Courses

Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Courses

Course descriptions for the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science are from the 2021-2022 College Catalog. For more information on the courses offered during the fall and spring semesters, please log in to the course schedule through STAR.

Mathematics Courses  

MATH 110 — Topics In Mathematics

Consideration of diverse subjects in mathematics. Content varies from semester to semester with specific subject matter for each course announced just prior to enrollment. Designed for non-majors who wish to study mathematics other than calculus. This is the preferred course for students interested in taking just one mathematics course at the College.
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Mathematical Science
Typically Offered: Annually

MATH 133 — Calculus 1 with Fundamentals

A version of Mathematics 135 that is designed for students who require more class time to make the transition to college-level mathematics. See the description of Introductory Courses before choosing this course. See the description of Mathematics 135 for the course content. This course meets five hours per week.
GPA units: 1.25
Common Area: Mathematical Science
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MATH 135 — Calculus 1

This is the standard version of Calculus at the College. Considers the calculus of real-valued functions of one variable for students who are planning further course work in mathematics, a major in the social or physical sciences, or the premedical program. Emphasis is placed on a conceptual understanding of calculus, presenting material from symbolic, numerical, and graphical points of view. The concepts of limit, continuity, and derivative are developed and applied to algebraic, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions.Applications of the derivative are explored. This course meets three hours per week.
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Mathematical Science
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MATH 136 — Calculus 2

Considers the calculus of real-valued functions of one variable for students who are planning further course work in mathematics, a major in the social or physical sciences, or the premedical program. Emphasis is placed on a conceptual understanding of the calculus, presenting material from symbolic, numerical, and graphical points of view. Course content include the theory, evaluation, and applications of integration, sequences and series including Taylor polynomials and series, and an introduction to ordinary differential equations. This course is the prerequisite for Mathematics 241. This course meets four hours per week.
GPA units: 1.25
Common Area: Mathematical Science
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MATH 199-S01 — Discrete Mathematics

Discrete mathematics is the study of mathematical structures that can be considered "discrete" (in a way analogous to discrete variables, having a bijection with the set of natural numbers) rather than "continuous" (analogously to continuous functions). Objects studied in discrete mathematics include integers, graphs, and statements in logic. By contrast, discrete mathematics excludes topics in "continuous mathematics" such as real numbers, calculus or Euclidean geometry. Discrete objects can often be enumerated by integers; more formally, discrete mathematics has been characterized as the branch of mathematics dealing with countable sets (finite sets or sets with the same cardinality as the natural numbers).
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Mathematical Science
Typically Offered: Annually

MATH 199-S02 — Math Modeling for the Life Sciences

Modeling for the Life Sciences is a one semester course that is intentionally designed to develop skills for modeling biological and other physical processes and to promote integrative thinking. Modeling is an important practice for understanding feedback loops as well as generating hypotheses to understand underlying mechanisms. This course focuses on the art of mathematical modeling and introduces concepts like vector fields, time-series, phase planes, change equations, Eulers method, stability analysis, and oscillations. The ultimate goal is that by the end of the semester a student will be able to use computer tools to perform qualitative analysis on a model in order to gain insights on the process it represents. This course does not require Calculus or prior experience with computing.
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Mathematical Science
Typically Offered: Annually

MATH 241 — Multivariable Calculus

A study of the calculus of functions of several variables. Concerns the theory and applications of differentiation and integration of functions of several variables, vector fields, line integrals, Green's theorem.This course meets four hours per week.
Prerequisite: MATH 134 or MATH 136 or equivalent
GPA units: 1.25
Common Area: Mathematical Science
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MATH 243 — Mathematical Structures

An introduction to the primary algebraic and analytic structures in abstract mathematics. Emphasis is placed on using the language of sets, equivalence relations and functions, and on developing techniques of proof, including elementary logic and mathematical induction, basic group theory, and limits.
Prerequisite: MATH 134 or MATH 136 or equivalent
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Mathematical Science
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MATH 244 — Linear Algebra

Designed to acquaint students with the basic techniques of linear algebra. Topics include matrices, vector spaces, subspaces, linear transformations, bilinear forms, determinants, eigenvalue theory, and the finite dimensional spectral theorem. Applications and additional topics are included as time permits.
Prerequisite: MATH 134 or 136
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Mathematical Science
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MATH 301 — Topics In Geometry

