Undergraduate Courses

MATH 110. Introduction to Mathematical Communication and Software (1)
Mathematical text editors. Mathematical composition and exposition. Posting mathematical material on the Web. Basics of computer symbolic manipulation (Mathematica). Computer vector/matrix manipulation and applications (MATLAB). Basic computer statistical methods (Minitab). Integration of output from computer calculations into text.

MATH 120. Elementary Functions and Analytic Geometry (3)
Polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions (emphasis on computation, graphing, and location of roots) straight lines and conic sections. Primarily a precalculus course for the student without a good background in trigonometric functions and graphing and/or analytic geometry. Not open to students with credit for MATH 121 or MATH 125. Prereq: Three years of high school mathematics.

MATH 121. Calculus for Science and Engineering I (4)
Functions, analytic geometry of lines and polynomials, limits, derivatives of algebraic and trigonometric functions. Definite integral, antiderivatives, fundamental theorem of calculus, change of variables. Prereq: Three and one half years of high school mathematics.

MATH 122. Calculus for Science and Engineering II (4)
Continuation of MATH 121. Exponentials and logarithms, growth and decay, inverse trigonometric functions, related rates, basic techniques of integration, area and volume, polar coordinates, parametric equations. Taylor polynomials and Taylor's theorem. Prereq: MATH 121.

MATH 124. Calculus II (4)
Review of differentiation. Techniques of integration, and applications of the definite integral. Parametric equations and polar coordinates. Taylor's theorem. Sequences, series, power series. Complex arithmetic. Introduction to multivariable calculus. Prereq: MATH 123 and placement by the department.

MATH 125. Mathematics I (4)
Discrete and continuous probability; differential and integral calculus of one variable; graphing, related rates, maxima and minima. Integration techniques, numerical methods, volumes, areas. Applications to the physical, life, and social sciences. Students planning to take more than two semesters of introductory mathematics should take MATH 121. Prereq: Three and one half years of high school mathematics.

MATH 126. Mathematics II (4)
Continuation of MATH 125 covering differential equations, multivariable calculus, discrete methods. Partial derivatives, maxima and minima for functions of two variables, linear regression. Differential equations; first and second order equations, systems, Taylor series methods; Newton's method; difference equations. Prereq: MATH 125.

MATH 150. Mathematics from a Mathematician's Perspective (3)
An interesting and accessible mathematical topic not covered in the standard curriculum is developed. Students are exposed to methods of mathematical reasoning and historical progression of mathematical concepts. Introduction to the way mathematicians work and their attitude toward their profession. Should be taken in freshman year to count toward a major in mathematics. Prereq: Three and one half years of high school mathematics.

MATH 201. Introduction to Linear Algebra (3)
Matrix operations, systems of linear equations, vector spaces, subspaces, bases and linear independence, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization of matrices, linear transformations, determinants. Less theoretical than MATH 307. May not be taken for credit by mathematics majors. Only one of MATH 201 or MATH 307 may be taken for credit. Prereq: MATH 122 or MATH 126.

MATH 223. Calculus for Science and Engineering III (3)
Introduction to vector algebra; lines and planes. Functions of several variables: partial derivatives, gradients, chain rule, directional derivative, maxima/minima. Multiple integrals, cylindrical and spherical coordinates. Derivatives of vector valued functions, velocity and acceleration. Vector fields, line integrals, Green's theorem. Prereq: MATH 122.

MATH 224. Elementary Differential Equations (3)
A first course in ordinary differential equations. First order equations and applications, linear equations with constant coefficients, linear systems, Laplace transforms, numerical methods of solution. Prereq: MATH 223.

MATH 227. Calculus III (3)
Vector algebra and geometry. Linear maps and matrices. Calculus of vector valued functions. Derivatives of functions of several variables. Multiple integrals. Vector fields and line integrals. Prereq: MATH 124 or placement by department.

MATH 228. Differential Equations (3)
Elementary ordinary differential equations: first order equations; linear systems; applications; numerical methods of solution. Prereq: MATH 227.

