College Catalog
One College Avenue, Williamsport PA 17701-5799 · (570) 326-3761 or (800) 367-9222
Course Descriptions
Pre-Algebra
MTH004
Requisite mathematical foundation skills in preparation for Career Math or Elementary Algebra. An extensive review of fundamental arithmetic concepts and skills, with a focus on problem solving and an introduction to algebraic representation. Topics include arithmetic operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, and the English System of measurement. Also included are topics from basic geometry and an introduction to linear algebraic equations as well as formulas and other selected topics. The general format includes whole-class instruction (lecturing, questioning, and discussion), collaborative group work and individual activities. Students use a graphing calculator to enhance their thinking and understanding, to solve problems, and to judge the reasonableness of their results. Credits earned in this course may not be used to satisfy any course requirement or be used as electives required in a given program. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): Placement by Examination.
Elementary Algebra I
MTH005
Designed for students with little or no background in algebra, prepares students for entry into Elementary Algebra II and into introductory college-level mathematics courses below college algebra and trigonometry. Topics include real numbers, variable expressions, linear equations in one and two variables, inequalities, exponents and scientific notation, polynomial operations, and application problems. Math study skills are taught, emphasized, and reinforced throughout the course. The instructional approach will be a combination of lectures and labs and involves active student participation in learning about, discovering, and communicating mathematical concepts. The general format centers on direct whole-class instruction. Other delivery strategies include appropriate, collaborative group activities and individual practice to promote understanding. Multiple approaches and representations are used: verbal, numerical, graphical and symbolic, with sufficient opportunities for students to revisit and extend concepts and applications. Students use technology to enhance their thinking and understanding, to solve problems and to judge the reasonableness of their results. Credits earned in this course may not be used to satisfy any course requirement or be used as electives required in a given program. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH004 or MTH009 or Placement by Examination.
Elementary Algebra II
MTH006
Designed for students with a limited background in algebra, this course prepares students for success in College Algebra and Trigonometry I. Topics include systems of linear equations, polynomial division and special products, factoring, rational expressions, radical expressions, quadratic equations, functions, and application problems. Math study skills are emphasized and reinforced throughout the course. The instructional approach combines lectures and labs and involves active student participation in learning about, discovering, and communicating mathematical concepts. The general format centers on direct whole-class instruction. Other delivery strategies include appropriate, collaborative group activities and individual practice to promote understanding. Multiple approaches and representations are used: verbal, numerical, graphical and symbolic, with sufficient opportunities for students to revisit and extend concepts and applications. Students use technology to enhance their thinking and understanding, to solve problems, and to judge the reasonableness of their results. Credits earned in this course may not be used to satisfy any course requirement or be used as electives required in a given program. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH005 or Placement by Examination.
Career Mathematics
MTH011
A survey of practical mathematics designed for students enrolled in certificate programs in technical areas that need mathematics at the pre-algebra level and only minimal skills in basic algebra. This course prepares students to use their math skills to compare and analyze mathematical applications. Topics include a basic math review; use of technology; systems of measurement; solutions of simple algebraic equations including ratio and proportion; algebraic graphs; practical plane geometry; solid geometry; right angle geometry; interpretation of data including formulas, graphs and tables; descriptive statistics; personal financial calculations; and vectors. Weekly laboratory experiences enhance classroom lecture to provide a more thorough understanding of concepts and topics through readings, group activities, discussions, demonstrations, projects, activities involving technology, hands-on construction, and models. 3 Credits (2.50 Lecture - 1.50 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH009 or MTH004 or Placement by Examination.
Business Mathematics
MTH113
Designed for programs where knowledge of business concepts is appropriate. Topics include linear and quadratic functions, systems of linear equations and inequalities, proportions, graphing, metric system, cash and trade discounts, markup and markdown, payroll, interest, descriptive statistics, interpretation of data presented in graphs and tables, depreciation, breakeven analysis, valuation of inventory, and business applications of all the above topics. Students will use technology to enhance their thinking and understanding, to solve problems, and to judge the reasonableness of their results. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH005 or Placement by Examination.
