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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2016-2017
162
MA - Mathematics
MA 124 Precalculus Mathematics (1)
A preparation for students who plan to study calculus. This course focuses on modeling
real-world phenomena using polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and
trigonometric functions. An understanding of these functions is developed graphically,
numerically, analytically, and verbally. Not open to students who have passed MA 231 or
equivalent.
MA 150 Introduction to Mathematical Modeling (1)
An introduction to important mathematical ideas and their applications in the real world.
This course is designed for non-mathematics/science majors and includes topics from a
variety of mathematical areas at the discretion of the instructor. Possible topics include
population modeling, the mathematics of interest and loans, environmental modeling,
probability, statistics, and the mathematics of social choice. Not open to students who
have passed MA 231 or equivalent.
MA 160 Introduction to Probability (1)
An introduction to probability using a problem-solving approach. This course is designed
for non-mathematics/science majors. Topics include elementary probability, independent
events, conditional probability, probability distributions, expected value, combinations,
permutations, and applications of probability and counting. The course focuses on
applied problems throughout and extended projects further illustrate applications of these
areas of mathematics.
MA 207 General Statistics (1)
An investigation of four fundamental topics in statistics: displaying data, producing data,
probability, and statistical inference. The course uses a statistical software package.
MA 208 Statistics for Education (1)
A statistics, measurement, and assessment course for education; provides students with
the assessment literacy that is required for teachers to be effective. Research skills will be
developed through addressing authentic educational problems requiring statistical
understanding and solutions, and utilizing research applicable in the K-12 classroom. The
course will also provide a framework to strengthen participants’ capacity to make data-
informed assessment and measurement choices and defend those choices to education
stakeholders.
MA 231 Calculus I (1)
A course in calculus emphasizing graphical, numerical, analytical, and descriptive points
of view. Topics include functions, derivatives, definite integrals, and the Fundamental
Theorem of Calculus. A primary learning objective is a working knowledge of
differentiation. Not open to students who have passed MA 232 or equivalent.
MA 232 Calculus II (1)
A continuation of Calculus I. This course continues to emphasize graphical, numerical,