Mathematics

Mathematics uses deductive reasoning to explore the numerical and spatial aspects of creation. Abstracting particular attributes of empirical phenomena, it describes the properties and relationships that apply to all situations exhibiting a shared set of characteristics. As such, mathematics provides a quantitative framework for many disciplines, and forms "the language of science". A Christian perspective acknowledges and utilizes its immense analytical power, while realizing its subtle limitations and restrictions.

MATH 200 - Introductory Calculus I

Every Year, Fall and Winter 3(3-0-0)

Mathematics is a language that numerically describes and shapes our world. The course introduces analytic geometry; functions, limits, derivatives, and applications; integration and applications. A major goal is to understand the behaviour of functions as mathematical models in the natural sciences, including population dynamics in biology and Newtonian mechanics in physics.

Prerequisites: Mathematics 30-1

MATH 205 - Introductory Calculus II

Every Year, Winter 3(3-0-0)

Mathematics is a language that numerically describes and shapes our world. The course presents Transcendental and hyperbolic functions; methods of integration; sequences, series and applications. The course deepens the understand of functions as mathematical models in the natural sciences, specifically focusing on probably models for statistics and the use of infinite series in the algorithms of computing science.

Prerequisites: MATH 200

MATH 281 - Principles of Mathematics for Teaching

Every Year, Fall and Spring 3(3-0-0)

This course provides a study of foundational mathematical concepts and properties in the elementary and junior high curriculum. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding, reasoning, explaining why algorithms work, and problem solving. Topics include number systems, operations, fractional numbers, proportional reasoning, and aspects of geometry.

Same as EDUC 281.

MATH 282 - Mathematical Reasoning for Teaching

Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-0)

This course explores the mathematical reasoning embedded in concepts encountered in the upper elementary and junior high curriculum. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding, reasoning, explaining why algorithms work, and problem solving. The content follows sequentially from Math 281. Topics include proportional reasoning, number theory, algebraic reasoning and aspects of geometry and probability.

Same as EDUC 282 and 582.

MATH 310 - Linear Algebra (Formerly MATH 221)

Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-0)

Linear algebra is foundational to academic mathematics. Its constructions and ideas are ubiquitous throughout pure and applied mathematics. It is both an algebraic discipline and a geometric discipline - it solves systems of equations and builds algebra structure, but it also studies vectors and transformations of euclidean space. This course introduces the rich landscape of ideas and tool of linear algebra, starting with vectors and linear equations and building up to eigenvalues and modelling through linear dynamical systems.

Students with credit in MATH 221 cannot receive credit in MATH 310.

Prerequisites: MATH 200

MATH 315 - Multivariable Calculus

2025-26, Fall 3(3-0-0)

Single variable calculus introduced the main ideas of derivatives and integrals of functions. However, many of the most important functions, both for the delight of pure mathematics and the utility of applied mathematics, involve more than one variable. This course shows the remarkable and surprisingly ways that the basic tools of derivatives and integrals extend into multivariable situations. It develops the integral and differential calculus of parametric space curves, scalar fields and vector fields.

Students with credit in MATH 300 or 305 cannot receive credit in MATH 315.

Prerequisites: MATH 205

MATH 330 - Differential Equations (Formerly MATH 434)

2024-25, Fall 3(3-0-0)

The differential equation is perhaps the most useful and important tool that mathematical models use to describe the world. By understanding the relationship between a function and its rate of change, the dynamics of complicated and fluctuating systems can be captured in a remarkably unique and powerful way. This course seeks to build a solid foundation of conceptual understanding and solution techniques for ordinary DEs, including second order linear equations and solutions by Taylor series and Laplace transforms. It also includes a brief introduction to partial DEs via and heat equation and solution by Fourier series.

Prerequisites: MATH 205

MATH 360 - Discrete Mathematics

2024-25, Winter 3(3-0-1.5)

An introduction to formal logical reasoning and mathematical theory in computing science. Topics include: fundamental logic, set theory, induction, relations and functions, graphs, the principle of inclusion and exclusion, generating functions and recurrence.

Same as CMPT 360.

Prerequisites: MATH 200 Corequisite: MATH 310

MATH 399 - Special Topics in Mathematics

Non-Recurring, 3(varies)

A course on a topic or field of special interest to a member of the mathematics faculty and offered on a non-recurring basis.

Prerequisites: MATH 200; some topics may have more specific prerequisites

MATH 410 - Abstract Algebra

2025-26, Winter 3(3-0-0)

Abstract algebra seeks to understand the structure of abstract objects in mathematics: constructions that generalize the familiar structure of numbers, vectors, matrices and functions. To that end, mathematicians have devised many different schemes and systems of abstract rules and worked to understand the implications of these rules systems. This course introduces and investigates the three core algebraic structures: groups, rings and fields.

Prerequisites: MATH 310

MATH 420 - Numerical Analysis

2024-25, Fall 3(3-0-3)

An introduction to numerical computation. Topics include computer arithmetic, root approximation, interpolation, numerical integration, applications to differential equations, and error analysis.

Same as CMPT 420.

Prerequisites: CMPT 275, MATH 205 Corequisite: MATH 310

MATH 430 - Theory of Computing

2025-26, Winter 3(3-0-0)

An introduction into advanced topics in the theory of computation. Topics include: models of computers including finite automata and Turing machines, computability, computational complexity, basics of formal languages.

Same as CMPT 430.

Prerequisites: CMPT/MATH 360

MATH 440 - Mathematical Biology

2025-26, Subject to demand 3(3-0-0)

The richness and complexity of biological systems presents a fascinating and unique challenge to mathematicians seeking to build models describing these systems. In this survey of mathematical biology, techniques from linear algebra, differential equations and difference equations are used to try to accurately capture the complex dynamics of single populations, interacting populations, infectious diseases, and population genetics. A mix of exact solutions, approximate solutions, and qualitative analysis are employed to gain insight into each biological system.

Prerequisites: MATH 330

MATH 448 - Complex Analysis

Subject to Demand 3 (3-0-0)

An introduction to complex analysis. The course will cover properties of the complex plane, differentiation and integration with complex variables, Cauchy's Theorem, Taylor series, Laurent series, poles and residues.

Prerequisites: MATH 300

MATH 460 - Cryptography

2025-26, Fall 3(3-0-3)

This course introduces the mathematical algorithms that are used in cryptography. This includes historic cryptography such as the Caesar and Vigenere ciphers, and the German enigma machine. The majority of the course will focus on modern, public key cryptography: the Diffie-Hellman key exchange, RSA, and elliptic curve cryptography. Students will also learn the mathematics used in these algorithms, which includes modular arithmetic, Euler's phi function, introductory information on elliptic curves, and the definitions of groups, rings and fields. The lab component explores prime detection and factorization algorithms, and the implementation of ciphers.

Same as CMPT 460.

Prerequisites: CMPT 275, CMPT/MATH 360

MATH 499 - Directed Studies in Mathematics

Every Year, 1 to 3 (varies)

An opportunity to do advanced study of a special topic of particular interest to a student. Students work with a member of the mathematics faculty. Students must apply in advance to a member of the mathematics faculty.

Prerequisites: Six credits in mathematics at the 300-level, and consent of instructor