Technical Algebra and Trigonometry I
MTH124
First of a two-course sequence designed for students in technical programs, this course prepares students for course work in their major by giving them a background in intermediate algebra and trigonometry. Topics include problem solving, algebraic expressions, linear equations, systems of equations, right triangle trigonometry, functions, graphs, geometry, ratio and proportion, and variation. Emphasis on problem solving and applications relating to technical fields as well as on the use of technology to solve those problems. This course and MTH125, Technical Algebra and Trigonometry II, are not designed to prepare students for calculus. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH005 or Placement by Examination.
Technical Algebra and Trigonometry II
MTH125
Second of a two-course sequence designed for students in technical programs, this course prepares students for course work in their major by giving them a background in algebra and trigonometry. Topics include factoring, algebraic fractions and equations, quadratic equations, trigonometric functions and graphs, radicals, complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic functions and graphs, nonlinear systems, and inequalities. Emphasis on problem solving and applications relating to technical fields as well as on the use of technology to solve those problems. This course and MTH124, Technical Algebra and Trigonometry I, are not designed to prepare students for calculus. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH124.
Structures of Mathematics
MTH151
General education course for non-mathematics and non-science majors. Topics include set theory, logic, introduction to the real number system (whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, decimals and real numbers), elementary algebra (solutions of first and second degree equations, graphs of relations and functions) and problem solving. The emphasis is on the interconnections of mathematical concepts. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH005 or Placement by Examination.
Topics in Mathematics
MTH153
General education course for non-mathematics and non-science majors. Topics will include geometry (points, lines, polygons, area, volume, and surface area), matrices, probability (sample spaces, counting techniques, conditional probability, odds), and statistics (measures of central tendency and dispersion, normal distribution, scatter plots). The emphasis is on the interconnections of mathematical concepts. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH005 or Placement by Examination.
Elementary Statistics with Computer Applications
MTH160
Introduction of frequently applied statistical methods. Topics include descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, elementary probability, binomial and normal distributions, Central Limit Theorem, statistical inference, estimation, tests of hypotheses, regression, and correlation. Computer applications include the creative use of plots, application of standard methods to real data, in-depth exploration of data, simulation as a learning tool, screening data for errors, manipulating data, transformations, and regression models. 4 Credits (3 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH005 or Placement by Examination.
Introduction to Geometry
MTH172
A survey of classical and modern geometry. No prior exposure to geometry is assumed. Emphasis is placed on conceptual development (thinking, comparing, analyzing, and understanding) and applications requiring knowledge of elementary algebra. Weekly laboratory experiences enhance classroom lecture to provide a more complete and better understanding of geometric concepts and topics through readings, discussions, demonstrations, projects, calculator/computer generations, hands-on construction, and models. Classical geometry topics include systems of measurement, planar and spatial figures, right triangles, area and volume, congruent/similar figures, geometric constructions, pattern recognition, symmetry, coordinate geometric and conic sections, and the geometry of growth. Topics from modern geometry are selected from chaos and fractals, Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry, projective geometry, map making, topology and graph theory. Recommended for technology and General Studies students interested in a basic geometry course. Required for students in the Graphic Design baccalaureate program. 3 Credits (2.50 Lecture - 1.50 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH005 or Placement by Examination.
College Algebra and Trigonometry I
MTH180
Conceptual understanding and contemporary problem solving primarily using the language, symbols and algorithms of algebra are stressed. Designed for all students needing a thorough pre-calculus algebra background with an introduction to trigonometry, this course emphasizes linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions; algebraic models and their graphs. Graphing technology is integrated throughout all course content. Additional topics include equations, inequalities, complex numbers, right triangle trigonometry, trigonometric functions, sine and cosine laws, and other selected topics (higher degree polynomials, Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, rational polynomials) as time permits. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH006 or MTH125 or Placement by Examination.