Centers on some area of geometry other than differential geometry. Possible topics include Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry, projective geometry, the geometry of transformation groups, and the elementary geometry of algebraic curves.
Prerequisite: MATH 243 and MATH 244
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

MATH 302 — Differential Geometry

A first course in the differential geometry of curves and surfaces for students who have completed Mathematics 241 and a semester course in linear algebra. Topics include the Frenet-Serret formulas, smooth surfaces in 3-space, fundamental forms, differentiable manifolds, vector fields, connections and a brief introduction to Riemannian geometry.
Prerequisite: MATH 241 and MATH 244
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

MATH 303 — Mathematical Models

Introduction to the role of mathematics as a modeling tool, including the construction, interpretation and application of mathematical models. Applications chosen to illustrate various modeling paradigms such as deterministic, probabilistic, discrete and continuous modeling and may include population dynamics, biomedical applications, stock market analysis, and network and traffic flows.
Prerequisite: MATH 241 and MATH 244 or equivalent or permission from Instructor.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

MATH 304 — Ordinary Differential Equations

Linear differential equations are studied; basic existence theorems are proved. Separation of variables, Laplace transforms, first- and second-order equation and linear systems, and topics in nonlinear systems are considered. Breadth area: Applied Mathematics/Statistics.
Prerequisite: MATH 241 and MATH 244
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

MATH 305 — Complex Analysis

The fundamentals of complex analysis. Topics include the complex number system, analytic functions, the Cauchy-Riemann equations, Cauchy's integral theorem, Cauchy's integral formula, Taylor series, Laurent series, the calculus of residues and conformal mapping.
Prerequisite: MATH 241 and MATH 243
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

MATH 351 — Modern Algebra 1

An in-depth study of the structure of groups, rings and fields. Depending on the instructor, applications to Galois theory, number theory, geometry, topology, physics, etc., are presented.
Prerequisite: MATH 243 244
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MATH 352 — Modern Algebra 2

A continuation of Mathematics 351 exploring advanced topics and applications in modern algebra.
Prerequisite: MATH 351
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

MATH 353 — Number Theory

Elementary number theory is concerned with properties of numbers (integers, primes, etc.) as well as patterns and relationships among certain sets of numbers. Topics will include divisibility, congruences, special types of primes, the distribution of primes throughout the integers, number-theoretic functions, quadratic residues, and continued fractions. Further study may include the RSA code, a superior encryption algorithm based on elementary number theory, and a discussion of one of the most famous problems in mathematics - Fermat's Last Theorem - conjectured in 1630 yet unsolved until the 1990s.
Prerequisite: MATH 243 and 244 or permission of the instructor.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

MATH 357 — Combinatorics

An introduction to the subject that discusses a representative sampling of combinatorial problems and general techniques for solving them, including a selection of counting techniques, techniques for existence questions, and a variety of examples. Examples may include partitions, graphs and trees, tournaments, graph coloring and chromatic polynomials, magic squares, Latin rectangles and squares, and combinatorial block designs.
Prerequisite: MATH 243.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

MATH 361 — Real Analysis 1

Topological ideas are introduced through a treatment of metric space topology. After the study of open, closed, compact and connected spaces with emphasis on their behavior under continuous mappings, selected topics from functional analysis are considered. These include lim sup and lim inf, relation of uniform convergence to differentiation and integration, and the Stone-Weierstrass approximation theorem.
Prerequisite: MATH 243
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MATH 362 — Real Analysis 2

A continuation of Mathematics 361 exploring advanced topics, including an introduction to Lebesgue-Stieltjes integration, Hilbert space and other material from linear space theory.
Prerequisite: MATH 361
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

MATH 363 — Topics In Topology

Considers various aspects of topology of surfaces and solids, including orientability, the Euler number, and the fundamental group. One of the goals of the course is the topological classification of surfaces.
Prerequisite: MATH 241, MATH 243 and Prereq or Coreq MATH 244
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

MATH 371 — Methods of Numerical Analysis

The numerical solution of problems using computers. Considerable time is devoted to selecting the appropriate algorithm for a given problem and analyzing the resulting numerical errors. Includes such topics as error analysis of computer arithmetic, approximation of functions, solution of equations, numerical integration, numerical solution of ordinary differential equations.
Prerequisite: MATH 241, and either MATH 244 or PHYS 221. Students who have taken MATH 136 and CSCI 131, see instructor for permission .
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

