 hours)

Selected topics from Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry, geometry as a mathematical structure, and geometry as a study of invariants of set transformations.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MATH 2200 Foundations of Modern Mathematics.
(Normally offered fall of odd-numbered years.)

MATH 4200 Abstract Algebra I (4 hours)

A study of various algebraic systems arising in modern mathematics, such as groups and rings.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MATH 2200 Foundations of Modern Mathematics.
(Normally offered fall of even-numbered years.)

MATH 4300 Real Analysis (4 hours)

A formal approach to limits, continuity, differentiation, and integration with emphasis on the proofs of theorems. Additional topics may include topology, uniform continuity, and uniform convergence.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MATH 2200 Foundations of Modern Mathematics and MATH 1610 Calculus II.
(Normally offered spring of even-numbered years.)

MATH 4800 Research Experience (0-3 hours)

A guided, original research experience on a mathematical topic. This course will culminate in a conference-style presentation and written report. Students will keep a reflection journal throughout the experience.

Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Experiential Learning: Intensive
MATH 4980 Mathematics Seminar (3 hours)

A study of topics of special interest in mathematics. Students begin the course by studying an advanced topic in mathematics. Students then work on individualized projects culminating in a symposium presentation and survey paper.
Prerequisite(s): Major in mathematics, senior standing, grade of "C" or better in either MATH 4200 Abstract Algebra I or MATH 4300 Real Analysis, and permission of the instructor. 
(Normally offered fall semester of odd years.)

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Writing Instructive
Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Speaking Instructive