MATH 301. Undergraduate Reading Course (1-3)
Students must obtain the approval of a supervising professor before registration. More than one credit hour must be approved by the undergraduate committee of the department.

MATH 302. Problem Solving Seminar (1)
A seminar devoted to methods of solving problems in various areas of mathematics. Content varies. Students may take this course for credit up to four times.

MATH 303. Elementary Number Theory (3)
Primes and divisibility, theory of congruencies, and number theoretic functions. Diophantine equations, quadratic residue theory, and other topics determined by student interest. Emphasis on problem solving (formulating conjectures and justifying them). Prereq: MATH 122.

MATH 304. Discrete Mathematics (3)
A general introduction to basic mathematical terminology and the techniques of abstract mathematics in the context of discrete mathematics. Topics introduced are mathematical reasoning, Boolean connectives, deduction, mathematical induction, sets, functions and relations, algorithms, graphs, combinatorial reasoning. Prereq: MATH 122 or MATH 126.

MATH 305. Introduction to Advanced Mathematics. (3)

A course on the theory and practice of writing, and reading mathematics. Main topics are logic and the language of mathematics, proof techniques, set theory, and functions. Additional topics may include introductions to number theory, group theory, topology, or other areas of advanced mathematics.  Prereq: MATH 122 or MATH 124 or MATH 126.

MATH 307. Introduction to Abstract Algebra I (3)
First semester of an integrated, two-semester theoretical course in abstract and linear algebra, studied on an axiomatic basis. The major algebraic structures studied are groups, rings, fields, modules, vector spaces, and inner product spaces. Topics include homomorphisms and quotient structures, the theory of polynomials, canonical forms for linear transformations and the principal axis theorem. This course is required of all students majoring in mathematics. Only one of MATH 201 or MATH 307 may be taken for credit. Prereq: MATH 122.

MATH 308. Introduction to Abstract Algebra II (3)
Continuation of MATH 307. Prereq: MATH 307.

MATH 319. Applied Probability and Stochastic Processes for Biology (3)
Applications of probability and stochastic processes to biological systems. Mathematical topics will include: introduction to discrete and continuous probability spaces (including numerical generation of pseudo random samples from specified probability distributions), Markov processes in discrete and continuous time with discrete and continuous sample spaces, point processes including homogeneous and inhomogeneous Poisson processes and Markov chains on graphs, and diffusion processes including Brownian motion and the Ornstein- Uhlenbeck process. Biological topics will be determined by the interests of the students and the instructor. Likely topics include:  stochastic ion channels, molecular motors and stochastic ratchets,  actin and tubulin polymerization, random walk models for neural spike trains, bacterial chemotaxis, signaling and genetic regulatory networks, and stochastic predator-prey dynamics. The emphasis will be on practical simulation and analysis of stochastic phenomena in biological systems. Numerical methods will be developed using both MATLAB and the R statistical package. Student projects will comprise a major part of the course. Prereq: MATH 224 or MATH 228 or BIOL 300 or BIOL 306.  Cross-listed as BIOL 319, BIOL 419, EECS 319

MATH 321. Fundamentals of Analysis I (3)
Abstract mathematical reasoning in the context of analysis in Euclidean space. Introduction to formal reasoning, sets and functions, and the number systems. Sequences and series; Cauchy sequences and convergence. Required for all mathematics majors. Prereq: MATH 223.

MATH 322. Fundamentals of Analysis II (3)
Continuation of MATH 321. Point-set topology in metric spaces with attention to n-dimensional space; completeness, compactness, connectedness, and continuity of functions. Topics in sequences, series of functions, uniform convergence, Fourier series and polynomial approximation. Theoretical development of differentiation and Riemann integration. Required for all mathematics majors. Prereq: MATH 321.

MATH 324. Introduction to Complex Analysis (3)
Properties, singularities, and representations of analytic functions, complex integration. Cauchy's theorems, series residues, conformal mapping and analytic continuation. Riemann surfaces. Relevance to the theory of physical problems. Prereq: MATH 224.

