MTH U010 Algebra Review 4 SH
Designed for arts and sciences, criminal justice, and other
majors who need to build their algebraic skills in order to
succeed in the next math or math-related courses required by
their major. Most students are directed to this course as a result
of placement tests. Concepts include solving first- and seconddegree
equations, understanding slopes and graphs of lines,
solving simultaneous equations in several variables, solving
rational equations , and graphing inequalities. Requires the
analysis and solution of word problems. (Does not count
toward graduation credit.)
MTH U100 Mathematics at Northeastern 1 SH
Designed for freshman math majors to introduce them to one
another, their major, their college, and the University. Students
are introduced to our advising system, register for next
semester’s courses, and learn more about co-op. Also helps
students develop the academic and interpersonal skills
necessary to succeed as a university student. Prereq. Math
major.
MTH U110 College Algebra 4 SH
Covers laws of exponents, roots , graphing of equations and
inequalities, special curves (that is, conic sections), functions
and operations on functions, complex numbers , matrices, and
vectors. If time permits, also explores elementary discrete
probability and least squares curve fitting . Prereq. Primarily for
BSET majors.
MTH U115 Mathematical Thinking 4 SH
Focuses on the development of mathematical thinking and its
use in a variety of contexts to translate real-world problems into
mathematical form and, through analysis, to obtain new
information and reach conclusions about the original
problems. Mathematical topics include counting principles and
topics in probability theory such as Markov chains, linear
regression, and the binomial distribution . Coreq. MTH U116.
MTH U116 Recitation for MTH U115 0 SH
Provides small-group discussion format to cover material in
MTH U115. Coreq. MTH U115.
MTH U117 Interactive Mathematics 4 SH
Develops problem-solving skills while simultaneously teaching
mathematics concepts. Each unit centers on a particular
applied problem, which serves to introduce the relevant
mathematical topics. These may include but are not limited to
polling theory, rate of change, the concepts behind derivatives,
probability, binomial distributions, and statistics. The course is
not taught in the traditional lecture format and is particularly
suited to students who work well in collaborative groups and
who enjoy writing about the concepts they are learning.
Assessment is based on portfolios, written projects, solutions to
“problems of the week,” and exams.
MTH U121 Precalculus 4 SH
Focuses on linear, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and
trigonometric functions. Emphasis is placed on understanding,
manipulating, and graphing these basic functions, their
inverses and compositions, and using them to model real-world
situations (that is, exponential growth and decay, periodic
phenomena). Equations involving these functions are solved
using appropriate techniques. Special consideration is given to
choosing reasonable functions to fit numerical data . Prereq.
Basic understanding of algebraic manipulation assumed, including
exponents and polynomials.
MTH U130 College Math for Business and Economics 4 SH
Introduces students to some of the important mathematical
concepts and tools (such as modeling revenue, cost and profit
with functions) used to solve problems in business and
economics. Assumes familiarity with the basic properties of
linear, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
Topics include the method of least squares, regression curves,
solving equations involving functions, compound interest,
amortization, and other consumer finance models. (Graphing
calculator required, see instructor for make and model.) Prereq.
Basic knowledge of algebra, log, and exponential functions.
MTH U131 Calculus for Business and Economics 4 SH
Provides an overview of differential calculus including
derivatives of power , exponential, logarithmic, logistic
functions, and functions built from these. Derivatives are used
to model rates of change, to estimate change, to optimize
functions, and in marginal analysis. The integral calculus is
applied to accumulation functions and future value. Emphasis
is on realistic business and economics problems, the
development of mathematical models from raw business data,
and the translation of mathematical results into verbal
expression appropriate for the business setting. Also features a
semester-long marketing project in which students gather raw
data, model it, and use calculus to make business decisions;
each student is responsible for a ten-minute presentation.
(Graphing calculator required, see instructor for make and
model.) Prereq. MTH U130.
MTH U141 Calculus 1 4 SH
Serves as both the first half of a two-semester calculus
sequence and as a self-contained one- semester course in
differential and integral calculus. Basic concepts and
techniques of differentiation and integration are introduced
and applied to polynomial, exponential, log, and trigonometric
functions. The derivative as rate of change and integral as
accumulator are emphasized. Applications include
optimization, growth and decay, area, volume, and motion.
Prereq. MTH U121 or equivalent.
MTH U142 Calculus 2 4 SH
Continues MTH U141. Introduces additional techniques of
integration and numerical approximations of integrals and the
use of integral tables; further applications of integrals. Also
introduces differential equations and slope fields, and
elementary solutions. Introduces functions of several variables,
partial derivatives, and multiple integrals. Prereq. MTH U141.
MTH U151 Calculus and Differential Equations for
Biology 1 4 SH
Begins with the fundamentals of differential calculus and
proceeds to the specific type of differential equation problems
encountered in biological research. Presents methods for the
solutions of these equations and how the exact solutions are
obtained from actual laboratory data. Topics include differential
calculus: basics, the derivative, the rules of differentiation ,
curve plotting , exponentials and logarithms, and trigonometric
functions; using technology to understand derivatives;
biological kinetics: zero- and first-order processes, processes
tending toward equilibrium, bi- and tri-exponential processes,
and biological half-life; differential equations: particular and
general solutions to homogeneous and nonhomogeneous
linear equations with constant coefficients , systems of two
linear differential equations; compartmental problems:
nonzero initial concentration, two-compartment series dilution,
diffusion between compartments, population dynamics; and
introduction to integration. Prereq. MTH U121 or equivalent.
