Course Descriptions
Courses at UW La Crosse
Applied Calculus (MTH 175)
Offered at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Basic concepts and methods from differential, integral, and multivariate calculus. Logarithmic and exponential functions are included, but not trigonometric functions. Emphasis of the course is on models and applications in business and the social, life, and physical sciences. Prerequisite: MTH 150 or two years of high school algebra and an appropriate placement test score. (Successful completion of MTH 207 precludes taking MTH 175 for credit.)
Calculus I (MTH 207)
Offered at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. A rigorous introduction to calculus. Topics include limits, rules for differentiation, derivatives of trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions, the Mean Value Theorem, integration, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. In the area of applications, the course covers problems on related rates, extrema, areas, volumes, and Newton’s Second Law. Prerequisite: MTH 151 or four years of high school mathematics, including trigonometry, and appropriate placement score. (Successful completion of MTH 207 precludes taking MTH 150, 151, or 175 for credit.)
Calculus II (MTH 208)
Offered at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. A continuation of Calculus I with a rigorous introduction to sequences and series. Topics include techniques of integration and indeterminate forms, improper integrals, applications of integrals, applications of integrals to the physical sciences, tests for the convergence of a series, absolute convergence, power series, and Taylor's Theorem with Remainder. First order linear differential equations are explored, as well as the geometry of space. Prerequisite: MTH 207.
Calculus III - Multivariate Calculus (MTH 310)
Offered at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. A course in higher dimensional calculus, partial derivatives, and multiple integrals. Topics include parametric curves, polar (and other) coordinate systems, vector fields, scalar fields, the gradient vector, chain rule, Jacobian, Green's Theorem, Stokes' Theorem, and the Divergence Theorem. Prerequisite: MTH 208.
Differential Equations (MTH 353)
Offered at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Fundamental existence and uniqueness theory, linear independence and the Wronskian, series solutions near regular singular points, Laplace transforms and systems of first order linear equations. Fourier series and the method of separation of variables will be applied to the heat equation, wave equation, and Laplace's equation. Prerequisite: MTH 309 and MTH 310.
Introduction to Numerical Methods (MTH 371)
Offered at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Techniques devised for use with computing machinery are applied to problems such as: solving non-linear equations and linear systems, curve-fitting and function approximation, numerical integration. Prerequisites: MTH 309 and C-S 120. Usually offered Semester II.
Studies in Applied Mathematics (MTH 480)
Offered at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Advanced studies of applications of mathematics and computation to solve problems and understand processes from a variety of fields (for example, industry, medicine and the physical and life sciences). Requirements include an application/modeling project with a written report and class presentation. Prerequisite: MTH 353.
Courses Before UW La Crosse
Basic Algebra II (22M:002)
Offered at The University of Iowa. This course covers the material usually found in a second-year high school algebra course. Topics include equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of linear equations. Students who do not have an adequate high school background may need to take this course before going into higher-level mathematics or even other courses in other departments. The course provides the background necessary to enter 22M:017, and together with 22M:005 provides the background necessary for 22M:016, 22M:025, and 22M:031. Requirements usually include homework, quizzes, two midterms, and a final exam. Students are encouraged to use the Math Tutorial Laboratory. The course is taught in individual sections by TAs.
Trigonometry (22M:005)
Offered at The University of Iowa. Topics include trigonometric functions, solutions of right and oblique triangles, trigonometric identities, complex numbers, and vectors. It is intended for students who are proficient in algebra, but whose background lacks trigonometry. Students are encouraged to use the Math Tutorial Laboratory. The course is taught by TAs in individual sections.
Elementary Functions (22M:009)
Offered at The University of Iowa. This course includes in one semester the essentials of analytic geometry, high school algebra, and trigonometry needed for calculus. It is roughly equivalent to 22M:002 and 22M:005 compressed into one semester. Emphasis is on the role of functions and analytic geometry. Topics include functions, coordinate systems; properties and graphs of algebraic, trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential functions; inverse trigonometric functions; and properties of lines, circles, and other conics. This course is not intended for those learning graphing, logarithms, exponentials, or trigonometry for the first time. Such students should take the appropriate lower-level course or courses such as 22M:002 or 22M:005. Students are encouraged to use the Math Tutorial Laboratory. The course is taught in individual sections by TAs.
Finite Mathematics (MAT-140)
Offered at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Includes methods of solving linear equations and inequalities. Introduces linear programming, matrices, functions, graphs, counting techniques, probability, mathematics of finance and applications.
Introduction to Mathematics Research (22M:096)
Offered at The University of Iowa. Introduction to Mathematics Research explores how mathematics is currently being used to interpret and solve real-world problems. The one-semester undergraduate course is composed of five independent modules, each focused on the development, implementation, critique, and analysis of a model relating to a particular area of current research interest. Successful completion of Calculus II or consent of instructor is required. Grades are based on class participation, homework, mini-projects (with presentation), and a final group project (with presentation). The course is taught by a faculty member and a mathematics graduate student.