Department of Mathematics
Department website: http://www.wku.edu/math
Kanita Ducloux, Chair
College High Hall 4124
(270) 745-3651
math@wku.edu
The Department of Mathematics offers the M.S. degree and the M.A. degree. Both degrees have the thesis and non-thesis options, and both require 30 hours of graduate-level courses.
The M.S. has three concentrations available. The M.S. (general mathematics) provides knowledge in such traditional areas as analysis, algebra, topology, and applied mathematics, and is recommended for students who wish to obtain a Ph. D. degree, to teach in a community college, or to seek employment in industry with an emphasis on conceptual foundations. The M.S. (computational mathematics) is designed for students seeking employment in industry with an emphasis on computational mathematics and/or computer science in addition to knowledge in traditional areas. The M.S. (mathematical economics) is for students that have completed WKU’s mathematical economics major or want to work as an mathematical economist in industry, and want to complete their thesis under the direction of a math faculty member.
The M.A. degree is designed for students interested in careers in secondary education and will help students become more knowledgeable about the mathematics they will teach in high school and make connections and extensions of that knowledge to college and higher mathematics.
Faculty
Professor
Ferhan Atici PhD (Mathematics and Statistics), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1995
Melanie A. Autin PhD (Statistics), University of South Carolina - Columbia, 2007
Tilak Bhattacharya PhD (Mathematics), Purdue University Main Campus, 1988
Molly Dunkum PhD (Mathematics), University of Kentucky, 2005
Mikhail Khenner PhD (Physico-Mathematical Sciences), Perm State University-Russia, 1999
Dominic A. Lanphier PhD (Mathematics), University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 2000
Hope L. Marchionda PhD (Curriculum and Instruction), Clemson University, 2006
Ngoc B. Nguyen PhD (Mathematics), Bowling Green State University, 2010
Thanh L. Nguyen PhD (Mathematics), Ohio University Main Campus, 2002
Thomas A. Richmond PhD (Mathematics), Washington State University, 1986
Mark P. Robinson PhD (Mathematics), University of Kentucky, 1991
Associate Professor
Kanita K. DuCloux PhD (Mathematics Education), University of Georgia, 2009
Nicholas C. Fortune PhD (Mathematics Education), North Carolina State University, 2018
Samangi Munasinghe PhD (Mathematics), Texas A & M University, 2006
Ahmet O. Ozer PhD (Applied Mathematics), Iowa State University, 2011
Attila Por PhD (Mathematics), Eotvos Lorand University-Hungary, 2003
Richard C. Schugart PhD (Applied Mathematics), North Carolina State University, 2005
Assistant Professor
Zachary S. Bettersworth MS (Mathematics), Western Kentucky University, 2016
Daniel L. Clark PhD (Mathematics Education), Michigan State University, 2016
Lukun Zheng PhD (Applied Mathematics), University North Carolina Charlotte, 2015
Mathematics Courses
MATH 403G Geometry for Elementary and Middle School Teachers 3 Hours
Both formal and informal methods are used to explain the basic concepts of Euclidean geometry. Emphasis is given to the investigative approach, organizational skills, and problem solving.
Restriction(s): Students cannot enroll who are in Secondary Ed Teacher Leader (0435) or Mathematics (085)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
MATH 405G Numerical Analysis I 3 Hours
Computer arithmetic, roots of equations, polynomial approximation and interpolation, numerical differentiation and integration. Computer solutions of problems will be required.
Prerequisite(s): (MATH 307 or MATH 310 or MATH 237) and (CS 180 or CS 146) or permission of instructor
Equivalent(s): CS 405G
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
MATH 406G Numerical Analysis II 3 Hours
The solution of linear systems by direct and iterative methods, matrix inversion, the calculation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrices. Initial and boundary value problems in ordinary differential equations. Computer solution of problems will be required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
MATH 409G History of Mathematics 3 Hours
History of mathematics from ancient times through the development of calculus with emphasis on famous problems. Provides knowledge and appreciation useful in the classroom. Term papers will be required. Note: 6 hours of undergraduate mathematics required.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Restriction(s): Students cannot enroll who are in Mathematics (085)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
MATH 411G Problem Solving for Elementary and Middle School Teachers 3 Hours
Integrates concepts developed in algebra, geometry, logic, statistics, probability, and elementary number theory. Students are encouraged to use problem-solving strategies, models, and technologies, and to create problems of their own.
Restriction(s): Students cannot enroll who are in Secondary Ed Teacher Leader (0435) or Mathematics (085)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
MATH 413G Algebra and Technology for Middle Grades Teachers 3 Hours
The use of graphing calculators and computer software to explore algebraic ideas including patterns, functions, equations, inequalities, linear programming, curve fitting, and practical applications of algebra and technology.
