Course Descriptions

This is a list of course descriptions of all the courses I’ve taken. These descriptions are taken from the websites and/or catalog of the school I took them at.

Mathematics Classes

MTH 03 – Algebra I

5 credits. Covers the topics of Algebra I including, real numbers, equations and inequalities, exponents, polynomials, Cartesian coordinate system, rational expressions, and applications. Develops the mathematical proficiency necessary for selected curriculum entrance. Credits not applicable toward graduation. Prerequisites: a placement recommendation for MTH 03 or MTH 09.
Instructor: Mr. Charles Giffen

MTH 04 – Algebra II

4 credits. Expands upon the topics of Algebra I including rational expressions, radicals and exponents, quadratic equations, systems of equations, and applications. Develops the mathematical proficiency necessary for selected curriculum entrance. Credits not applicable toward graduation. Prerequisites: a placement recommendation for MTH 04 and Algebra I or equivalent.
Instructor: Mr. Jon Hexter

MTH 166 – Precalculus with Trigonometry

5 credits. Presents college algebra, analytic geometry, trigonometry, matrices, and algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Prerequisite MTH 04 or equivalent.
Instructor: Mr. Jon Hexter

MTH 173 – Calculus w/ Analytical Geometry I

5 credits. Presents analytic geometry and the calculus of algebraic and transcendental functions including the study of limits, derivatives, differentials, and introduction to integration along with their applications. Designed for mathematical, physical and engineering science programs. Prerequisites: MTH 166 or a placement recommendation for MTH 173 and four units of high school mathematics including Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry and Trigonometry or equivalent.
Instructor: Mr. John Fogelgren

MTH 174 – Calculus w/ Analytical Geometry II

5 credits. Continues the study of analytic geometry and the calculus of algebraic and transcendental functions including rectangular, polar, and parametric graphing, indefinite and definite integrals, methods of integration, and power series along with applications. Designed for mathematical, physical, and engineering science programs. Prerequisites: MTH 173 or equivalent.
Instructor: Mr. John Fogelgren

MTH 240 – Statistics

3 credits. Presents an overview of statistics, including descriptive statistics, elementary probability, probability distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, and correlation and regression. Prerequisites: a placement recommendation for MTH 240 and MTH 163 or MTH 166 or equivalent.
Instructor: Ms. Rebecca Schmitz

MTH 275 – Multivariable Calculus

4 credits. Presents vector valued functions, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, matrices, vector spaces, determinants, solutions of systems of linear equations, basis and dimension, eigen values, and eigen vectors. Designed for mathematical, physical and engineering science programs. Prerequisite: MTH 174 or equivalent.
Instructor: Mr. Jon Hexter

MTH 279 – Ordinary Differential Equations

4 credits. Introduces ordinary differential equations. Include first order differential equations, second and higher order ordinary differential equations with application LaPlace transforms in systems of differential equations. Designed for mathematical, physical, and engineering science programs. Prerequisites: MTH 275 or equivalent.
Instructor: Mr. Jon Hexter

STAT 212 – Concepts of Statistics

3 credits. An introduction to the nature of statistical thinking and the application of abstract systems to the resolution of nonabstract problems. Probability models for stochastic events. Parametric representations. Estimation, testing hypotheses and interval estimation with application to classical models. Laboratories include activity based learning and computer usage.
Instructor: Dr. David Bauer

MATH 211 – Mathematical Structures

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Calculus-level placement on the VCU Mathematics Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding enrollment in the course or MATH 151 or MGMT 212. An alternative prerequisite course may be approved at the discretion of the academic adviser. An introduction to mathematical logic and set theory, including applications in Boolean algebras and graph theory.
Instructor: Dr. Dewey Taylor

MATH 310 – Linear Algebra

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MATH 200, and (MATH 300 or 201). Systems of linear equations, vector spaces, linear dependence, bases, dimensions, linear mappings, matrices, determinants, quadratic forms, orthogonal reduction to diagonal form, eigenvalues and geometric applications.
Instructor: Dr. Norma Ortiz

MATH 511 – Applied Linear Algebra

3 credits. The algebra of matrices, the theory of finite dimensional vector spaces, and the basic results concerning eigenvectors and eigenvalues, with particular attention to applications.
Instructor: Dr. Candace Kent

MATH 512 – Complex Analysis for Applications

3 credits. Prerequisites: MATH 307, and MATH 300 or knowledge equivalent to MATH 300. The algebra and geometry of complex numbers, analytic functions, integration, series, contour integration, analytic continuation, conformal mapping, with particular attention to applications.
Instructor: Dr. ??

