Master of Science in Adolescent (Secondary) Mathematics

 

 

The Master of Science Degree in Secondary Mathematics is designed to meet needs of the Secondary Teacher of Mathematics as both teacher and scholar.   Each course has been structured to relate to a subject area central to the secondary school curriculum and, at the same time, present those subject areas at a mathematically advanced level.

Students in this program will have had the opportunity to build upon an undergraduate background in algebra, analysis, geometry and probability and/or statistics by electing further work in these areas. Additionally, students can pursue courses in applied mathematics, computational mathematics, or the history of mathematics to supplement their undergraduate training.

 

 

 

ADMISSION   REQUIREMENTS

 

Students must have completed the basic undergraduate courses normally required for the baccalaureate in Mathematics.  This should include single and multivariate calculus and at least one course in each of the following areas:

 

Algebra      (modern algebra, linear algebra, etc.)

Analysis      (advanced calculus, real variables, etc.)

Geometry  (foundations of geometry, non-Euclidean geometry)

Probability and/or Statistics  (calculus based)

 

 

 

DEGREE    REQUIREMENTS

 

The masters candidate must complete:

 

A.Twelve semester hours of graduate study in mathematics selected under advisement from six basic sub-areas of mathematics (algebra, analysis, applied and computational mathematics, history of mathematics, geometry and statistics).

 

B. Twelve semester hours in the Education Core:
EDUC 440, 501, 503, 508

 

C.    One semester hour in the Interdepartmental Seminar:
INTD 690.

 

 

D.  A minimum of nine semester hours of elective courses selected under advisement.  These elective hours may be selected from mathematics, mathematics education, or other academic areas that complements the students program.

 

Mathematics Courses for the Masters Degree

 

    MATH 421       Foundations of the Calculus                       

    MATH 432       Classical Algebra                                      

    MATH 433       Applied Linear Algebra                            

    MATH 435       Transformational Geometry                       

    MATH 436       Euclidean and non-Euclidean Geometry

    MATH 437       Applied Combinatorics

    MATH 460       Statistical Methods

    MATH 470       History and Fundamental Concepts of

Mathematics

    MATH 475       Applied and Computational Mathematics

    MATH 499       Directed Study

 

 

ROTATION   SCHEDULE

 

Our Masters Program is designed primarily for working teachers seeking permanent certification who are not on the Geneseo campus as full  time students. Thus the mathematics department will offer one course each semester (including summers) according to the following schedule.

 

Spring 2006

435

Spring 2008

421

Spring 2010

475

Summer 2006

421

Summer 2008

437

Summer 2010

432

Fall 2006

475

Fall 2008

433

Fall 2010

460

Spring 2007

432

Spring 2009

470

Spring 2011

436

Summer 2007

460

Summer 2009

435

Summer 2011

421

Fall 2007

436

Fall 2009

421

Fall 2011

437

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

   COURSE   DESCRIPTIONS

 

 

  Math 421 - Foundations of the Calculus

  This course is designed for teachers who desire to renew and to strengthen their knowledge of elementary calculus as well as for those who wish to probe the subject at greater depth.  Beginning with familiar material, the course attempts to develop the intermediate supporting theory.  Topics covered include: limit theory, differentiation, properties of continuous functions and the theory of Riemann integration.  Prerequisites: A course in analysis.  3(3-0).

 

Math 432 - Classical Algebra

 

  An introduction to number theory and higher algebra within an historical context.  Topics include elementary number theory, theory of equations and an introduction to abstract algebra. Pre-requisite:  A course in elementary linear algebra.  3(3-0).

 

Math 433 - Applied Matrix Techniques

 

  Many models can be formulated as a system of linear equations.  The main emphasis of this course is to investigate a number of models that can be solved using matrix techniques and linear algebra.  Applications may include, but are not restricted to, Least Squares Fitting of Data, Markov Chains, and Population Growth Models.  Prerequisite:  A course in elementary linear algebra.  3(3-0).

 

Math 435 - Transformational Geometry

 

  The concept of a geometric transformation is studied in conjunction with the basic structure of a group and properties of a space that remain invariant under specified transformations.  Isometric and similarity transformations of the plane will be studied in depth in both a synthetic and analytic framework.  As time permits, inversions, affine, projective and topological transformations will be investigated.  Prerequisite: A course in geometry.  3(3-0).

 

Math 436 - Euclidean and non-Euclidean          

                         Geometry

 

  This course presents the discovery of non-Euclidean geometry and the subsequent reformulation of the foundations of Euclidean geometry.  Euclid’s geometry, modern axiomatics, Hilbert’s geometry and hyperbolic geometry are studied with a view of expanding the student’s knowledge and perception of geometry, but also to gain an appreciation for Euclid’s original work.  Prerequisite: A course in geometry.  3(3-0)

 

Math 437 - Applied Combinatorics

 

  This course will cover the fundamentals of combinatorics, beginning with elementary counting techniques (combinations and permutations) and including such topics as generating functions, Polya’s enumeration formula and graph theory.  There will be an emphasis on discrete modeling.  Prerequisite: a course in either discrete mathematics or probability theory.   3(3-0).

 

Math 460 - Statistical Methods

 

  This course will cover basic statistical methods including the chi-square test, regression and correlation, analysis of variance and experimental design, and non-parametric statistics.  The emphasis is on the art of statistical thinking and data analysis based on real-world problems.  The use of the computer and its peripheral devices as tools to understanding  statistical concepts will be included in this course.  Prerequisite: A course in probability and statistics.  3(3-0).

 

Math 470 - History and Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics

 

  This course is a chronological development of the fundamental principles of modern mathematics.  The underlying concepts that form a basis for the axiomatic development of geometry, algebra and analysis are discussed within the scope of the mathematics curriculum.  Prerequisites: One course in each of the areas: algebra, analysis, geometry.

   3(3-0).

 

Math 475 - Applied and Computational Mathematics

 

  Problems arising in a variety of fields will be investigated from a mathematical modeling perspective.  The basic mathematical concepts and techniques widely used in Applied Mathematics and Numerical Analysis will be studied in the context of the applications.  Numerical methods, involving the use of calculators and/or computer technology, which aid in the investigation, will be introduced dependent on the specific application.  Prerequisites: Calculus III and elementary linear algebra.  3(3-0).

 

Math 499 - Directed Study

Indt 599- Experimental Research Study