Restriction(s): Students cannot enroll who are in Secondary Ed Teacher Leader (0435) or Mathematics (085)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
MATH 415G Algebra and Number Theory 3 Hours
Survey of modern algebra and number theory. Includes number systems, divisibility, congruences, groups and their application to number theory.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2023
MATH 417G Algebraic Systems 3 Hours
The theory of finite groups and related algebraic systems. Lagrange's Theorem, Sylow Theorems, and the structure of finite groups are studied. Applications of group theory to the study of algebraic problems and symmetry.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023
MATH 421G Problem Solving for Secondary Teachers 3 Hours
Utilizes various techniques and technology to solve mathematical problems. Integrates concepts from algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability, statistics, number theory, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and calculus.
Restriction(s): Students cannot enroll who are in Mathematics (085)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
MATH 423G Geometry II 3 Hours
An axiomatic development of plane hyperbolic geometry which presupposes a development of absolute geometry.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
MATH 431G Intermediate Analysis I 3 Hours
Topics in analysis chosen from inverse and implicit function theorems, differentiation, integration, infinite series, series of functions, and introductory functional analysis.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023
MATH 435G Partial Differential Equations 3 Hours
Equations of first and second order; elliptic, hyperbolic and parabolic equations of mathematical physics using separation of variables and Fourier series.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; fall 2021
MATH 439G Topology I 3 Hours
Introduction to topology including topics selected from: topological spaces, mappings, homeomorphisms, metric spaces, surfaces, knots, manifolds, separation properties, compactness and connectedness.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022
MATH 450G Complex Variables 3 Hours
Complex number plane, analytic functions of a complex variable, integration, power series, calculus of residues, conformal representation, applications of analytic function theory.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2023
MATH 470G Introduction to Operations Research 3 Hours
Principles and techniques of operations research including linear programming, integer programming, quality theory, sensitivity analysis, and dynamic programming.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
MATH 482G Probability & Statistics II 3 Hours
Multivariate probability distributions; sampling distributions, statistical inference; point and interval estimation, properties of estimators; hypothesis testing; regression and correlation; analysis of variance; non-parametric methods.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021
MATH 500 Readings in Mathematics 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Students read and present papers that have appeared in (or have been accepted by) mathematical journals. Topics covered are determined by areas of interest. Note: Undergraduate major in mathematics required.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2021; summer 2022; summer 2023; fall 2023
MATH 501 Introduction to Probability and Statistics I 3 Hours
Interpreting, analyzing, and simulating univariate and bivariate data; probability and sampling distributions; regression and chi-squared procedures from traditional and randomization approaches.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
MATH 502 Introduction to Probability and Statistics II 3 Hours
Review of linear algebra, Markov chains, decision theory, linear programming and game theory.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
MATH 503 Introduction to Analysis 3 Hours
Theoretical examination of selected topics in real analysis including sequences, series, limits, continuity, derivatives, and integration.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Mathematics (049)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023
MATH 504 Application of Technology to Problems in Mathematics 3 Hours
Problem solving via non-routine problems from various branches of mathematics, including, but not limited to number theory, discrete math, linear algebra, calculus, probability, and statistics.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Mathematics (049)
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2021; summer 2022
MATH 506 Mathematical Applications for Middle Grades Teachers 3 Hours
Advanced study in logic, discrete mathematics, functions, and modeling, as appropriate for middle grades mathematics teachers.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Restriction(s): Students cannot enroll who are in Mathematics (049) or Mathematics (085)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
MATH 507 Number Systems for Elementary and Middle Grades Teachers 3 Hours
Conceptual development of numeration systems and structures, set and number theory, and sequences.
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2021; summer 2023
MATH 508 Rational Number Concepts for Elementary and Middle Grades Teachers 3 Hours
Conceptual development of rational number representations, ratios, and proportional reasoning.