MATH 326. Geometry and Complex Analysis. (3)

The theme of this course will be the interplay between geometry and complex analysis, algebra and other fields of mathematics. An effort will be made to highlight significant, unexpected connections between major fields, illustrating the

unity of mathematics. The choice of text(s) and syllabus itself will be flexible, to be adapted to the range of interests and backgrounds of pre-enrolled students. Possible topics include: the Mobius group and its subgroups, hyperbolic geometry,

elliptic functions, Riemann surfaces, applications of conformal mapping, and potential theory in classical physical models. Offered as MATH 326 and MATH 426. Prereq: MATH 324.

MATH 327. Convexity and Optimization (3)
Introduction to the theory of convex sets and functions and to the extremes in problems in areas of mathematics where convexity plays a role. Among the topics discussed are basic properties of convex sets (extreme points, facial structure of polytopes), separation theorems, duality and polars, properties of convex functions, minima and maxima of convex functions over convex set, various optimization problems. Prereq: MATH 223 or consent.

MATH 330. Scientific Computing: Fundamentals and Applications (3)
An introductory survey to Scientific Computing, from principles to applications. Topics include accuracy and efficiency, conditioning and stability, numerical solution of linear and nonlinear systems, optimization, interpolation, quadrature rules, numerical solutions of ODEs and PDEs. Coreq: MATH 224.

MATH 333. Mathematics and Brain. (3)

This course is intended for upper undergraduate students in Mathematics, Cognitive Science, Biomedical Engineering, Biology or Neuroscience who have an interest in quantitative investigation of the brain and its functions. Students will be

introduced to a variety of mathematical techniques needed to model and simulate different brain functions, and to analyze the results of the simulations and of available measured data. The mathematical exposition will be followed - when appropriate - by the corresponding implementation in Matlab. The course will cover some basic topics in the mathematical aspects of differential equations, electromagnetism, Inverse problems and Imaging related to brain functions. Validation and falsification of the mathematical models in the light of available experimental data will be addressed. This course will be a first step towards organizing the different brain investigative modalities within a unified mathematical framework. A final presentation and written report are part of the course requirements. Prereq: MATH 224 or MATH 228.

MATH 338. Introduction to Dynamical Systems (3)
Nonlinear discrete dynamical systems in one and two dimensions. Chaotic dynamics, elementary bifurcation theory, hyperbolicity, symbolic dynamics, structural stability, stable manifold theory. Prereq: MATH 223.

MATH 342. Introduction to Research in Mathematical Biology. (1)

The purpose of this seminar is to introduce students to some of the research being done at Case that explores questions at the intersection of mathematics and biology. Students will explore roughly five research collaborations, spending two weeks with each research group. In the first three classes of each two-week block, students will read and discuss relevant papers, guided by members of that research group, and the two-week period will culminate in a talk in which a member of the research group will present a potential undergraduate project in that area. After the final group’s talk, students will divide themselves into groups of two to four people and choose one project for further exploration. Together, they will write up this project as a research proposal, introducing the problem, explaining how it connects to broader scientific questions, and outlining the proposed work. It is expected that students will use the associated research group as a resource, but

the proposal should be their own work. Students will submit a first draft, receive feedback, and then submit a revised draft. Offered as BIOL 309 and MATH 342.

MATH 343. Theoretical Computer Science (3)
Introduction to mathematical logic, different classes of automata and their correspondence to different classes of formal languages, recursive functions and computability, assertions and program verification, denotational semantics. MATH/EECS 343 and MATH 410 cannot both be taken for credit. Prereq: MATH 304 and EECS 340. Cross-listed as EECS 343.

MATH 351. Senior Project for the Mathematics and Physics Program. (2)

A two-semester course (2 credits per semester) in the joint B.S. in Mathematics and Physics program. Project based on numerical and/or theoretical research under the supervision of a mathematics faculty member, possibly jointly with a faculty

member from physics. Study of the techniques utilized in a specific research area and of recent literature associated with the project. Work leading to meaningful results which are to be presented as a term paper and an oral report at the end

of the second semester. Supervising faculty will review progress with the student on a regular basis, including detailed progress reports made twice each semester, to ensure successful completion of the work.

