Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025

College of Natural and Health Sciences

School of Mathematical Sciences

Please note: All students are required to complete a web-based placement assessment called ALEKS to determine readiness for entry-level mathematics and statistics courses unless they meet certain exceptions. These exceptions are based on various factors such as SAT or ACT scores or previously earned mathematics credit in college-level courses or developmental education courses at a community college. Please see the Exceptions page at the UNC Math Placement website for complete details. Entry-level mathematics and statistics courses that require the ALEKS assessment include MATH 120, MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 127, MATH 131, MATH 171, and STAT 150. More information on ALEKS and a link to the assessment can be found at www.unco.edu/nhs/mathematical-sciences/placement.

MATH 102 Success in the Mathematical Sciences

An introduction to academic life at UNC, the mathematical sciences majors, and careers in the mathematical sciences for incoming freshmen. S/U graded.
1

Offered

Generally offered Fall Annually

Major/Minor Restriction

Include Mathematics Major(s)

Class Restriction

Include Freshman

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 115 Trigonometry Workshop

Study circular functions and their applications, inverse trigonometric functions and identities. S/U graded.
1

Prerequisites

(MATH 124 with a minimum grade of C) and (ALEKS Test Score with a minimum score of 050)

Special Notes

Two years of high school algebra with a grade of C or better may be substituted for MATH 124.

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring - Check with department/school for next offering

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 119 Supplemental Mathematics for Liberal Arts

Provides supplemental academic support for students enrolled in Mathematics and Liberal Arts (MATH 120) including content review and study skills. Required course based on math placement index. S/U graded.
1

Corequisites

MATH 120

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

Major/Minor Restriction

Exclude Mathematics Major(s)/Minor(s)

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with no limitations

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 120 Mathematics and Liberal Arts

This course will develop quantitative literacy skills meaningful in society as an informed citizen and consumer. Topics focus on making decisions with: finances, quantitative representations, set theory, and logic.
3

Prerequisites

(ALEKS Test Score with a minimum score of 030 or (ALEKS Test Score with a minimum score of 000 and Concurrent Prerequisite MATH 119 with a minimum grade of S))

Special Notes

High school GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Major/Minor Restriction

Exclude Mathematics Major(s)/Minor(s)

Course Attribute

LAX1-Mathematics and GT Mathematics

MATH 123 Supplemental Algebra

Provides supplemental academic support for students enrolled in College Algebra (MATH 124) including content review and study skills. Required course based on the math placement index. S/U graded.
1

Corequisites

MATH 124

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with no limitations

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 124 College Algebra

Topics covered in this course include linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices, theory of equations.
4

Prerequisites

(ALEKS Test Score with a minimum score of 041 or (ALEKS Test Score with a minimum score of 025 and Concurrent Prerequisite MATH 123 with a minimum grade of S))

Special Notes

Two years of high school algebra with a grade of C or better or the equivalent.

Course Attribute

LAX1-Mathematics and GT Mathematics

MATH 125 Plane Trigonometry

Study circular functions and their applications, inverse trigonometric functions and identities and cover complex numbers through DeMoivre's Theorem.
3

Prerequisites

MATH 124 with a minimum grade of C

Course Attribute

LAX1-Mathematics and GT Mathematics

MATH 127 Elementary Functions

Prerequisite: Full year of modern, second year high school algebra with the grade of B or better. Develop those skills required in calculus, including polynomial functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, vectors, analytic geometry and polar coordinates.
4

Course Attribute

LAX1-Mathematics and GT Mathematics

MATH 130 Supplemental Calculus

Provides support for students taking Calculus I by reviewing and exploring important prerequisite concepts required for calculus in a timely manner. Topics include relevant areas of algebra, trigonometry and pre-calculus. S/U graded.
1

Prerequisites

(Concurrent Prerequisite MATH 131 or Concurrent Prerequisite MATH 171 with a minimum grade of D-)

Repeatable Status

Course may be repeated 1 time

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 131 Calculus I

First course in a three course sequence in calculus. Differentiation and related concepts, applications of derivatives, including exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions.

4

Prerequisites

(MATH 125 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 127 with a minimum grade of C or ALEKS Test Score with a minimum score of 060 or (ALEKS Test Score with a minimum score of 045 and Concurrent Prerequisite MATH 130 with a minimum grade of S))

Special Notes

High school mathematics up to and including trigonometry with a grade of B or better or college-level trigonometry or elementary function with a grade of C or better.

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

Mutually Exclusive Course

Credit allowed for only one of these courses: MATH 131 and MATH 171

Course Attribute

LAX1-Mathematics and GT Mathematics

MATH 132 Calculus II

Second course in three course sequence in calculus. Integration and applications of integration, sequences and series.

4

Prerequisites

(MATH 131 or MATH 171 with a minimum grade of C)

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

Course Attribute

LAX1-Mathematics and GT Mathematics

MATH 171 Calculus I for Life Sciences

Differentiation and related concepts, applications of derivatives, including exponential. logarithmic and trigonometric functions. Introduction to integration. Emphasis on applications to the life sciences.