MATH 373 — Partial Differential Equations

Provides an understanding of a wide spectrum of phenomena through the use of mathematical ideas, abstractions, and techniques. Topics included are partial differential equations, including the heat and wave equations, Fourier analysis, eigenvalue problems, Green's functions.
Prerequisite: MATH 241 and 244
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

MATH 374 — Dynamical Systems

An introduction to the theory of discrete dynamical systems. Topics include iteration of functions, graphical analysis, periodic points, stable sets, chaos, symbolic dynamics, the dynamics of functions of a complex variable and the Mandelbrot set. The major theorems will be studied along with their proofs and the computer will be used as a research tool to do experiments which motivate and illustrate the theory.
Prerequisite: MATH 241 and MATH 243.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

MATH 392 — Seminar

Provides an opportunity for individual and group investigation of topics not covered in ordinary course work. Active participation on the part of the students is normally required. Subject matter varies to suit individual students and is often related to the research activity of the professor. Examples of areas of study: Lie groups, functional analysis, complex analysis, probability theory, commutative algebra, applied mathematics, the classical groups, mathematical logic, automata and formal languages, topics in discrete modeling, and qualitative theory of differential equations.
Prerequisite: MATH 241 and MATH 244.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Annually

MATH 399-S01 — Data Modeling With Python

Prerequisite: MATH 241 and MATH 244 or permission of the instructor
GPA units: 1

MATH 400 — Directed Reading

An independent reading project for upper division students. Normally this is on a topic that is not covered by the regular course offerings. Permission of the instructor and the department chair is required for this course.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MATH 410 — Directed Project

A project course for upper division students under the direction of a faculty member. Normally the project will provide an introduction to research on a topic that is not covered by the regular course offerings. Course requirements are to be arranged in consultation with the instructor. Permission of the instructor and the department chair is required for this course.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MATH 495 — Mathematics Honors Thesis

A large project extending over the course of the fourth year. It can consist of original research or be of an expository nature and is written under the guidance of one or more members of the department. Normally, a student will earn one unit in the spring semester of the fourth year for successful completion of an honors thesis, unless the thesis work is done as part of the student's participation in a departmental seminar. In that case, no extra credit is given above the credit for the seminar itself. For a particularly extensive project, and with the permission of the department chair, a student may earn one unit in each semester of the fourth year for completion of the thesis.
GPA units: 0
Typically Offered: Fall

MATH 496 — Mathematics Honors Thesis

A large project extending over the course of the fourth year. It can consist of original research or be of an expository nature and is written under the guidance of one or more members of the department. Normally, a student will earn one unit in the spring semester of the fourth year for successful completion of an honors thesis, unless the thesis work is done as part of the student's participation in a departmental seminar. In that case, no extra credit is given above the credit for the seminar itself. For a particularly extensive project, and with the permission of the department chair, a student may earn one unit in each semester of the fourth year for completion of the thesis.
GPA units: 2
Typically Offered: Spring

Computer Science

CSCI 110 — Survey of Computer Science

A survey of the science and art of computing intended for students not majoring in mathematics or science. Half of the course is an introduction to computer programming. Emphasis is placed upon language independent topics such as structured programming, good programming style, the use of subprograms, and algorithm construction in general. The other half of the course explores how computers are built, how they operate, and what their fundamental limitations are.
Prerequisite: Students who are computer science, math, or science majors or minors may not enroll in this course. Students who have taken any higher level computer course may not enroll in this course.
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Mathematical Science
Typically Offered: Annually

CSCI 131 — Techniques of Programming

A broad introduction to fundamental concepts in computer science, with emphasis on designing and writing correct and elegant computer programs. Concepts are illustrated through examples drawn from a variety of application areas and may include graphics, digital media, scientific computing, or games. Weekly lab meetings provide supervised practice. This course is appropriate for any student interested in creating or understanding software, and students with little or no prior programming experience are welcome. Students in this course develop both real-world programming skills and gain a foundation for applications in mathematics, the sciences, economics, accounting, or any other discipline in which computing plays an important role. This course also prepares students for further study in Computer Science 132, Data Structures, and it is required for both the major and the minor.
GPA units: 1.25
Common Area: Mathematical Science
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

