Math and Science Majors
In general, all four-year degrees in mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering require four semesters of calculus and one course in differential equations. Some degrees also require linear algebra (consult your four-year catalog).
Foundations for Calculus
To be successful in Calculus and other advanced mathematics courses, students need a good grasp of the algebraic foundations of those courses. Students scoring below 21 on the mathematics portion of the ACT are place in College Algebra and then would proceed to Precalculus. Students scoring below 25 on the mathematics portion of the ACT are placed in Precalculus. This course is designed to help these students develop the foundations for further mathematical work. This course also provides an introduction to trigonometry including all the foundation students will need for calculus.
MAT 1343 - Precalculus
Graphs of functions, linear, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, combinations, composites. Introduction to trigonometry, right angle trigonometry, fundamental identities of trigonometry, trigonometric functions. Three lecture hours per week.
Students should consult the catalog for the four-year school to which they plan to transfer for complete and accurate degree requirements.
Calculus
MAT 1613 / 1623 - Calculus I / II
Introductory analytic geometry, functions, limits, continuity, differentiation of algebraic and trigonometric functions, and applications of the derivative. Introduction to integration of algebraic and trigonometric functions. Further applications of the derivative, integration, applications of the definite integral, differentiation and integration of transcendental functions, and other techniques of integration to include integration by parts, partial factions, trigonometric substitution, and improper integrals. Three lecture hours per week.
Students must obtain a grade of "C" or better in each semester of calculus to proceed to the next course.
MAT 2613 / 2623 - Calculus III / IV
Infinite series and sequences including an emphasis on geometric series, power series and Taylor series; parametric and polar equations with applications; introduction to three-dimensional, cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems; introduction to vectors and vector functions. Partial differentiation, directional derivatives and the gradient vector, critical points and Lagrange multipliers; multiple integration techniques and applications; vector calculus including vector fields, line integrals, work, Green’s theorem and applications; parameterized surfaces, flux and divergence. Three lecture hours per week.
Upper Level Mathematics Courses
Students majoring in mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering are required to take some mathematics courses beyond Calculus. Students should consult the catalog of their four-year school for details. Differential Equations should be taken concurrently with Calculus IV.
MAT 2913 - Differential Equations
Basic concepts, theory, methods, and applications of ordinary differential equations, solutions of first and higher order differential equations, existence theorems, solutions by series, Laplace Transforms, and applications in geometry, engineering, physics, and chemistry. Three lecture hours per week.
Linear Algebra at Pearl River Community College is a course designed for engineering and science majors. Students majoring in mathematics are recommended to take this course after they transfer to their four-year school. This course should be taken concurrently with Calculus III.
MAT 2113 - Linear Algebra
Systems of linear equations, vector spaces, linear transformations, matrices, inner products, the fundamental spaces of a matrix. Three lecture hours per week.