Restriction(s): Students cannot enroll who are in Secondary Ed Teacher Leader (0435) or Mathematics (085)
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2022
MATH 510 Intermediate Statistics 3 Hours
Extended coverage of experimental design and data collection, statistical inference including confidence intervals, estimation, tests of significance, comparison of population parameters, and multiple regression.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 501
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2021; summer 2022; summer 2023
MATH 511 Algebra from an Advanced Perspective 3 Hours
Topics in algebra from an advanced perspective including analysis of functions and polynomials, number theory, and fields.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Mathematics (049)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; summer 2023; fall 2023
MATH 512 Geometry from an Advanced Perspective 3 Hours
Topics in geometry from an advanced perspective including a theoretical examination of transformations in real and complex plane; distance congruence, and similarity in a variety of contexts; connections and applications between geometry, trigonometry, and calculus.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 511 or permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
MATH 514 Mathematical Modeling and Applications 3 Hours
Uses mathematical modeling to describe and explore real world problems using algebraic, geometric, and statistical approaches.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Mathematics (049)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; summer 2023
MATH 515 Introduction to Number Theory 3 Hours
An introduction to number theory, including, but not limited to, divisibility, congruences, quadratic reciprocity, theory of primes, Fermat’s Theorem, Euler’s Theorem, application problems
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Mathematics (049)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2023
MATH 517 Topics from Algebra 3 Hours
Theory of rings, fields, and vector spaces. Topics include: polynomial rings, principal ideal domains, unique factorization domains, field extensions, Galois theory.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
MATH 529 Applied Probability 3 Hours
Axiomatic development of the theory of probability. Introduction to Markov chains, random variables, distributions, transformations. Limit theorems and various modes of convergence.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
MATH 531 Advanced Differential Equations 3 Hours
Power series solutions, existence and uniqueness theorems, stability and Liapunov's method, regular singular points, perturbations of periodic solutions.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021
MATH 532 Real Analysis 3 Hours
Function spaces, additive set functions, outer measure; measurable functions, integration.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022
MATH 535 Advanced Applied Mathematics- I 3 Hours
Eigenvalue and boundary value problems, orthogonal expressions in function spaces, classic polynomials, Sturm-Liouville theory, Fourier and Laplace transforms.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2023
MATH 536 Advanced Applied Mathematics- II 3 Hours
Integral equations, calculus of variations, maximation of linear functionals, maximum gradient method.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 535
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
MATH 539 Topology II 3 Hours
Homotopy, homology theory.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
MATH 540 Stochastic Processes 3 Hours
Theory and application of stochastic processes; random walks; Markov chains; Poisson processes; birth and death processes; queues; renewal and branching processes; computer simulations.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
MATH 541 Graph Theory 3 Hours
Introduction to the basic concepts of graph theory. Topics include Eulerian circuits, Hamiltonian cycles, coloring problems and planar graphs. Note: Undergraduate major in mathematics required.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2023
MATH 542 Advanced Topics in Discrete Mathematics 3 Hours
Combinatorics, ordered sets and lattice theory, modeling with difference equations, discrete calculus, dynamic equations on time scales.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
MATH 550 Complex Analysis 3 Hours
Analytic continuation, conformal mapping, Riemann surfaces, and univalent functions.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
MATH 570 Topics in Operations Research 3 Hours
Specific area(s) of operations research.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
MATH 585 Advanced Mathematical Thinking I 3 Hours
Students will explore and identify connections between research in mathematics education and the mathematics content, from an advanced perspective, they are teaching in their courses.
Prerequisite(s): (MATH 501 and MATH 503 and MATH 511 and MATH 512 and MATH 515 (may be taken concurrently))
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Mathematics (049)
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2023
MATH 590 Special Topics in Mathematics 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
No course description is available.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
MATH 595 Advanced Mathematical Thinking II 3 Hours
Students will conduct their own research project regarding secondary students’ mathematical thinking, applying what was learned in MATH 585 (Adv Mathematical Thinking I).
Prerequisite(s): MATH 585
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Mathematics (049)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2023
MATH 598 Graduate Seminar: Communicating Mathematics and Technical Writing 3 Hours
This course will familiarize graduate students in mathematics with the many different areas of mathematics and active research topics in the field as well as give them an opportunity to practice effective oral presentation skills. Students will also learn mathematical typesetting with LaTeX.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023
MATH 599 Thesis/Research 1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Thesis research and writing directed by faculty committee.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023
MATH 600 Maintaining Matriculation 1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Continued enrollment for thesis completion.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022
Statistics Courses
STAT 549 Statistical Methods I 3 Hours
Principles of applied statistical research. Elements of data collection and experimental design. Parametric and nonparametric methods for analyzing interval, ordinal and categorical data, including confidence intervals and hypothesis testing, single factor ANOVA, simple and multiple linear regression and correlation. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing real data.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022
STAT 550 Statistical Methods II 3 Hours
Continuation of STAT 549. Topics include multiple linear regression, generalized linear model, two-way ANOVA and more general factorial design, block and nested design, mixed and random effect models, analysis of covariance. Emphasis on analyzing real data using statistical software packages, such as SAS, SPSS, or R.
Prerequisite(s): STAT 549 with a minimum grade of B or permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: None