Graduate Mathematics Course Descriptions

MATH 501    Arithmetic and Algebraic Structures for Middle School Teachers    Three Credit Hours
    This course is designed to relate the content of arithmetic and algebraic structures to middle school teachers. It will address the special needs of middle school teachers and identify resources and assistance. Course instruction will model the recommendations of NCTM and the content will be consistent with the South Carolina Curriculum standards.

MATH 505    Mathematics for Middle and Secondary School Teachers    Three Credit Hours
and MATH 506
    These courses are designed to introduce students to topics in finite mathematics with applications to “real” world problems. Either spreadsheets or some other technology will be used to model the problems and expedite the calculations.

MATH 509    Geometry and Measurement for Middle School Teachers   Three Credit Hours
    A course designed to introduce appropriate geometric concepts and measurements for middle school. Course instruction will model the recommendations of NCTM and the content will be consistent with South Carolina Curriculum standards.

MATH 510    Problem Solving Techniques    Three Credit Hours
    Strategies and techniques for problem solving will be introduced and used to solve mathematical problems. The emphasis will be on middle and secondary level problem solving. A major portion of the course consists of hands-on experience in problem solving, both individually and in groups.

MATH 511    Number Theory    Three Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: permission of the department head.
    The Euclidean algorithm; prime and composite integers, elementary Diophantine equations, Pythagorean triples, Euler's phi-function, congruences, Euler-Fermat theorems, exponents and primitive roots, quadratic residues.

MATH 512    History of Mathematics    Three Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: twelve hours of college level mathematics which includes calculus.
    A survey of the development of mathematics from the time of the ancients to the present, analysis of causes for the retardation of the advancement of mathematics in different centuries, contributions by under represented cultures and selected reading to show the contributions of mathematics to the development of science.

MATH 514    Methods for Middle/Secondary Mathematics    Three Credit Hours
    Various methodologies for teaching middle and secondary mathematics will be introduced and used in the course. The emphasis will be on using techniques and ideas suggested in the NCTM standards and South Carolina Frameworks. Ideas on how to supplement textbook material and how to motivate students will be presented. Students in the course will have the opportunity to practice the techniques presented.

MATH 517    Concepts of Pre-Calculus for Middle School Teachers    Three Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: Math 501 or equivalent.
    This course will review the topics in pre-calculus with an emphasis on conceptual understanding and how middle school mathematics leads into pre-calculus. Technology will be used to assist in the motivation and development of algebraic and trigonometric ideas.

MATH 518    Technology in Mathematics Classrooms    Three Credit Hours
  This course will introduce new technological developments and explore ways to use calculators, computers, etc. in the teaching of mathematics.

MATH 519    Using Technology in Teaching Middle School Mathematics    Three Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: Dept. Head Approval
    Note: Credit may not be received for both Math 518 and 519.
    This course will demonstrate how calculators and other technological advances can be used to motivate and develop conceptual understanding of arithmetic, algebra, and geometric concepts. Various applications which make use of calculators will be investigated. The appropriateness of calculator use in teaching certain topics will be discussed.

MATH 521    Modern Geometry    Three Credit Hours
    A reexamination of elementary geometry from an advanced standpoint. Metric and synthetic approaches to plane and solid geometry, topics in non-Euclidean geometry.

MATH 530    Geometric Linear Algebra    Three Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: Permission of the department head
    A linear algebra course which emphasizes the geometry of vectors in two-and three dimensions. Topics include linear transformations, bases, orthogonality, matrix algebra, and applications in the real world as well as applications in mathematics.

MATH 532    Modern Algebra    Three Credit Hours
    An introduction to the terminology, concepts, and methods of modern Abstract Algebra. Topics discussed include groups, rings, integral domains, fields, and isomorphism. Examples drawn from familiar number systems are used to illustrate elementary properties of the systems discussed.

MATH 541    Probability and Statistics for Middle Schoolteachers    Three Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: Department head Approval
    Note: Credit may not be received for both Math 541 and 542.
    The course will demonstrate basic ideas of data collection and the use of elementary statistical ideas to analyze the data. Various graphical representations and models will be explored. Interpretations of the data and possible extrapolations will be investigated.

MATH 542    Probability and Statistics    Three Credit Hours
    Topics will include probability, random variables, important probability distributions, sampling distributions, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, regression, correlation, and analysis of variance. Emphasis will be given to applications in the fields of biology, business, agriculture, political science, and education.

MATH 545    Applications of Discrete Mathematics    Three Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: Permission of the department head
    Discrete mathematical topics are introduced and used in various applications. Included are counting techniques, combinatorics, graph theory, and recurrence relations.

MATH 550    Mathematical Modeling    Three Credit Hours
    The course is designed to strengthen the content knowledge needed to use mathematical modeling as an effective tool in problem solving. Topics include models which require use of some or all of the following: difference equations, curve fitting, graphing, spreadsheets, geometry, matrices, calculus, maximization and minimization, and simulation using random numbers.

MATH 553    Calculus from an Advanced Standpoint    Three Credit Hours
    This course is designed to prepare teachers who may teach the Advanced Placement course in calculus. Emphasis will be on understanding background and concepts involved in the development of calculus. The use of graphing calculators and other technology will be demonstrated and practiced.

MATH 570    Selected Topics    Three Credit Hours
    Special topics which are not covered in other courses. Repeated credit is allowed.

CSCI 562    Microcomputer Applications for Teachers    Three Credit Hours
    Note: This course can be used in Math program, but not in Computer Science
    This course is specifically designed to help teachers/administrators prepare to use microcomputers and Internet resources in their classroom/school. Topics include a general introduction to computers, word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, and telecommunications. Emphasis will be on actual classroom/school applications. This course is not intended for anyone who has already taken another computer course.

CSCI 563    Programming for Teachers    Three Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: CSCI-562 or other computing course.
    This course is an introduction to problem solving and programming skills. It is aimed at developing strategies and programs that teachers can use with middle and high school students.