CSCI 132 — Data Structures

An introduction to techniques for storing and manipulating complex data. Students gain experience with sophisticated programs by studying frequently used data structures, including stacks, lists, trees, graphs, and hash tables, and by discussing algorithms for searching, sorting, graph traversal, and hashing. Weekly lab meetings provide supervised practice designing, implementing and using these data structures. As time allows, students also begin an introduction to analysis of algorithms by examining the space and time efficiency of data structures and related algorithms. This course is required for both the major and the minor.
Prerequisite: CSCI 131 or equivalent. A grade of C in CSCI 131 is required to continue in CSCI 132, except by permission (please contact the course instructor or computer science program coordinator).
GPA units: 1.25
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

CSCI 135 — Discrete Structures

An introduction to the discrete mathematical structures that form the basis of computer science. Topics include proof techniques, relations and functions, set theory, Boolean algebra and propositional logic, predicate calculus, graphs, trees, induction and recursion, counting techniques and discrete probability. It is recommended this class be taken concurrently with Computer Science 132.
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Mathematical Science
Typically Offered: Spring

CSCI 220 — Software Development and Operations

This course is about modern tools, platforms, and practices for software development and operations, commonly known as DevOps. The main focus will be towards Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery. Students will also gain experience working with tools used commonly for careers in software engineering, development, and operations, such as Amazon Web Services EC2, Agile development practices, source code management using git, virtualization platforms like Docker, and monitoring using DataDog or JMeter/Gatling.
Prerequisite: CSCI 132 - Data Structures
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Annually

CSCI 226 — Computer Systems & Organization

Covers fundamental topics related to the design and operation of a modern computing system. Relationships are drawn between circuits and system software. Topics include hardware and software organization, virtual machines, physical fundamentals of transistors, digital logic design, memory system organization, architecture and management, CPU design, multiprocessors, data representation, machine language, microprogramming, assembly language, assemblers and linkers, CISC versus RISC, interrupts and asynchronous event handling, networking, and the past and present of computer system design, architecture, and organization.
Prerequisite: CSCI 132 with a grade of C or higher or permission of Computer Science Coordinator. Enrollment limited to CSCI Majors and Minors.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

CSCI 235 — Analysis of Algorithms

Provides an introduction to the design and analysis of fundamental algorithms and their complexity. Presents several algorithm design strategies that build on the data structures and programming techniques introduced in Computer Science 132. The general techniques covered include: Divide-and-conquer algorithms, dynamic programming, greediness and probabilistic algorithms. Topics include: sorting, searching, graph algorithms, O-notation, and introduction to the classes P and NP, and NP-completeness.
Prerequisite: CSCI 132 with a C or better and one semester of Calculus or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to CSCI Majors and Minors.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

CSCI 299-F01 — Advanced Java and Object Oriented Programming

This course is intended for students interested in improving their programming skills through practice with modern Java concepts and Object Oriented Programming. Topics may include exception handling, standard library collections and templates, inheritance, polymorphism, overloading, interfaces, and iterators, for-each loops. Students will complete guided and independent projects, including group projects.
Prerequisite: CSCI 132 - Data Structures
GPA units: 1

CSCI 307 — Data Mining

Data Mining refers to the process of extracting useful models of data. Sometimes, a model can be a summary of the data, or it can be the set of most extreme features of the data. Computer scientists often approach data mining in one of two ways, as an algorithmic problem or by using data along with a machine learning engine. This course provides an introduction to Data Mining and will examine data techniques for the discovery, interpretation and visualization of patterns in large collections of data. Topics covered in this course include data mining methods such as classification, rule-based learning, decision trees, association rules, and data visualization. The work discussed originates in the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistical data analysis, data visualization, databases, and information retrieval.
Prerequisite: CSCI 132
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

CSCI 324 — Programming Languages: Design and Implementation

Principles for designing and implementing programming languages are presented as well as styles and features that encourage and discourage the writing of good software. Topics include language syntax and semantics, comparison of language features and their implementation, methods of processing a program, establishing the run-time environment of the program and the major programming language paradigms (the imperative/procedural, functional/applicative, declarative/logic and object-oriented paradigms).
Prerequisite: CSCI 226. Enrollment limited to CSCI Majors and Minors.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Spring

