Bard Learning Commons courses: (no distribution credit)

 

Course:

BLC 150  Algebra Workshop

Professor:

Japheth Wood  

CRN:

15789

Schedule/Location:

    Fri   11:10 AM – 1:10 PM Hegeman 308

Credits: 2

 

Class cap: 22

This course provides a review of the algebra used in math, science, and social science courses. It is designed for students who would like to improve their algebra skills while taking or in preparation to take an introductory math, science, economics or statistics course. Topics include linear equations and their graphs, quadratic equations, fractions, rational expressions, and exponents. This course will be graded Pass/Fail. No distributional credit is earned. This course will meet for the first 10 weeks of the semester.

 

Course:

BLC 190  Algebra, Trigonometry, and Functions

Professor:

Japheth Wood  

CRN:

15788

Schedule/Location:

 Tue      5:10 PM – 7:10 PM Olin 205

Credits: 2

 

Class cap: 22

This course is designed for students who have taken a pre-calculus course in high school or at Bard, but would like more computational practice with algebra, trigonometry, logarithms and exponentials. This course can be taken at the same time as a math, science, or economics course, or in preparation to take such a course in a subsequent semester. This course will be graded Pass/Fail. No distributional credit is earned.  This course will meet for the first 10 weeks of the semester. Prerequisite: passing score on Part I of the Mathematics Placement.

 

 

Course:

MATH 103 Quadrivium: Math & Metaphysics

Professor:

Daniel Newsome  

CRN:

15994

Schedule/Location:

 Tue  Thurs    5:10 PM – 6:30 PM Hegeman 204

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 22

Crosslist: Medieval Studies

 

 

What does the Music of the Spheres sound like? What influence did astrology have on mathematics?  Why does Newton’s rainbow (ROYGBIV) have 7 colors? Does mathematics exist if there is nobody to think about it? These questions are addressed by the quadrivium, a term coined by the 6th century philosopher Boethius for the mathematical program of the medieval university. The quadrivialdisciplines make up 4 of the 7 Liberal Arts: arithmetic, music, geometry and astronomy.  Taken as a whole the quadrivium is the metaphysics of Pythagoras and Plato.  Number is the structure of the universe and One-ness is its source. This course will explore each of the quadrivial disciplines using primary sources in English translation and show how mathematics was seen as the structure of everything.  Primary authors will include Plato, Euclid, Ptolemy, Boethius, Martianus Capella, al Khwarizmi, Sacrobosco, Fibonacci, Oresme, Alberti, Cardano, and Kepler.  Other than a working knowledge of basic algebra, the class requires only a willingness to explore new ideas and construct convincing arguments. Prerequisite: Passing score on Part I of the Math Placement.

 

Course:

MATH 104 Data and Decisions

Professor:

Ethan Bloch

CRN:

16240

Schedule/Location:

 Tue  Thurs    11:50 AM – 1:10 PM Hegeman 308

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 22

This course examines applications of mathematics to a number of topics related to data and decision-making. Topics will be chosen from three relevant areas of mathematics: voting systems, networks and statistics, all of which involve extracting information from various types of data. There is no particular mathematical preparation needed for this course beyond basic algebra, and a willingness to explore new ideas, construct convincing arguments and use a spreadsheet. The prerequisite for this course is passing Part 1 of the Mathematics Placement. If you are unsure whether Math 104 is an appropriate course for you, please consult with the instructor.

 

Course:

MATH 110 A Precalculus

Professor:

Daniel Newsome  

CRN:

15354

Schedule/Location:

Mon  Wed     3:30 PM – 4:50 PM Hegeman 204

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 22

A course for students who intend to take calculus and need to acquire the necessary skills in algebra and trigonometry. The concept of function is stressed, with particular attention given to linear, quadratic, general polynomial, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Graphing in the Cartesian plane and developing the trigonometric functions as circular functions are included.  Prerequisite: passing score on Part I of the Mathematics Placement.

