MATH 120, PRE-CALCULUS MATHEMATICS: This course prepares students for calculus, thus concentrating on topics such as trigonometric functions, complex numbers, and vectors. The text and content of the course are determined by the Department across its four sections in the fall, 1996. Assessment takes the form of homework, quizzes, and exams, in the problem-solving format, and appears closely related to the content of the course. There is no statement of course objectives in any of the syllabi. One instructor, in his questionnaire, offers a detailed account of how he addresses the criteria for Natural Sciences Breadth Area, particularly criterion “1-b”. Based on the materials submitted, the Committee recommends that Math 120 be recertified as a Natural Sciences Breadth Area course (see “Category comments and recommendations below”).

MATH 192, METHODS OF CALCULUS: From the materials submitted, Math 192 clearly presents a thorough treatment of calculus, as required. Students are assessed by homework, quizzes, and exams in the typical format of mathematics problem-solving. One section was taught in the spring, 1996, such that there are no consistency concerns across multiple sections; however if more than one section is taught it is imperative that the department ensure that coverage is consistent. The instructor questionnaire notes that "This course is particularly suited to the natural Sciences Breadth area, since it not only teaches valuable mathematical skills, but is [also] specifically aimed at teaching applications of calculus." She further states her belief that neither Criterion "A" in this category, "scientific method," is applicable to this course and makes no reference to criterion "1-b." Specific course objectives are not stated in the syllabus. Based on the materials submitted, the Committee recommends that the course be recertified as a Natural Sciences Breadth Area course (see “Category comments and recommendations below”).

MATH 211, BASIC CONCEPTS OF CALCULUS: With its text and topic coverage dictated by the Department across its five sections in the Fall, 1996, Math 211 deals, as its title indicates, with basic concepts of calculus, offering students "an understanding of the concepts of limit and continuity, the basic rules governing differentiation and basic applications of the derivative." As a Basic Skills Category course, Math 211 appears to meet its objectives well, particularly by its combination of skills and reasoning. Assessment methods are typically homework, quizzes, and exams, in the format of problem-solving, and the questions frequently relate to other areas of natural sciences and real life situations. As a Natural Sciences Breadth area course however, Math 211 does not appear to meet criterion “1-b”. One instructor acknowledges this fact, but the others do not comment on it. It should also be noted that of the five syllabi available for review, only one states the objectives of the course. Based on the materials submitted, the Committee recommends that the course be recertified as a Natural Sciences Breadth Area course (see “Category comments and recommendations below”).