4

Prerequisites

(MATH 125 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 127 with a minimum grade of C or ALEKS Test Score with a minimum score of 060 or (ALEKS Test Score with a minimum score of 045 and Concurrent Prerequisite MATH 130 with a minimum grade of S))

Offered

Generally offered Spring Annually

Mutually Exclusive Course

Credit allowed for only one of these courses: MATH 171 and MATH 131

Course Attribute

LAX1-Mathematics and GT Mathematics

MATH 176 Topics in Calculus

Techniques and applications of differential and integral calculus with an emphasis on applications to economics and business.
3

Prerequisites

(MATH 124 with a minimum grade of C or ACT Math with a minimum score of 26 or SAT Mathematics with a minimum score of 560 or SAT Math Section with a minimum score of 580)

Major/Minor Restriction

Exclude Mathematics Major(s)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 181 Fundamentals of Mathematics I: Number and Operations

First of three courses designed for prospective elementary teachers. Emphasizes the real number system and arithmetic operations. Explorations focus on mathematical structures and subsets of real numbers, via patterns, relationships, and properties. Content presented using problem solving and exploration.

3

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

Major/Minor Restriction

Include Elementary Education (and) Special Education Major(s)

Course Attribute

LAX1-Mathematics and GT Mathematics

Course Fee

Course Fee Required

MATH 182 Fundamental Mathematics II: Algebra, Probability and Data Analysis

Second of three courses designed for prospective elementary teachers. Emphasizes algebra, probability, and data analysis. Explorations focus on representing, analyzing, generalizing, formalizing, and communicating patterns and probabilities.

3

Prerequisites

(MATH 181 or MATH 131 with a minimum grade of C)

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

Major/Minor Restriction

Include Elementary Education (and) Special Education Major(s)

Course Attribute

LAX1-Mathematics and GT Mathematics

Course Fee

Course Fee Required

MATH 185 Number Sense and Algebra

Emphasizes development of algebraic reasoning in conjunction with arithmetic operations. Explorations focus on mathematical structures and operations via implementation of various concrete and abstract models, pattern analysis, relationships, and properties. This course is designed for prospective elementary teachers in the mathematics concentration.
3

Offered

Generally offered Fall Annually

Course Attribute

LAX1-Mathematics

MATH 186 Elements of Calculus

This course emphasizes the development of functional reasoning in conjunction with elementary calculus concepts. Explorations focus on functions, limits, structure of the real numbers, continuity, slope and integration concepts. This course is designed for prospective elementary teachers in the mathematics track.
3

Prerequisites

(MATH 185 with a minimum grade of C or (MATH 181 and MATH 182 with a minimum grade of C))

Offered

Generally offered Spring Annually

Course Attribute

LAX1-Mathematics

MATH 221 Elementary Linear Algebra

Vector spaces, linear transformations, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, applications.
3

Prerequisites

MATH 131 with a minimum grade of C

Offered

Generally offered Spring Annually

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 228 Discrete Mathematics

A survey course of non-calculus based mathematics used extensively in computer science and other disciplines. Study sets, types of proofs, logic, recursion and related topics.

3

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 233 Calculus III

Third course in a three course sequence in calculus. Differentiation and integration of functions of several variables, vector functions, parametric equations, Green's Theorem.
4

Prerequisites

MATH 132 with a minimum grade of C

Offered

Generally offered Fall Annually

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 283 Fundamental Mathematics III: Geometry and Measurement

Third of three courses designed for prospective elementary teachers. Emphasizes development of spatial reasoning in geometry and measurement. Explorations focus on two- and three dimensional shapes, their properties, measurements, constructions, and transformations.
3

Prerequisites

(MATH 182 or MATH 185 with a minimum grade of C)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

MATH 286 Elements of Discrete Mathematics

This course focuses on the topics in Discrete Mathematics that are most fundamental for Elementary, Middle, and High School teachers. Topics include sequences, graph theory, set theory, counting methods, and probability. This course is designed for prospective teachers and elementary teachers in the mathematics track.

3

Prerequisites

(MATH 181 or MATH 185 or Concurrent Prerequisite MATH 131 with a minimum grade of C)

Offered

Generally offered Fall Annually

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 311 Mathematics and Statistics for Data Science

Mathematical and statistical topics relevant to Data Science. Background on multivariable functions and calculus, probability, and advanced linear algebra for tools used in Data Science.
3

Prerequisites

(CS 120 and MATH 221 with a minimum grade of C)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 317 Mathematical Foundations for Teachers

Focus is on depth of understanding and ability to explain models and concepts involving number operations, fractions, bases, ratio and proportion, functions, structure of the real and rational numbers.

