MTHC - Mathematics for Educators

MTHC - Mathematics for EducatorsCourse Descriptions

Webster University 2015-2016 Graduate Studies Catalog 1

MTHC 5040 Number Theory (3)Students examine the basic concepts of number theory with anemphasis on modular systems and their application to a variety ofempirical problems.

MTHC 5080 Puzzles and Proofs (3)This course examines a variety of materials useful in developingreasoning skills. Included are attribute block puzzles, LewisCarroll puzzles, logic puzzles, and a variety of games whichrequire deductive reasoning.

MTHC 5100 Functions and Structure (3)This course investigates a variety of mathematical systems andfunctions.

MTHC 5110 Perspectives in Elementary Geometry (3)This course focuses on geometry for grades 5-8. May be repeatedfor credit if content varies.

MTHC 5120 Topics for the Middle School Teacher (3)This course covers areas of mathematics and/or mathematicseducation of particular interest to middle school teachers. Contentvaries according to the interests of faculty and students. May berepeated for credit if content varies.

MTHC 5130 Probability and Graphs (3)Part of this course covers topics from probability and statisticswith applications to gambling and game theory. The other partcovers graphs, trees, and finite state automata.

MTHC 5150 Number Systems (3)This course provides middle school teachers with a deeperunderstanding of the real number system. Topics coveredinclude arithmetic algorithms in negative and whole numberbases; rational and irrational numbers; arithmetic and geometricprogressions; number properties; mental arithmetic; factorizationand divisibility of integers and of Gaussian integers; and numberpuzzles and games.

MTHC 5200 Independent Study (1-6)Students with special interests or needs that are not met byexisting curricula may request that a member of the facultysupervise an independent study. Together the student and facultymember decide the content of the independent study and thecriteria for evaluation. In no case may an independent study beset up when an existing course already covers the subject. Maybe repeated for credit if content varies.

MTHC 5210 In-Service Education (1-4)Webster offers various graduate in-service courses that arenot part of the existing MAT curricula but provide experiencesimportant to the academic and professional development ofeducators. Consult the semester course listings for specific topics.May be repeated for credit if content varies. This course does notapply toward an M.A. in Mathematics for Educators.

MTHC 5230 Discrete Mathematics (3)This course covers mathematical structures pertinent to anunderstanding of computers, including graphs, Boolean algebra,and finite state machines.

MTHC 5250 Vector Geometry (3)Basic concepts pertaining to vectors in the plane are developed.Proofs of theorems of plane geometry, using a synthetic

approach, an analytic approach, and a vector approach arecompared. The class introduces vector spaces.

MTHC 5260 Algebra for Secondary Teachers (3)Students examine and extend topics in secondary schoolalgebra. Techniques and materials for teaching algebra are alsodiscussed.

MTHC 5280 Calculus for Teachers (3)The course reviews the basic concepts of differential andintegral calculus, with special focus on central ideas,theory,and applications. Computers and/or graphing calculators areused to help investigate ideas. Students enrolling in this courseare assumed to have completed the undergraduate calculussequence with grades of B or higher.

MTHC 5300 History of Mathematics (3)This course is based on selected readings that examine thehistory and philosophy of mathematics. An important goal is toprovide students with a perspective on the relationship betweenmathematics and culture as well as an insight into how and whymathematical ideas have evolved. May be repeated for credit ifcontent varies.

MTHC 5310 Geometry for Secondary Teachers (3)This course deals with areas of geometry relevant to high schoolteachers. Content varies according to the interests of the facultyand students. May be repeated for credit if content varies.

MTHC 5320 Topics in Mathematics (3)Typically this course introduces areas of mathematics not coveredin other courses. Content depends upon the interests of thefaculty and students. May be repeated for credit if content varies.

MTHC 5330 Probability (3)Participants study probability on finite sample spaces along withapplications to gambling and game theory.

MTHC 5340 Topics in Mathematics Education (1-3)The content of this course will include an analysis of curricularmaterials, teaching methods, and/or issues in mathematicseducation. May be repeated for credit if content varies.

MTHC 5350 Logic (3)This course includes propositional and predicate logic, with theobjective of increasing students understanding of what constitutesvalid reasoning, as well as increasing their ability to expressformal mathematical arguments.

MTHC 5360 Algebraic Structures (3)Students examine the algebra of various mathematical structureswith the goal of gaining a broader and more sophisticatedunderstanding of ordinary algebra. Relevant theory is developed.

MTHC 5370 Linear Algebra (3)Concepts and techniques of linear algebra are developed.

MTHC 5390 Statistics (3)This course covers the basic concepts (including applications) ofthe binomial and normal distributions, the chi-square test, analysisof variance, and nonparametric statistics. Emphasis is placed oneducational applications as well as the abuses and misuses ofstatistical ideas. Computers and/or graphing calculators are usedto investigate ideas.

MTHC - Mathematics for Educators

MTHC - Mathematics for Educators

2 Webster University 2015-2016 Graduate Studies Catalog

MTHC 5410 In-Service Topics (1-3)In-service courses are designed to provide teachers with practicalapplications of contemporary research and methodology toimprove classroom effectiveness. . May be repeated for creditif content differs. This course does not apply toward an M.A.degree in Mathematics for Educators.

MTHC 5430 The Real Number System (3)The course covers the algebraic and topological properties of thereal number system and several of its subfields and subrings.

MTHC 5450 Topics in Number Theory (3)This course covers selected topics in number theory, suchas modular systems, quadratic reciprocity, number-theoreticfunctions, Pythagorean Triples, and perfect numbers. Specifictopics to be determined by instructor. Relevant theory will bedeveloped.

MTHC 5480 Problem-Solving Strategies inMathematics (3)The primary objective of this course is to help students developreasoning strategies that are powerful tools in solving problems.A secondary objective is to help students become more skillful atteaching problem-solving strategies.

MTHC 5500 Studies in Mathematics (1-6)Courses in this category are offered on an irregular basis. May berepeated for credit if content varies.

MTHC 5900 Final Reflections (0)All math students are required to register for this zero-credithour course during their penultimate semester. Students writean essay describing how they have changed as a result of theirparticipation in the math program. For specific guidelines see themath coordinator. This course is graded on a credit/no credit basisonly.