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COURSES OF STUDY
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2014-2015
MA 452 Abstract Algebra II (1)
A continuation of MA 451. Topics include rings, fields, integral
domains, ideals, ring homomorphisms, field of quotients, and
extension fields. Prerequisite: MA 451.
MA 454 Numerical Analysis (1)
An introduction to numerical methods of solution and their analysis.
Topics include computer arithmetic, propagation of error, systems of
linear and non-linear equations, numerical integration, curve fitting,
and differential equations. Prerequisite: MA 310.
MA 455 Introduction to Topology (1)
An introduction to the topology of Euclidean space and/or surfaces.
Topics include continuity, compactness, cell complexes, and the
classification of surfaces. Applications include fixed-point theorems, the
Jordan curve theorem, and map colorings. Prerequisites: MA 310 and
335.
MA 458 Introduction to Complex Analysis (1)
Complex numbers, analytic functions, Cauchy-Riemann equations,
curves and integrals, Cauchy’s Theorem and applications, Taylor and
Laurent series, analytic continuation, Residue Theorem, harmonic
functions, and conformal mappings. Prerequisites: MA 310 and 335.
MA 461 Real Analysis I (1)
A rigorous treatment of sequences, limits, continuity, differentiation,
infinite series, sequences and series of functions, uniform convergence
and its implications for function series. Prerequisites: MA 310 and 335.
MA 462 Real Analysis II (1)
A continuation of MA 461. Topics include integrals, derivatives, and
functions of several variables. Prerequisites: MA 317 and 461.
MA 470 Research Seminar in Mathematics (1)
A seminar in reading and presenting advanced mathematics in
preparation for proposing an independent research topic. Each student
will read and present articles of interest to the class, building both
a mathematical foundation upon which a research proposal can be
written, and developing the skills for presenting quantitative work.
Toward the end of the term, each student will write, revise and defend
a proposal for independent research. Prerequisites: MA 335 and senior
standing, or consent of the instructor. Fall.
MA 499 Senior Project in Mathematics (1)
An independent research project in mathematics where students
investigate a topic proposed in MA 470. Students work closely with a
supervising faculty member, formally write up their results, and present
their research to the campus community for their senior conference.
Students may also be required to present their work at a regional
mathematics conference. Prerequisite: MA 470. Exploration term.