3

Prerequisites

MATH 132 with a minimum grade of C

Offered

Generally offered Spring Odd Years

Major/Minor Restriction

Include Mathematics Major(s)/Minor(s)

Class Restriction

Exclude Freshman

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 321 Introduction to Abstract Algebra I

An introduction to abstract algebra. Topics will include: basic number theory, group theory, geometrical connections and mappings.
3

Prerequisites

(MATH 221 and MATH 228 with a minimum grade of C)

Offered

Generally offered Fall Odd Years

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 322 Introduction to Abstract Algebra II

A continuation of MATH 321. Topics will include: rings, integral domains, fields and Galois theory.
3

Prerequisites

MATH 321 with a minimum grade of C

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 335 Differential Equations I

Study the theory and solutions of ordinary differential equations including applications.
3

Prerequisites

MATH 233 with a minimum grade of C

Offered

Generally offered Spring Annually

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 336 Differential Equations II

Continuation of MATH 335. The existence and uniqueness theory, systems of equations, boundary value problems and an introduction to partial differential equations.
3

Prerequisites

MATH 335 with a minimum grade of C

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 341 Introduction to Modern Geometry I

Explores Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries from multiple perspectives, with an emphasis on developing problem solving, communication, and logical reasoning skills.
3

Prerequisites

(MATH 228 or MATH 286 with a minimum grade of C)

Offered

Generally offered Spring Annually

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 342 Introduction to Modern Geometry II

Continuation of Math 341. This course will continue the study of the foundations of geometry, exploring Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries.
3

Prerequisites

(MATH 221 and MATH 228 and MATH 341 with a minimum grade of C)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 350 Probability Theory

An introduction to probability. Axioms of probability, conditional probability, discrete and continuous random variables, joint discrete random variables, central limit theorem.

3

Prerequisites

Concurrent Prerequisite MATH 132 with a minimum grade of C

Offered

Generally offered Fall Annually

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 351 Statistics Theory

A continuation of MATH 350. Learn about jointly distributed random variables, central limit theorem, sampling distributions, properties of estimation, confidence intervals and tests of hypothesis.
3

Prerequisites

(MATH 350 and Concurrent Prerequisite MATH 233 with a minimum grade of C)

Offered

Generally offered Spring Even Years

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 375 Elementary Numerical Analysis

Numerical solutions of equations and systems of equations; interpolation and approximation; numerical differentiation and integration; numerical solutions of differential equations.
3

Prerequisites

(MATH 221 with a minimum grade of C) and (MATH 233 with a minimum grade of D-) and (CS 120 with a minimum grade of C)

Major/Minor Restriction

Include Mathematics Major(s)/Minor(s)

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 386 Problem Solving

This course focuses on Mathematical Problem Solving for future elementary and middle school teachers. Emphasis is on problems with fundamental mathematical concepts from various levels to improve problem-solving and communication skills. This course is designed for prospective elementary teachers in the mathematics track and prospective middle school mathematics teachers.

3

Prerequisites

(MATH 228 or MATH 286 with a minimum grade of C)

Offered

Generally offered Fall Annually

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 391 Introduction to Number Theory

Topics will include basic properties of the Natural Numbers, prime numbers, divisibility, factorization, congruences, Euler's phi function, introduction to Diophantine Equations and some group theory.
3

Prerequisites

(MATH 228 or MATH 286 with a minimum grade of C)

Offered

Generally offered Spring Annually

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 395 Topics in Mathematics for Teachers

Emphasis will be on problem solving skills, reasonableness of answers, using calculators and computers and on problem posing.
3

Prerequisites

(MATH 182 or MATH 228 with a minimum grade of D-)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 422 Directed Studies

Individualized investigation under the direct supervision of a faculty member. (Minimum of 37.5 clock hours required per credit hour.)
1- 3

Special Notes

Maximum concurrent enrollment is two times.

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with no limitations

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 431 Basic Analysis I

Sequence of two courses to extend studies of calculus and analysis into the mathematical rigor and logic of analysis. Includes: real numbers, sequences, topology, limits, continuity, differentiation, series and integration.
4

Prerequisites

MATH 233 with a minimum grade of C

Offered

Generally offered Fall Even Years

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 432 Basic Analysis II

Continuation of MATH 431.
4

Prerequisites

MATH 431 with a minimum grade of C

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 437 Mathematical Modeling

Use mathematical tools to develop models of practical problems. Emphasize development, verification and interpretation of models and communication of results.
3

Prerequisites

(MATH 221 and MATH 233 with a minimum grade of C)

Offered

Generally offered Fall Even Years

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 460 Introduction to Complex Analysis

First course in complex variables, especially for potential calculus teachers. After preliminaries, proceed directly to power series, Laurent's series, contour integration, residue theory, polynomials and rational function.
3

Prerequisites

MATH 233 with a minimum grade of C

Offered

Generally offered Spring Even Years

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 464 Introduction to History of Mathematics

Survey of mathematical conceptual development and the people involved from antiquity to the present, including pedagogical applications, content connections, and use of reference resources.
3

Prerequisites

MATH 341 with a minimum grade of C

Offered

Generally offered Fall Odd Years

Major/Minor Restriction

Include Mathematics Major(s)/Minor(s)

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

MATH 495 Topics in Mathematics

Surveys topics in areas such as geometry, analysis, algebra, statistics, numerical analysis, topology and number theory not in existing courses, which reflect specific interests of instructors and students.
1- 3

Offered

Generally offered Fall Odd Years

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

ST - Repeatable under different subtitles with no limits on the number of times it can be repeated

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required