CSCI 325 — Computer Security

This course presents the fundamental concepts and principles of computer security. Topics include cryptographic tools, user authentication, access control, malicious software, denial-of-service attacks, intrusion detection, and intrusion prevention systems. Software security and operating system security are studied in detail. Additional areas of study may include security management, risk assessment, human resources security and the many legal, social, and ethical aspects of computer security.
Prerequisite: CSCI 132. Enrollment is limited to CSCI majors and minors only.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

CSCI 327 — Databases

An introduction to database concepts and database management systems, including the storage, processing, evaluation, display, and security of data. This course focuses on the study of logical and physical database design; fundamental data management and query techniques using SQL, a ubiquitous data query language; and methodologies for database development including relational approaches and object-oriented approaches. Practical skills are emphasized to allow students to create, manage, use, and analyze concrete databases and the corresponding information systems using state-of-the-art industry-standard software products, such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL or PostgreSQL.
Prerequisite: CSCI 132.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years, Spring

CSCI 328 — Ethical Issues in Computer Science

Examines the ethical issues that arise as a result of increasing use of computers, and the responsibilities of those who work with computers, either as computer science professionals or end users. The course stresses the ways in which computers challenge traditional ethical and philosophical concepts, and raise old issues in a new way. Students will be expected to read and understand the ideas in the readings, explain the ideas, analyze issues and see them from diverse perspectives, and formulate and critique arguments. Readings include technical issues in computer science and may focus on a particular area such as software design as well as more traditional topics such as philosophical theories (e.g. ethical relativism, utilitarianism, deontological theories, rights and virtue ethics), privacy, intellectual property rights and proprietary software, security, accountability, liability, the digital divide, hacking, and viruses. There are several course goals: (1) to give a fuller, richer, deeper understanding of the social impact of computers and the ethical issues in human activities affected by computers, (2) to prepare the student for living in a computerized world and perhaps working as a professional in the computing field, and (3) to improve presentation, debating and writing skills.
Prerequisite: CSCI 132. Enrollment limited to CSCI Majors and Minors.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Fall

CSCI 343 — Computer Graphics

A survey of topics in computer graphics with an emphasis on fundamental techniques and the theory underlying those techniques. Topics include the fundamentals of two and three dimensional graphics such as clipping, windowing, and coordinate transformations (e.g., positioning of objects and camera), raster graphics techniques such as line drawing and filling algorithms, hidden surface removal, shading, color, curves and surfaces and animation. Students learn how to program graphics displays using a computer graphics package.
Prerequisite: CSCI 132 and one semester of calculus or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to CSCI Majors and Minors.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

CSCI 345 — Theory Of Computation

This course considers the theoretical foundations of computer science through different computational models. Topics covered in this course include deterministic and non-deterministic finite automata, regular expressions, context-free grammars, pushdown automata, Turing machines, decidability, undecidability, and computational complexity including the P vs. NP problem.
Prerequisite: CSCI 132 and CSCI 135 or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to CSCI Majors and Minors.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

CSCI 346 — Operating Systems

Provides an introduction to the general model of operating systems principles and current implementation techniques. The principles and mechanisms that underlie operating systems services will be covered. Students will learn techniques for managing hardware resources and sharing them among many competing processes and threads. They will study the internal structures needed for process and thread management, synchronization, inter-process communication, memory management (including shared memory), file system management, distributed systems principles, device control, and security.
Prerequisite: CSCI 226. Enrollment limited to CSCI Majors and Minors.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

CSCI 347 — Artificial Intelligence

This course provides an introduction to the field of artificial intelligence. Topics include solving problems using search (e.g., depth-first search, iterative deepening, and A*), constraint satisfaction problems, propositional logic and first-order logic, inference in propositional logic and first-order logic, and machine learning techniques (e.g., decision trees and neural networks).
Prerequisite: CSCI 235 or permission of the instructor.
GPA units: 1

CSCI 356 — Computer Networking

This course focuses on principles of computer networking. Students will gain an understanding of the low-level protocols that drive the Internet, including protocols for data forwarding, routing, congestion, flow control, reliability, naming, and discovery, along with their application to distributed systems. Topics are introduced from a theoretical perspective, but students will also gain practical experience designing, implementing, and measuring distributed systems, such as web servers, email and messaging systems, video and data distribution, and cloud computing.
Prerequisite: CSCI 226
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

