Catalog - Mathematics & Computer Science


Department of Mathematics & Computer Science

Department Information

Associate in Arts and Sciences with a major in Mathematics (238)

Associate in a Specialized Discipline with a major in Mathematics (239)

Associate in the Arts and Sciences with a major in Computer Science (237)

Course Descriptions


Department Information

Steven Terry, Department Chair
A. David Allen, Kent Bessey, E. J. Caffaro, Greg Cameron, Boyd Cardon, Dan Chiddix, Paul Cox, Dewey Furness, Shane Goodwin, Daris Howard, Linda Long, Alden Partridge, Larry E. Saunders, Wayne Startin, Daniel Thomas, Elizabeth Toy
Departmental Office (208) 356-1400

The Department of Mathematics is committed to providing assistance in understanding the language of mathematics. Majors in Mathematics who go on to complete their Bachelor’s degree may choose from such diversified occupations as statistician, actuary, business or industrial mathematicians. Majors in Computer Science who complete the Bachelor’s degree will choose careers as system programmers, computer/operating systems designers, scientific programmers, etc. The Department offers three degrees to prepare majors for transfer to a university.

The Department also offers courses for those who need to acquire or renew math skills at the beginning levels of algebra and has the primary responsibility for the administration of the mathematics graduation requirement.

Mathematics Placement
Students planning to major in Mathe-matics are encouraged to follow the Associate Degree in Arts and Sciences since completion of the General Educa-tion requirements facilitates transfer to a four year institution. Math and Computer Science majors should begin their studies with calculus or they may find themselves unable to complete the following requirements within four semesters.


Associate in Arts and Sciences with a major in Mathematics (238)

The Associate Mathematics major degree is designed for the student planning to transfer to a four year school upon graduation from Ricks College . These students should expect to begin their studies with calculus (Math 162).*

*Graduation with an Associate in Arts and Science in any major presumes completion of the General Education Requirements.

In addition to satisfying General Education requirements the student is to complete the following courses with a grade of “C” or better: Eng 216,the Calculus sequence: Math 162, 263, 264; Math 280, and any three courses from Math 221, 243, 274, CS 144 (or CS 205).

Recommended sequence of courses:

First Semester
Religion 2
Math 162 Plane Geo Cal 4
General Education 8
Elective 2
Total Credits 16

Second Semester
Religion 2
General Education 6
Math 263 Ana Geom-Calc 4
Math Elective 3
Elective 1
Total Credits 16

Third Semester
Religion 2
General Education 4-5
Eng 216 Tech Writing 3
Math 264 Mult Dim Calc 3
Math Elective 3
Elective 1
Total Credits 16-17

Fourth Semester
Religion 2
General Education 7-8
Math 280 Top Pure Math 3
Math Elective 3
Elective 1
Total Credits 16-17

General Education


Associate in a Specialized Discipline with a major in Mathematics (239)

This degree is available for students desiring to concentrate on mathematics with only a partial completion of their General Education requirements. Students are encouraged to consult with a mathematics department advisor to ensure that the proper degree program suited to their background is chosen.

Recommended sequence of courses:

First Semester
Religion 2
General Education 6
Math 162 Plane Geo Cal 4
Science Elective 3
Total Credits 15

Second Semester
Religion 2
Math 243 Linear Algebra 3
Math 263 Ana Geom Calc 4
Science Elective 3
Electives 4
Total Credits 16

Third Semester
Religion 2
Math 264 Mult-Dim Calc 3
Math Elective 3
Science Elective 3
Electives 6
Total Credits 17

Fourth Semester
Religion 2
Math Elective 3
Science Elective 3
Math 280 Top Pure Math 3
Electives 5
Total Credits 16

General Education Requirements

Students are required to complete 12 additional hours of course work in the Natural Sciences (courses numbered 111 or above) or in Engineering (courses numbered 200 or above). The remaining electives should be filled in other areas outside of the Natural Sciences.