MATH 490 – Mathematical Expositions

2 credits. Designed to help students attain proficiency in expository mathematical writing and in oral presentations, which require the efficient and effective use of mathematics and the English language. Students will learn a variety of topics in mathematics and will write reviews of selected award-winning mathematics papers. Writing intensive.
Instructor: Dr. John Berglund

MATH 490 – Independent Study: Optimal Control & Calculus of Variations

3 credits. Will fill this in later, after completion.
Instructor: Dr. Norma Ortiz

MATH 351 – Applied Abstract Algebra

3 credits. A survey of several areas in applied abstract algebra which have applications in computer science such as groups, codes, matrix algebra, finite fields, and advanced graph theory.
Instructor: Dr. James Deveney

MATH 501 – Introduction to Abstract Algebra

3 credits. An introduction to groups, rings, and fields from an axiomatic point of view. Coset decomposition and basic morphisms.
Instructor: Dr. Richard Hammack

MATH 507-508 – Analysis I & II

MATH 530 – History of Mathematics

3 credits. Surveys major trends in the development of mathematics from ancient times through the nineteenth century and considers the cultural and social contexts of mathematical activity.
Instructor: ?

MATH 509-510 – General Topology I & II

3 credits. Foundations and fundamental concepts of point-set topology. Topological spaces, convergence, connected sets, compactness, product spaces, quotient spaces, function spaces, separation properties, metrization theorems, mappings, and compactification.
Instructor: Dr. Andrew Lewis

MATH 601-2 – Abstract Algebra I & II

3 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 501. A study of algebraic structures (including groups, rings, and fields), Galois theory, homomorphisms, subalgebras, direct products, direct decompositions, subdirect decompositions, free algebras, varieties of algebras.
Instructor: Dr. ??

Computer Science Classes

CMSC 255 – Introduction to Programming

3 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 151 or equivalent. Students are expected to have fundamental computer skills. Students registering for CMSC 255 must have taken the VCU Mathematics Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. An exception to this policy is made in the case in which the stated alternative prerequisite course has been completed at VCU. Introduction to structured programming using Java. Topics include problem solving, top-down design of algorithms using control structures, functions, arrays, basic I/O, basic concepts of objects and classes in Java, and the Java classes, String and String Tokenizer. Students may not receive credit for both CMSC 255 and INFO 250.
Instructor: Dr. Lorraine Parker

CMSC 256 – Data Structures and Object Oriented Programming

3 credits. Advanced programming using Java. Topics include introduction to object oriented design, inheritance, polymorphism, exceptions, interfaces, linked lists, stacks, queues, binary trees, recursion, and basic searching and sorting techniques.
Instructor: Dr. Susan Brilliant

CMSC 301 – Introduction to Discrete Structures

3 credits. A continuation of MATH 211. Recursion and induction. Operations on sets and relations. Formal languages with an emphasis on finite state automata and grammars. Monoids and graphs (trees in particular). Elementary combinatorics and advanced Boolean algebra.
Instructor: Dr. Lorraine Parker

CMSC 311 – Computer Organization and Assembler Language Programming

3 credits. Registers, instruction set issues, data representation, data storage and processing, subprograms and parameter passing, macros and conditional assembly, interrupts, I/O, and arithmetic, logical and control operations.
Instructor: Dr. Ju Wang

CMSC 312 – Introduction to Operating Systems

3 credits. Computer systems design, I/O processing, secondary memory organization, command languages, memory management and job scheduling. Students will work in teams to design and implement an operating system simulation.
Instructor: Dr. Ju Wang

CMSC 355 – Program Design

3 credits. Overview of the software design process including analysis, design and life cycle models. Students will work in teams to develop the design of a large system. Additionally, students will design smaller projects. These projects will involve the analysis and reworking of designs as well as their implementation.
Instructor: Dr. Hongsik Choi