MTH U152 Calculus and Differential Equations for
Biology 2 4 SH
Continues MTH U151. Begins with the integral calculus and
proceeds quickly to more advanced topics in differential
equations. Introduces linear algebra and uses matrix methods
to analyze functions of several variables and to solve larger
systems of differential equations. Advanced topics in reaction
kinetics are covered. The integral and differential calculus of
functions of several variables is followed by the study of
numerical methods in integration and solutions of differential
equations. Provides a short introduction to probability. Covers
Taylor polynomials and infinite series. Special topics include
reaction kinetics: Michaelis-Menten processes, tracer
experiments, and inflow and outflow through membranes.
Prereq. MTH U151.
MTH U165 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning 4 SH
Covers the basics of mathematical reasoning and problem
solving to prepare incoming math majors for more challenging
mathematical courses at Northeastern. Focuses on learning to
write logically sound mathematical arguments and to analyze
such arguments appearing in mathematical books and courses.
Includes fundamental mathematical concepts such as sets,
relations, and functions.
MTH U170 Math Discovery and Computers 4 SH
Provides students with marketable scientific computing skills,
and uses those skills to explore open-ended mathematical
problems. Through guided processes of computing, reflecting,
discussing, and writing, offers students the opportunity to
expand their capacities to think productively about problems
that are new to them. Such capacities are useful in all future
courses and forms of employment.
MTH U180 Statistical Thinking 4 SH
Introduces statistical thinking to students without using any
sophisticated mathematics. Uses extensive class discussion and
homework problems to cover statistical reasoning and to
evaluate critically the usage of statistics by others. Readings
from a wide variety of sources are assigned. Topics include
descriptive statistics, sampling theory, and fundamentals of
statistical inference (confidence intervals and hypothesis
testing).
MTH U201 History of Mathematics 4 SH
Traces the development of mathematics from its earliest
beginning to the present. Emphasis is on the contributions of
various cultures including the Babylonians, Egyptians, Mayans,
Greeks, Indians, and Arabs. Computations and constructions
are worked out using the techniques and notations of these
peoples. The role of mathematics in the development of science
is traced throughout, including the contributions of Descartes,
Kepler, Fermat, and Newton. More modern developments are
discussed as time permits. Prereq. Interest in mathematics,
facility in arithmetic and elementary algebra.
MTH U203 Foundations of Mathematics 4 SH
Investigates the modern revolutions in mathematics initiated
by Cantor, Gödel, Turing, and Robinson in the fields of set
theory, provability, computability, and analysis respectively, as
well as provides background on the controversy over the
philosophy and underlying logic of mathematics. Prereq. Interest
in mathematics, logic, and philosophy.
MTH U215 Game Theory 4 SH
Uses the unifying theme of game theory to explore
mathematical techniques for gaining an understanding of realworld
problems. Includes matrix algebra, linear programming,
probability, trees, von Neumann’s minimax theorem, and
Nash’s theorem on equilibrium points. Considers zero-sum
and non-zero-sum games, multiperson games, and the
prisoner’s dilemma. Explores the applications of game theory,
including conflict analysis, and various issues in psychology,
sociology, political science, economics, and business. Prereq.
Math SAT of at least 600 or permission of instructor.
MTH U220 Mathematics of Art 4 SH
Presents mathematical connections and foundations for art.
Topics vary and may include aspects of linear perspective and
vanishing points, symmetry and patterns, tilings and polygons,
Platonic solids and polyhedra, golden ratio, non-Euclidean
geometry, hyperbolic geometry, fractals, and other topics.
Includes connections and examples in different cultures.
MTH U230 Discrete Mathematics 4 SH
Provides the discrete portion of the mathematical background
needed by students in electrical and computer engineering.
Topics include Boolean algebra and set theory, logic, and logic
gates; growth of functions, and algorithms and their
complexity; proofs and mathematical induction; and graphs,
trees, and their algorithms. As time permits, additional topics
may include methods of enumeration and finite-state
machines.
MTH U240 Intensive Calculus for Engineers 6 SH
Contains the material from the first semester of MTH U241,
preceded by material emphasizing the strengthening of
precalculus skills. Topics include properties of exponential,
logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; differential calculus;
and introductory integral calculus.
MTH U241 Calculus 1 for Science and Engineering 4 SH
Covers definition, calculation, and major uses of the derivative,
as well as an introduction to integration. Topics include limits;
the derivative as a limit; rules for differentiation; and formulas
for the derivatives of algebraic, trigonometric, and
exponential/logarithmic functions. Also discusses applications
of derivatives to motion, density, optimization, linear
approximations, and related rates. Topics on integration
include the definition of the integral as a limit of sums,
antidifferentiation, the fundamental theorem of calculus, and
integration by substitution.
MTH U242 Calculus 2 for Science and Engineering 4 SH
Covers further techniques and applications of integration,
infinite series, and introduction to vectors. Topics include
integration by parts; numerical integration; improper integrals;
separable differential equations; and areas, volumes, and work
as integrals. Also discusses convergence of sequences and
series of numbers , power series representations and
approximations, 3D coordinates, parameterizations, vectors and
dot products, tangent and normal vectors, velocity, and
acceleration in space. Prereq. MTH U241.
MTH U243 Calculus 2 for Engineering Technology 4 SH
Builds upon the differential and integral calculus topics in
MTH U241 to develop additional tools such as partial
derivatives and multiple integrals needed by students of
engineering technology. This course is not equivalent to
MTH U242. Prereq. MTH U241.