Courses for Majors

Science Electives: Select a course from the following group each semester.
Any Biology numbered 118 or higher
Any Chemistry numbered 111 or higher
Any Engineering numbered 200 or higher
Any Physics numbered 121 or higher

Math Electives: During the first semester of your sophomore year take one of the following courses:
Math 221 Statistics 3-4
Math 225 Math Statistics 3
CS 205 Programming in C 3

Students are to complete with a grade of C or better: Math 162, 263, 264 plus Math 280, plus three courses from Math 221 (or 225), 243, 274, CS 205 (or CS 143).

During the last semester take one of the following:
CS 265 Num Meth Comp 3
Math 274 Diff Equations 3

Electives: Your choice of courses:

Note: It is important that you meet with your advisor during your first semester so that an individualized program regarding general elective courses can be mapped out.


Associate in the Arts and Sciences with a major in Computer Science (237)

Computer Science is a discipline of problem solving where the solution involves a computer. Computer Science is involved in areas like software development, networks and operating systems. Computer Science is one of the fastest growing fields in our society. Employment opportunities are excellent for students who pursue a Bachelor’s degree. The Computer Science program at Ricks College is intended to prepare students for transfer to a four-year institution.

Students planning to major in Computer Science are expected to follow the Associate Degree in Arts and Sciences since the completion of the General Education requirements facilitates transfer to a four-year institiution.

Computer Science majors should be prepared to enter the program at the Math 162 (calculus) level. They should also have some programming experience from high school to be able to take CS 205. Those not meeting these requirements may take up to five semesters to graduate instead of the usual four. Those not meeting these requirements should take Math 110 and CS 144.

Any student graduating with a major in Computer Science is required to complete with a grade of C or better:
1. Calculus sequence: Math 162 Math 263
2. Physics sequence: Phys 121, Phys 122
3. Computer Science: CS 150,CS 205, CS 206 CS 233, CS 240, CS 152, CS 251, CS 252.

Recommended sequence of courses:

First Semester
Religion 2
SS General Education 3
Eng 111 3
CS 150 2
CS 205 3
Math 162 4
Total Credits 17

Second Semester
Religion 2
Arts General Education 3
Basic Skills GE 2-3
Math 263 4
CS 206 3
CS 251 3
Total Credits 17-18

Third Semester
Religion 2
Letters General Education 3
SS General Education 3
Phys 121 3
CS 240 3
CS 152 2
Total Credits 16

Fourth Semester
Religion 2
Bio Science General Education 3
Eng 216 3
Phys 122 3
CS 233 3
CS 252 2
Total Credits 16

General Education Requirements

As you fill the Natural Sciences you should include Ph 121,122 Prin of Physics.


Course Descriptions

Math 100A Arithmetic 1
Three contact hours per week
A competency based, self-paced class
Sections have no lectures and are supplemented with video tapes and tutors
A study of arithmetic and applications using arithmetic. This course is only for those needing a review of elementary school arithmetic including signed numbers, fractions, decimals and percents.

Math 100B Beginning Algebra Part I 1
Three contact hours per week
A competency based, self-paced class
Sections have no lectures and are supplemented with video tapes and tutors
The arithmetic of integers and rational numbers as well as an introduction to algebra. Does not satisfy the Ricks College math requirement. Must have a grade of "B” or better to take next math class. This course is recommended for those needing basic algebra before starting into progressively higher math courses.

Math l00C Beginning Algebra Part II 1
Prerequisite: Math 100B and consent of instructor
Three contact hours per week
This is a continuation of beginning algebra introduced in Math 100 B. A competency based, self paced class Sections have no lectures and are supplemented with video tapes and tutors Roughly equivalent to the second half of the first year of high school algebra. Linear equations and their graphs, systems of linear equations, quadratics. Does not meet the Ricks College math requirement. Must have grade of “B” or better to take Math 101.

Math 100S Agricultural Mathematics 3
Prerequisite: Admission to the technical agricultural programs
Three lecture hours per week or offered in a lab setting
Fee $15 for supplies
Mathematics applied to agricultural problems.

