Plan of Study – Mathematics for Elementary Certification **

Note: A Semester Hour (s.h.) is a unit of academic credit representing an hour of class (such as lecture class) or three hours of laboratory work each week for an academic semester. Most courses are two, three or four semester hours.

Mathematics for Elementary Certification Minor

Minor Courses (Minimum of 25 semester hours required.)

MTH 1210 Precalculus (5 s.h.)

Topics include functions, zeros of polynomials, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, complex numbers, analytic geometry and conic sections; applications and problem-solving. Prerequisite: MTH 1050 or placement based on the mathematics sub-score of the SAT/ACT standardized test.

MTH 2510 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (5 s.h.)

Topics include a study of limits, continuity, derivatives of algebraic and transcendental functions, applications of derivatives, integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Prerequisite: MTH 1210 or departmental approval. Computer Science majors must complete this course with a grade of C (2.0) or better within the first 20 semester hours of their major.

MTH 2330 Learning and Teaching Number Concepts (EDU/MTH*) (3 s.h.)

Designed specifically for prospective elementary school teachers. Understanding and use of the underlying principles of key mathematical concepts in a problem solving environment. Focus on number sense and numeration, whole number operations, fractions and decimals, computational algorithms, patterns, relations, functions, and informal algebra. A variety of materials, activities, and strategies appropriate to teaching elementary school mathematics are used. Prerequisite: placement test or MTH 1040. A requirement in the program for elementary teacher certification.

MTH 2350 Probability and Statistics (4 s.h.)

Topics include data collection and graphic presentation; measures of central tendency; measures of dispersion; normal and binomial distributions; regression and correlation; sampling methods; design of experiments; probability and simulation; sampling distributions; statistical inference including confidence intervals and hypothesis testing for one-sample and two-sample problems; chi-square distribution and test of significance; ANOVA. Prerequisite: MTH 1040 or placement based on the mathematics sub-score of the SAT/ACT standardized test or departmental placement exam.

MTH 3330 Algebraic Thinking and Proportional Reasoning (4 s.h.)

Focus on building algebraic thinking through examination of patterns and relationships, logic, and functions, as well as developing appropriate symbolic forms to represent and analyze mathematical situations and structures. Multiple representations and the interrelationships of these representations are stressed. Attention given to developing proportional reasoning by investigating number theory, ratio and proportion, and decimals and percents as extensions of the whole number system. Prerequisite: MTH 2330 and MTH 1210.

MTH 3340 Geometry for Teachers (4 s.h.)

Introduction to a variety of materials, activities, and physical models and manipulatives, and dynamic software as learning tools. Focus on analyzing characteristics and properties of two- and three-dimensional geometric objects and their measurement using different representational systems, recognizing the usefulness of transformations and symmetry in analyzing mathematical situations, and using visualization and spatial reasoning to solve problems both within and outside mathematics Prerequisite: MTH 2330.