College Algebra and Trigonometry II
MTH182
Continued study of the concepts and applications of MTH180, focusing on conceptual understanding and problem solving using the language, symbols and algorithms of algebra, trigonometry, matrices and determinants. Designed for students needing a comprehensive pre-calculus algebra, trigonometry and introductory matrix background, this course emphasizes inverse, exponential, logarithmic, circular and trigonometric functions, models and their graphs. Graphing technology is integrated throughout the algebraic and trigonometric course content. Additional topics include analytic trigonometry, solution to trigonometric equations, vectors in the plane, trigonometric form of complex numbers, multivariable linear systems, systems of inequalities, matrices and determinants (with emphasis on technology solutions to linear systems) and other selected topics (polar coordinates, conics) as time permits. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH180.
Pre-Calculus
MTH190
One-semester course designed for mathematics, science, engineering, and technology students preparing for the study of calculus or related quantitative science and technology. Emphasis on the meaningful development of concepts, the interrelationships or connections among topics, and the application of mathematics to the solutions of realistic problems. Topics include algebra, functions and graphs (including polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions), analytic trigonometry, trigonometric applications and systems of equations. This course may be taken by students whose mathematical preparation enables them to study an accelerated one-semester course instead of the College's two-semester sequence MTH 180 & MTH 182, College Algebra and Trigonometry I and II. This course may not be taken for credit by students who have successfully completed MTH 180 and MTH 182. 4 Credits (4 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): Placement by Examination.
Statistical Methods with Computer Applications
MTH210
Continuation of statistical theories and applications used widely in applied fields. Topics include experimental design and survey, use of the Chi-square, geometric and Poisson distributions, analysis of variance, analysis of regression and correlation, and non-parametric statistics. Course work includes analysis of appropriate research, computer applications using Minitab, and a project. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH006 and MTH160 or MTH160 and Placement by Examination. Spring Only.
Applied Calculus
MTH230
Relations and functions, conics, limits, derivatives and integration of algebraic, trigonometric and transcendental functions, methods of integration, and applied problem solving. Excellent preparation for students who intend to sit for the Engineer in Training Examination. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH182 or MTH190 or Placement by Examination.
Calculus I
MTH240
Algebra review. Functions, limits, continuity, derivatives, velocity, rates of change, chain rule, curve sketching, related rates, maximum-minimum theorems, differentials, applications, antiderivatives. 4 Credits (4 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH182 or MTH190 or Placement by Examination.
Calculus II
MTH242
Continuation of MTH 240. Emphasizes the definite integral, applications of integration, transcendental functions, techniques of integration, and other selected topics. 4 Credits (4 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH240.
Discrete Mathematics
MTH250
Introduction to discrete structures. Topics include logic and proof, sets, combinatorics, graphs, modeling, homomorphisms, Boolean algebra, logic networks, coding theory, finite state machines and computability, formal languages and general algebraic structures emphasizing semigroups, monoids and groups. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH240. As needed.
Linear Algebra
MTH255
The study of vector spaces. Topics include linear independence, bases and dimension, linear transformation matrices, and systems of linear equations. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH240. As needed.
Calculus III
MTH340
Continuation of MTH 242. Topics and applications include vectors and their properties in n-space, vector valued functions of several variables, partial derivatives, double and triple integrals, scaler and vector fields, line integrals, and an introduction to differential equations. 4 Credits (4 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH242. Fall Only.
Ordinary Differential Equations
MTH346
One-semester course for mathematics, science, engineering technology, and technology students. Emphasis on the meaningful development of concepts, the interrelationships or connections among topics, and the application of mathematics to the solutions of realistic problems. Topics include techniques for solving first order separable and nonseparable differential equations, homogeneous and nonhomogeneous higher order linear differential equations, linear systems of differential equations, Laplace transformations, series solutions of second order linear equations, applications, and existence theorems. 4 Credits (4 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH242. Spring Only.