CSCI 363 — Computational Vision

An introduction to the algorithms underlying machine and biological visual systems. Examines the processes involved in converting a 2-dimensional image to a 3-D representation of the physical world. Computational models of visual processing will be compared to physiological and psychophysical results from human and other biological visual systems. Topics covered include: edge detection, stereopsis, motion computation, shape from shading, color and object recognition.
Prerequisite: CSCI 132 and one semester of Calculus
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

CSCI 364 — Compiler Construction

The theories, tools and techniques for translator creation are the focus of this course. Topics include: regular expressions, grammars, finite state machines, lexical analysis, parsing, linguistic approaches to problem solving, intermediate code trees, register allocation, code generation, a variety of optimization schemes and techniques as well as Linux-style support for translation such as lex/flex and yacc/bison. An essential and distinguishing feature of the course is the project requirement. Students are required to build a working compiler that is a large software engineering project of significant complexity. This course carries the project course designation.
Prerequisite: CSCI 324 or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to CSCI Majors and Minors.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

CSCI 400 — Directed Reading

An independent reading project for upper division students. Normally this will be on a topic that is not covered by the regular course offerings. Permission of the instructor and the Department Chair is required for this course.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

CSCI 410 — Directed Project

A project course for upper division students under the direction of a faculty member. Normally the project will provide an introduction to research on a topic that is not covered by the regular course offerings. Course requirements are to be arranged in consultation with the instructor. Permission of the instructor and the department chair is required for this course.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

CSCI 495 — Computer Science Honors Thesis

This is a large project extending over the course of the fourth year. It can consist of original research or be of an expository nature and is written under the guidance of one or more members of the department. A student will earn at least one unit of credit in the spring semester of the fourth year for successful completion of an honors thesis, unless the thesis work is done as part of the student's participation in a department seminar. In that case, no extra credit is given above the credit for the seminar itself. For a particularly extensive project, and with the permission of the department chair, a student may earn one unit in each semester of the fourth year for the completion of the thesis.
GPA units: 0
Typically Offered: Annually

CSCI 496 — Computer Science Honors Thesis

This is a large project extending over the course of the fourth year. It can consist of original research or be of an expository nature and is written under the guidance of one or more members of the department. A student will earn at least one unit of credit in the spring semester of the fourth year for successful completion of an honors thesis, unless the thesis work is done as part of the student's participation in a department seminar. In that case, no extra credit is given above the credit for the seminar itself. For a particularly extensive project, and with the permission of the department chair, a student may earn one unit in each semester of the fourth year for the completion of the thesis.
GPA units: 2
Typically Offered: Annually

STAT 120 — Statistical Reasoning

This course presents the basic concepts of statistics and data analysis in a non-technical way. Topics include graphical methods of summarizing data, descriptive statistics, and methods of statistical inference. STAT 120 is a terminal, introductory course intended for students who are not interested in pursuing mathematics, economics, biology, psychology, sociology, or the health professions.
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Mathematical Science

STAT 130 — Introduction to Data Science

This course provides an introduction to the field of data science with a focus on computation, data visualization, collaboration, and communication. Students will learn to extract and wrangle data, program basic scripts and functions in an integrated development environment, explore multivariable associations and understand the concepts of confounding and effect modification, create dynamic data visualization, and build interpretable machine learning models.
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Mathematical Science
Typically Offered: Annually

STAT 220 — Statistics

This course presents statistics intended for students aspiring to the health professions. Topics include sampling strategies and experimental design, numerical and graphical methods of describing data, basic concepts in probability, discrete and continuous probability distributions, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and simple linear regression. Statistics is a part of the health professions curriculum, but some majors at the College offer their own statistics courses that are tailored to their respective disciplines. Students majoring in mathematics, economics, biology, psychology and sociology should take the statistics course within their major. Health profession students are advised to wait and take the statistics course in their major, should it offer one. Otherwise, such students should take STAT 220 sometime after their first year at the College.
Prerequisite: MATH 133, 134, 135, or 136 or equivalent. Students who have taken ECON 249, BIOL 275, PSYC 200 or SOCL 226 or have credit for AP Statistics may not enroll in this course. ACCT, ECON, PSYC or SOCL majors may not enroll in STAT 220.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

STAT 225 — Experimental Design

This course provides an introduction to the statistical methodologies most commonly used in the design of experiments. Topics include experimental design, power and sample size determination, one-sample inference, two-sample inference, multi-sample inference, assumptions testing, linear contrasts, experiment-wise error rate, factorial treatment structure, and interaction. Also covered are equivalent non-parametric tests. Students will work extensively with data sets and the R statistical software package.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years, Fall