Math 101 Intermediate Algebra 3
Prerequisite: One year high school algebra or Math 100C with a grade of “B” or higher
Three contact hours per week
Sections have no lectures and are supplemented with video tapes and tutors
Fundamental operations of algebra, properties of exponents, solving linear, fractional and quadratic equations, graphing linear and quadratic functions. Math 101 may not be taken for credit if Math 110, or Math 115 has been completed with a grade of "B" or higher. Must have a grade of “B” or better to take next math class in sequence.Satisfies the math requirement.

Math 103 Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving 3
Prerequisite: One year of high school algebra required, two years recommended
Three contact hours per week
A terminal course designed to meet the needs of the liberal arts student. Topics include problem solving, functions, modeling, finance math, probability, and statistics. This class will satisfy the math graduation requirement and the Idaho Core Requirements, but will not serve as a substitute or a prerequisite for Math 110 in programs that require college algebra. Need a TI-85 calculator

Math 110 College Algebra 3
Prerequisite: Two years of high school algebra or Math 101
May be taken daily for 10 weeks or MWF for the full semester
Functions, polynomials, theory of equations, exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices, determinants, systems of linear equations, etc. (This can be followed in the same semester with Math 111.) Need T1-85 or HP-48G calculator.

Math 111 Trigonometry 2
Prerequisite: Math 101 or equivalent
Circular functions, triangle relationships, identities, inverse trig functions, vectors, complex numbers, etc. Need T1-85 or HP-48G calculator.

Math 162 Plane Analytic Geometry and Calculus 4
Prerequisite: Math 110 and Math 111
Five hours lecture per week
One-dimensional differential and integral calculus with applications. HP-48G calculator is recommended.

Math 205 Basic Concepts for Elementary Education Teachers 3
Prerequisite: Math 110
Three hours lecture per week
This course is primarily for education majors. The content focuses on important mathematical ideas and their interrelationships. Problem solving, sets, relations, functions, systems of numeration, operations on the real numbers and number theory are included.

Math 206 Math Concepts for Elementary Education Teachers 3
Prerequisite: Math 205
Three hours lecture per week
Enrichment or extended study of the concepts covered in Math 205 plus the study of geometry, probability, statistics and logic for elementary education teachers. (Winter Only)

Math 209 Elementary Calculus 4
Prerequisite: Math 110
Five hours lecture per week
A one-semester terminal course of single and multi-variable calculus designed primarily for students in biology, agriculture, and business. Topics include derivatives, integrals, and their applications. TI-85 calculator recommended.

Math 221 Principles of Statistics 3-4
Prerequisite: Math 110
Four hours lecture per week
Frequency distributions; measures of central tendency and dispersion; elementary probability; regression and correlation; sampling; statistical inference and estimation including the normal, t-test, chi-square, and analysis of variance tests; multiple contrasts and multiple regression. Need a statistical calculator. TI-85 recommended.

Math 243 Linear Algebra 3
Prerequisite: Math 162
Linear systems, matrices, vector spaces, linear transformations, determinants, Eigenvalues, Eigenvectors.

Math 263 Solid Analytical Geometry and Calculus 4
Prerequisite: Math 162
Four hours lecture per week
Applications and methods of integration, hyperbolic functions, infinite series, polar coordinates, parametric forms and vectors. HP-48G or TI-85 calculator is required.

Math 264 Multidimensional Calculus 3
Prerequisite: Math 263
Four lecture hours per week
Partial derivatives, n-dimensional vectors, multiple integrals, integral theorems of vector calculus including Green’s and Stokes’ theorems. HP-48G calculator is recommended.

Math 274 Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations 3
Prerequisite: Math 243 or concurrent registration
Four hours lecture per week
An introduction to the theory of ordinary differential equations with applications, linear systems, series solutions and numerical methods.

Math 280 Topics in Pure Math 3
Prerequisite: Math 263 or consent of instructor
Three hours of lecture per week
Fundamental concepts of reading, understanding and developing mathematical proofs. Basic concepts from set theory, group theory, and analysis will be covered.