 

Course:

MATH 110 B Precalculus

Professor:

Japheth Wood 

CRN:

16239

Schedule/Location:

 Tue  Thurs    11:50 AM – 1:10 PM Hegeman 204

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 22

A course for students who intend to take calculus and need to acquire the necessary skills in algebra and trigonometry. The concept of function is stressed, with particular attention given to linear, quadratic, general polynomial, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Graphing in the Cartesian plane and developing the trigonometric functions as circular functions are included.  Prerequisite: passing score on Part I of the Mathematics Placement.

 

Course:

MATH 116  Mathematics:Puzzles & Games

Professor:

Lauren Rose  

CRN:

15356

Schedule/Location:

  Wed  Fri   10:10 AM – 11:30 AM Hegeman 204

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 18

Mathematics can be used to analyze many puzzles and games.  Conversely, puzzles and games can be used as a vehicle to explore new mathematics concepts.  In this class we will develop the mathematics of puzzles and games from both perspectives, as a means to solve a puzzle or win a game, and also as a fun way to learn and develop mathematical skills.  We will focus on the mathematics and the strategies behind puzzles and games such as the Rubik’s Cube, SET, Nim, Hex, and Sudoku. This is an Engaged Liberal Arts and Sciences course, and the ELAS activities may include (virtual or in person) guests presenters, games related events, and games sessions for local K-12 students and community members. No prior experience with the games and puzzles listed above is required.  Prerequisite: A passing score on Part 1 of the Math Placement. This is an Engaged Liberal Arts & Sciences (ELAS) course. In this course you will be given the opportunity to bridge theory to practice while engaging a community of interest throughout the semester. A significant portion of ELAS learning takes place outside of the classroom: students learn through engagement with different geographies, organizations, and programs in the surrounding communities or in collaboration with partners from Bard's national and international networks. To learn more please click here.

 

Course:

MATH 141 A Calculus I

Professor:

Daniel Newsome  

CRN:

15357

Schedule/Location:

 Tue  Thurs    3:30 PM – 4:50 PM   Hegeman 204

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 22

An introduction to the basic ideas of differentiation and integration in one variable. Topics include limits, techniques of differentiation, definite integrals, the fundamental theorem of calculus, and applications.  Prerequisite: Precalculus or the equivalent.

 

Course:

MATH 141 B Calculus I

Professor:

Charles Doran  

CRN:

15358

Schedule/Location:

 Mon  Wed     8:30 AM – 9:50 AM   Hegeman 204

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 22

An introduction to the basic ideas of differentiation and integration in one variable. Topics include limits, techniques of differentiation, definite integrals, the fundamental theorem of calculus, and applications.  Prerequisite: Precalculus or the equivalent.

 

Course:

MATH 142 A Calculus II

Professor:

Ethan Bloch  

CRN:

15359

Schedule/Location:

 Tue  Thurs    3:30 PM – 4:50 PM Hegeman 308

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 22

This course, a continuation of Calculus I, reinforces the fundamental ideas of the derivative and the definite integral. Topics covered include techniques of integration, l’Hopital’s rule, improper integrals, applications of integration, sequence, series and power series. Prerequisite: MATH 141 Calculus or the equivalent.

 

Course:

MATH 242  Elementary Linear Algebra

Professor:

Steven Simon  

CRN:

15361

Schedule/Location:

 Tue  Thurs    10:10 AM – 11:30 AM Hegeman 308

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 18

This course will cover the basics of linear algebra in n-dimensional Euclidean space, including vectors, matrices, systems of linear equations, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, as well as applications of these concepts to the natural, physical and social sciences.    Prerequisite: Math 142 or permission of the instructor.

 

Course:

MATH 255  Vector Calculus

Professor:

John Cullinan  

CRN:

15362

Schedule/Location:

Mon  Wed     8:30 AM – 9:50 AM Reem Kayden Center 101

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 18

This course investigates differentiation and integration of vector-valued functions along with related topics in multivariable calculus. Topics covered include gradient vectors, the chain rule, optimization, change of variables for multiple integrals, line and surface integrals, Green’s Theorem, Stokes’ Theorem, and the Divergence Theorem. Prerequisites: MATH 142 Calculus II and MATH 242 Linear Algebra, or the equivalent.