STAT 226 — Bayesian Statistics

While most courses cover statistics from a Frequentist point of view, this course will instead look at statistical inference from a Bayesian perspective. Bayesian statistics combines prior information with the information contained in the observed data to produce a (posterior) probability distribution on a parameter of interest. In the past, computational challenges limited the use of Bayesian techniques, but advances in modern computing along with the introduction of new algorithms that allow for sampling from complex, high-dimensional probability distributions have increased the popularity of these methods. Potential topics will include: an introduction to probability and Bayes rule, prior and posterior distributions, conjugate priors, single and multi-parameter likelihood models (e.g. binomial, Poisson, normal, etc.), Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods, Gibbs sampling techniques, hierarchical modeling, Bayesian analogs to confidence intervals and hypothesis testing, model comparison, model averaging, and Bayesian linear regression.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years, Fall

STAT 231 — Linear Models

This course provides a thorough examination of the theory and practice of ordinary least squares (OLS) regression modeling. Model interpretation and a conceptual understanding of confounding, mediation, and effect modification are emphasized. Specific topics include analysis of variance (ANOVA), derivation of parameter estimates, correlation, prediction, dummy variables, contrasts, testing general hypotheses, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), multicollinearity, regression diagnostics, techniques for handling model misspecification (incorrect functional form, heteroskedasticity), and model-building strategies. Students will work extensively with data sets and the R statistical software package.
Prerequisite: One of MATH 133, 134, 135, or 136, and one of BIOL 275, ECON 249, PSYC 200, SOCL 226, STAT 220, or STAT 376. Students who have earned credit for ECON 314 cannot enroll in STAT 231.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Fall

STAT 232 — Categorical Data Analysis

This course provides a focused introduction to the theory and practice of categorical data analysis. Model interpretation and conceptual understanding will be emphasized. Specific course topics include the chi-square test for independence, Fisher's exact test, logistic regression, multinomial logistic regression, prediction, dummy variables, contrasts, testing general hypotheses, effect modification and confounding, assessing fit, and model-building strategies. Students will work extensively with data sets and the R statistical software package.
Prerequisite: STAT 231 or ECON 314
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Spring

STAT 375 — Probability Theory

An introduction to the theory and applications of probability. Includes both continuous and discrete distributions, conditional probability and Bayes' Theorem, random variables and expected values, joint distributions of several random variables, functions of random variables, and the Central Limit Theorem.
Prerequisite: MATH 241.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

STAT 376 — Mathematical Statistics

A course in the theory and applications of statistics. Topics include maximum likelihood estimation, the sampling distributions of estimators, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and an introduction to the analysis of variance.
Prerequisite: STAT 375
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

STAT 380 — Statistical Computing

This course covers statistical methods that would not be possible without the advances made in modern computing over the last 25-30 years. Specifically, these are simulation and Monte Carlo techniques that are appropriate where statistical theory does not yet provide a solution. Each of the statistical methods covered is computationally intensive and therefore requires a computer to arrive at a solution. Topics include techniques for simulating of random variables, Bayesian statistics, Markov chains, the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm, MCMC and Gibbs Sampling, mixture models, and classification schemes.
Prerequisite: CSCI 131 and STAT 220 or STAT 375
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

STAT 381 — Statistical Learning

This course is an introduction to the main principles of supervised and unsupervised machine learning within the context of data analytics. Methods include linear regression, logistic regression, K-nearest neighbors, and discriminant analysis. Resampling methods such as cross-validation and bootstrapping, as well as model selection and regularization techniques are discussed. Non-parametric methods, including classification and regression trees (CART), boosting, bagging, and random forests are presented. Unsupervised learning methods focus on principal components analysis, K-mean, and hierarchical clustering. The R statistical computing package is used extensively.
Prerequisite: STAT 231 or ECON 314
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years

STAT 392 — Seminar

Provides an opportunity for individual and group investigation of topics not covered in ordinary course work. Active participation on the part of the students is normally required. Subject matter varies to suit individual students and is often related to the research activity of the professor.
Prerequisite: STAT 231
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Annually

STAT 400 — Directed Reading

GPA units: 1

STAT 410 — Directed Project

GPA units: 1