MATH 352. Mathematics Capstone. (3)

Mathematics Senior Project. Students pursue a project based on experimental, theoretical or teaching research under the supervision of a mathematics faculty member, a faculty member from another Case department or a research scientist or engineer from another institution. A departmental Senior Project Coordinator must approve all project proposals and this same person will receive regular oral and written progress reports. Final results are presented at the end of the second semester as a paper in a style suitable for publication in a professional journal as well as an oral report in a public Mathematics Capstone symposium.

MATH 361. Geometry I. (3)

An introduction to the various two-dimensional geometries, including Euclidean, spherical, hyperbolic, projective, and affine. The course will examine the axiomatic basis of geometry, with an emphasis on transformations. Topics include the parallel postulate and its alternatives, isometrics and transformation groups, tilings, the hyperbolic plane and its models, spherical geometry, affine and projective transformations, and other topics. We will examine the role of complex and hypercomplex numbers in the algebraic representation of transformations. The course is self-contained. Prereq: MATH 224.

MATH 363. Knot Theory (3)
An introduction to the mathematical theory of knots and links, with emphasis on the modern combinatorial methods. Reidemeister moves on link projections, ambient and regular isotopies, linking number tricolorability, rational tangles, braids, torus knots, seifert surfaces and genus, the knot polynomials (bracket, X, Jones, Alexander, HOMFLY), crossing numbers of alternating knots and amphicheirality. Connections to theoretical physics, molecular biology, and other scientific applications will be pursued in term projects, as appropriate to the background and interests of the students. Prereq: MATH 223.

MATH 376. Dynamics of Biological Systems II: Tools for Mathematical Biology. (3)

Building on the material in Biology 300, this course focuses on the mathematical tools used to construct and analyze biological models, with examples drawn largely from ecology but also from epidemiology, developmental biology, and other

areas. Analytic "paper and pencil" techniques are emphasized, but we will also use computers to help develop intuition. By the end of the course, students should be able to recognize basic building blocks in biological models, be able to perform simple analysis, and be more fluent in translating between verbal and mathematical descriptions. Offered as BIOL 306 and MATH 376. Prereq: BIOL 300 or MATH 224 or consent of instructor.

MATH 378: Computational Neuroscience (3)
Computer simulations and mathematical analysis of neurons and neural circuits, and the computational properties of nervous systems. Students are taught a range of models for neurons and neural circuits, and are asked to implement and explore the computational and dynamic properties of these models. The course introduces students to dynamical systems theory for the analysis of neurons and neural circuits, as well as a cable theory, passive and active compartmental modeling, numerical integration methods, models of plasticity and learning, models of brain systems, and their relationship to artificial and neural networks. Term project required. Students enrolled in MATH 478 will make arrangements with the instructor to attend additional lectures and complete additional assignments addressing mathematical topics related to the course. Prereq: MATH 223 & MATH 224 or BIOL 300 & BIOL 306, or consent of department. Cross-listed as EBME 478, EECS 478, MATH 478, NEUR 478

MATH 380. Introduction to Probability (3)
Combinatorial analysis. Permutations and combinations. Axioms of probability. Sample space and events. Equally likely outcomes. Conditional probability. Bayes' formula. Independent events and trials. Discrete random variables, probability mass functions. Expected value, variance. Bernoulli, binomial, Poisson, geometric, negative binomial random variables. Continuous random variables, density functions. Expected value and variance. Uniform, normal, exponential, Gamma random variables. The De Moivre-Laplace limit theorem. Joint probability mass functions and densities. Independent random variables and the distribution of their sums. Covariance. Conditional expectations and distributions (discrete case). Moment generating functions. Law of large numbers. Central limit theorem. Additional topics (time permitting): the Poisson process, finite state space Markov chains, entropy. Prereq: MATH 122 or MATH 126.

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW GRADUATE COURSES

Case Western Reserve University

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

HOME | APPLY  | GIVE | VISIT  |  DIRECTORIES | REQUEST INFO  | SEARCH