Math Courses at West Chester University

Located in Chester County, Pennsylvania, West Chester University is a public university offering various undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral academic programs. One of the notable alumni of West Chester is Bill Scottoline who is a partner at S&S Interior Painting LLC and the current president of the WCU Alumni Association.

Under the Department of Mathematics, undergraduate students are offered various courses that contribute towards different kinds of degrees in mathematics and mathematics education. Below are some of the math courses offered at West Chester.

1. MAT 125 - Introduction to Statistics and Probability

This course introduces students to the concepts of probability, statistics, and statistical inference. Students who want to enroll in the course need to attain a satisfactory score on the placement exam. The course instructed by Premalatha Junius will expose students to various topics like descriptive statistics, probability, probability distributions, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing among others. The course is applicable in various professional fields including research, statistics, computer science, and business.

2. MAT 115 - Algebra, Functions, and Trigonometry

Students that wish to take this course need to have a minimum grade of C- in MAT Q30 or a satisfactory score on the Mathematics Placement Examination. The course discusses fundamental concepts in algebra and trigonometry. The course instructed by Mark McKibben also prepares students for MAT 143 or MAT 145. Some of the major topics discussed in the course include polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Concepts learned in the course are applicable in various career fields such as business, architecture, and engineering among others.

3. MAT 200 - The Nature of Mathematics

Instructed by Clifford Johnston, this course introduces students to the concepts of intermediary maths. To enroll in the course, students should attain a minimum grade of C in MAT 161. Some of the topics discussed in the course include the role of mathematics in contemporary society, career opportunities, mathematical notation and argument, and structure of proofs among others. The course is recommended those in math and other math-related programs.

4. MAT 261 - Calculus III

This is the third calculus course offered by the Math department. The course discusses concepts related to the calculus of several variables. Students will learn various topics including polar coordinates, vectors and three-dimensional analytic geometry, differentiation of functions of several variables, multiple integrals, and line and surface integrals. To enroll in the course, students must have attained a minimum of grade C in MAT 162. The course is instructed by Peter Zimmer and is applicable in business, engineering, computer science, and biology career fields.

5. MAT 311 - Linear Algebra

This course is instructed by Scott Parsell. He covers topics such as matrices, systems of linear equations, vector spaces, linear transformation, determinants, eigenvalues, spectral theorem, and triangulation. The course is applicable in data science, economics, cryptography, and economics professional fields. Students must successfully complete MAT 162 before beginning this course.

6. MAT 343 - Differential Equations

This course introduces and extensively covers the concepts of differential equations. To enroll in the course, a minimum grade of C should be attained in MAT 162 and MAT 311. Some of the topics discussed in the course include linear differential equations including existence and uniqueness criteria, the linearity of the solution space, general solution techniques for variable coefficient equations, and series solutions for variable coefficient equations among others. Clifford Johnston, the course instructor, instills in students the necessary concepts needed in engineering, physics-related, computer science, economics, and finance career fields.

7. MAT 371 - Mathematics of Finance

A minimum score of grade C in MAT 162 should be attained as a requirement to enroll in this course. This course acts as an introduction to the mathematical theory behind the concepts of major finance functions like the measurement of interest, annuities, yield rates, amortization of loans, sinking funds, and yield rates. Professor Jiatian Xu also strives to help students understand how the fundamental concepts of financial mathematics apply in the workplace. The course is recommended for finance majors and those in other business-related programs.

8. MAT 411 - Algebra I

Students in this course study the concepts of abstract algebra. With instructions and guidance from course instructor James McLaughlin, students will familiarize themselves with topics like algebraic systems, groups, rings, integral domains, and fields. To have a chance in this course, students must achieve a minimum grade of C in MAT 200, MAT 261, and MAT 311. The course is applicable in various professional fields including engineering and business.

9. MAT 413 - Computer Algebra 

Instructed by James McLaughlin, this course focuses on the introduction of concepts related to computer algebra packages. The course also reviews some of the important topics in algebra, calculus, and linear algebra. The prerequisites for this course are MAT 162 and MAT 311. The concepts learned in the course can be applied in computer science-related professional fields.

10. MAT 423 - Applied Probability

The course introduces the concepts of applied probability. Students that satisfy the requirements to take the course (a minimum grade of C in MAT 261, MAT 311, and MAT 421) will learn the standard concepts and methods of stochastic modeling and applications of stochastic processes among other topics. The course is instructed by Jiatian Xu and is applicable in statistics-related professional fields.

The department of mathematics at West Chester has many math courses that students can explore. The courses contribute towards students achieving their academic goals and most importantly, directing them towards a successful career. Students can find more about the available math courses via the institution's official website.