 

Course:

MATH 261  Proofs and Fundamentals

Professor:

Caitlin Leverson  

CRN:

15363

Schedule/Location:

 Tue  Thurs    8:30 AM – 9:50 AM Hegeman 204

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 15

This course introduces students to the methodology of mathematical proof. The logic of compound and quantified statements, mathematical induction, and basic set theory including functions and cardinality are covered. Topics from foundational mathematics are developed to provide students with an opportunity to apply proof techniques. Prerequisite: MATH 142 Calculus II, or permission of instructor.

 

Course:

MATH 318  Number Theory

Professor:

John Cullinan  

CRN:

15364

Schedule/Location:

Mon  Wed     10:10 AM – 11:30 AM Reem Kayden Center 101

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 15

This is a proofs-based introduction to the theory of numbers and covers the fundamentals of quadratic number fields.  Topics include factorization, class group, unit group, Diophantine approximation, zeta functions, and applications to cryptography.  Prerequisites: Math 261.

 

Course:

MATH 328  Probability

Professor:

Steven Simon  

CRN:

15365

Schedule/Location:

Mon   Thurs    1:30 PM – 2:50 PM Hegeman 308

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 15

A calculus-based introduction to probability with an emphasis on computation and applications. Topics include continuous and discrete random variables, combinatorial methods, conditional probability, joint distributions, expectation, variance, covariance, laws of large numbers, and the Central Limit Theorem. Students will gain practical experience using mathematical software to run probability simulations. Prerequisite: any 200 level course in mathematics, or Phys 221.

 

Course:

MATH 332  Abstract Algebra

Professor:

Lauren Rose  

CRN:

15366

Schedule/Location:

 Tue   Fri   1:30 PM – 2:50 PM Hegeman 308

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 15

An introduction to modern abstract algebraic systems. The structures of groups, rings, and fields are studied together with the homomorphisms of these objects. Topics include equivalence relations, finite groups, group actions, integral domains, polynomial rings, and finite fields.  Prerequisite: Mathematics 261 or permission of the instructor.

 

Course:

MATH 361  Real Analysis

Professor:

Caitlin Leverson

CRN:

15367

Schedule/Location:

 Tue  Thurs    11:50 AM – 1:10 PM Olin 205

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 15

The fundamental ideas of analysis in one-dimensional Euclidean space are studied. Topics covered include the completeness of the real numbers, sequences, Cauchy sequences, continuity, uniform continuity, the derivative, and the Riemann integral. As time permits other topics may be considered, such as infinite series of functions or metric spaces.  Prerequisite: MATH 261 and one prior 300-level mathematics course is recommended, or permission of the instructor.

 

Cross-listed courses:

Course:

BIO 244  Biostatistics

Professor:

Kathryn Anderson  

CRN:

15324

Schedule/Location:

 Tue  Thurs    1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Reem Kayden Center 115

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap 16

Crosslists: Environmental & Urban Studies; Global Public Health; Mathematics

 

Course:

CMSC 145  Discrete Math

Professor:

Robert McGrail  

CRN:

15345

Schedule/Location:

 Tue   Fri   1:30 PM – 2:50 PM Reem Kayden Center 101

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap 16

Crosslists: Mathematics

 

Course:

EUS 226  Environmental Modeling

Professor:

Gautam Sethi  

CRN:

15597

Schedule/Location:

 Tue  Thurs    3:30 PM – 4:50 PM Reem Kayden Center 101

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap 22

Crosslists: Economics; Mathematics

 

Course:

PHYS 222  Mathematical Methods of Physics II

Professor:

Harold Haggard  

CRN:

15373

Schedule/Location:

Mon   Thurs Fri   1:30 PM – 2:50 PM Hegeman 106

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap 16

Crosslists: Mathematics