Computer Science

Advisors:
Daris Howard 356-1402
Paul Cox 356-1404
Gregory Cameron 356-1433
Dan Chiddix 356-1922

CS 100 Computer Basics 0-2
This self tutorial option prepares the individual for challenging the knowledge and competency exam's to meet the General Education Computer basics requirement. Areas covered by this option include: hardware and operating systems, word processing, spreadsheet, database applications and ethical use of computers.

CS 100L Computer Basics Lab 2
This computer lab prepares the individual for challenging the knowledge and competency exam's to meet the General Education computer basics requirement while applying these skills to a specific discipline. Areas covered by this option include: hardware and operating systems, word processing, spreadsheet, database applications and ethical use of computers.

CS 144 Introduction to Programming 3
Introduction to programming using the “C” programming language. Subjects include algorithm development, problem solving, testing and debugging, “C” language, text files and linked lists. All programming will be done using PC’s and Windows. This course is highly recommended for non-Computer Science majors and those with no programming experience.

CS 150 Introduction to UNIX 2
Prerequisite: Math 110, Math 111
Two lecture hours per week
A course that introduces the student to the UNIX Operating System. Topics include UNIX file structure UNIX processes, UNIX accounts, basic UNIX commands, EMACS editor, C-compiler, Makefiles, shell programming, X Windows and TCL/TK programming.

CS 152 Discrete Structures 2
Prerequisite: Math 162, CS 205
Algebraic structures applied to computers, including sets, graphs, logic and functions. (Fall only)

CS 170 Programming I    4
Prerequisite: CS 144 or previous programming experience.
Topics include basics of C, function overloading, arrays, pointers, strings, classes, operator inheritance, polymorphism, and templates.

CS 171 Programming II    4
Prerequisite: CS 170
Introduction to Web programming in the UNIX environment. topics include UNIX file system, shell and shell programming, make files, X-windows, HTML. PERL or JAVA

CS 233 Assembly Language Programming 3
Prerequisite: CS 205
An introduction to assembly language programming for the PC. Subjects include architecture of the 80386/80486, data formats, addressing, addressing modes, 80386/80486 assembly language, DOS interrupts, keyboard programming, disk access using assembly language and VGA programming using assembly language. All programming will be on DOS based PC’s.

CS 235 Foundations of Computer Science I    4
Prerequisite: CS 170, Math 162
Iteration, induction, recursion, lists, trees, sets, relations, functions; mathematical analysis of algorithms and data models, object-oriented implementation of abstract data types.

CS 236 Foundations of Computer Science II    4
Prerequisite: CS 235
Continuation of CS 235, relations, graphs, automata, grammars, propositional and predicate logic. Implementation of object-oriented algorithms.CS 240 Data Communications 3

Prerequisite: CS 150, CS 205, Math 110
Outline of the OSI model and correlation with the TCP/IP standard. Discussion of a packet switched network using the Internet as a vehicle for learning such things as ftp, telenet, etc. Possible setup of a small network and network programming. Discuss client-server models. Build an HTML document and work with other Internet related protocols. Write client server programs. (Fall only)

CS 251 Data Structures 3
Prerequisite: CS 205
Introduction to abtraction, algorithm analysis, linked lists, stacks, queues, binary trees and graphs. Different methods for implementing and algorithms for manipulating these types will be discussed.

CS 252 Introduction to Computational Theory 2
Prerequisite: CS 152, Math 162
Applications of algebraic structures to computers including languages, finite automata and Turing machines. (Winter only)

CS 290 Special Topics 1-3
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
Faculty/student consultation will determine an area of study/research that will give an advanced student greater appreciation and experience in this field. Terms of enrollment, credit, etc., will be determined by the instructor.


divNaturalScience@ricks.edu


Ricks College Homepage
President's Message | General Information | Academics | Admissions
Alumni and Development | College Services
| Continuing Education
News, Events and Sports | Student Life


İRicks College 1998