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Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2017-2018
176
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
approach. Topics include axiomatic systems, formal Euclidean geometry, geometric
transformations, non-Euclidean geometries. Prerequisite: MA 232.
MA 321 Probability Theory (1)
An introduction to probability theory, conditional probability, Bayes’ formula, random
variables, expected value, variance, discrete and continuous probability distributions.
Prerequisite: MA 310.
MA 335 Transition to Higher Mathematics (1)
An introduction to the logic and methods used in advanced mathematics, with emphasis
on understanding and constructing proofs. Prerequisite: MA 232. Spring.
MA 372 Mathematical Problem Solving in Business, Industry and Government I (1)
An independent research project in applied mathematics where students investigate a
problem supplied by a partner from business, industry, or government (BIG). Students
work closely with a supervising faculty member, provide periodic progress reports to
their BIG liaison, and present their results formally in writing and in a video.
Prerequisite: MA 310.
MA 422 Mathematical Statistics (1)
An investigation of selected topics in statistics from a theoretical viewpoint. Topics may
include sampling distributions, point estimation, interval estimation, hypothesis testing,
regression and correlation, analysis of variance, and nonparametric methods. Prerequisite:
MA 321.
MA 441 Mathematical Finance (1)
An introduction to the mathematical theory of finance, aimed at mathematics students
and quantitatively oriented business and economics students. Topics may include
arbitrage, binomial trees, futures, interest rates, and options. Prerequisite: MA 310.
MA 451 Abstract Algebra (1
)
Topics include binary operations, groups, subgroups, group homomorphisms, factor
groups, and a brief introduction to rings and fields. Prerequisite: MA 335.
MA 454 Numerical Analysis (1)
An introduction to numerical methods of solution and their analysis. Topics include
computer arithmetic, propagation of error, systems of linear and non-linear equations,
numerical integration, curve fitting, and differential equations. Prerequisite: MA 310.
MA 455 Introduction to Topology (1)
An introduction to the topology of Euclidean space and/or surfaces. Topics include
continuity, compactness, cell complexes, and the classification of surfaces. Applications
include fixed-point theorems, the Jordan curve theorem, and map colorings.
Prerequisites: MA 310 and MA 335.