CMSC 401 – Algorithm Analysis with Advanced Data Structures

3 credits. Introduction to algorithm analysis and complexity classes. Advanced data structures topics including multiple linked lists, height-balanced trees, B-trees, file organization and graphs. Analysis of various searching and sorting algorithms. Algorithm design topics include divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming, greedy methods and heuristic search.
Instructor: Dr. Susan Brilliant

CMSC 403 – Programming Languages

3 credits. Survey of representative modern programming languages. Formal definition of programming languages including specifications of syntax and semantics. Precedence, infix, prefix and postfix notation. Global properties of algorithmic languages. Sub-routines, co-routines and tasks. List processing, string manipulation, data description and simulation languages. Run-time representation of program and data structures.
Instructor: Dr. Chao-Kun Cheng

CMSC 490 – Research Seminar

3 credits. Research and presentation methods in computer science. Discussion of ethical issues in computing. Each student will write a research paper on a technical topic and will give at least one oral presentation. A component of the research paper will be a discussion of associated ethical issues.
Instructor: ?

CMSC 502 – Parallel Programming

3 credits. Software and hardware mechanisms for providing mutual exclusion in uniprocessor and multiprocessor environments. Architectures of multiprocessor systems and metrics for their evaluation. Design and uses of parallel algorithms to solve concurrency problems in a distributed environment including message passing and remote procedure calls. Students will work in teams to design and implement parallel algorithms.
Instructor: ?

CMSC 504 – Compiler Construction

3 credits. Review of programming language structures, translation, loading, execution and storage allocation. Compilation of simple expressions and statements. Organization of a compiler. Use of bootstrapping and compiler writing languages.
Instructor: ?

CMSC 505 – Computer Architecture

3 credits. Basic digital circuits combinational logic, data transfer and digital arithmetic. Memory and memory access, control functions, CPU organization, microprogramming, input/output interfaces.
Instructor: ?

CMSC 506 – Computer Networks and Communications

3 credits. Theoretical and applied analysis of basic data communication systems; design of networks in the framework of the OSI reference model; Local and Wide Area Networks; performance analysis of networks; error control and security. Students will work in teams to design and implement a small computer network.
Instructor: ?

CMSC 508 – Database Theory

3 credits. Design and implementation of relational database systems. Emphasis is placed on entity-relationship diagrams, relational algebra, normal forms and normalization. Introduction to SQL. Discussion of physical level issues. Brief discussion of alternative database models such as the object-oriented, hierarchical and network models. Students will be required to complete a design project and give an oral presentation of the project.
Instructor: ?

CMSC 509 – Artificial Intelligence

3 credits. Problem spaces, problem-solving methods, game playing, knowledge representatives, expert systems, natural language understanding.
Instructor: ?

CMSC 519 -Software Engineering: Specification and Design

3 credits. Overview of the software engineering process and software life cycle models. Detailed study of planning, analysis, specification and design phases. Students will work in teams to gain experience in prototyping and in developing specification and design documents and user documentation.
Instructor: ?

Engineering Classes

EGR 110 – Engineering Graphics

3 credits. Presents theories and principles of orthographic projection. Studies multiview, pictorial drawings and sketches, geometric construction, sectioning, lettering, tolerancing, dimensioning and auxiliary projections. Studies the analysis and graphic presentation of space relationships of fundamental geometric elements; points, lines, planes and solids. Includes instruction in Computer Aided Drafting.
Instructor: Mr. Ali Bouabid

EGR 120 – Introduction to Engineering

2 credits. Introduces the engineering profession, professional concepts, ethics, and responsibility. Reviews hand calculators, number systems, and unit conversions. Introduces the personal computer, operating systems and processing; engineering problem solving; and graphic techniques. Prerequisite: MTH 166 or equivalent or instructor permission.
Instructor: Mr. Steven Hendrickson

EGR 251 – Basic Electric Circuits I

3 credits. Teaches fundamentals of electric circuits. Includes circuit quantities of charge, current, potential, power and energy. Teaches resistive circuit analysis; network theorems; and RC and RL circuit transient response with constant forcing functions. Teaches AC steady-state analysis, power, three-phase circuits. Presents frequency domain analysis, resonance, Fourier series, inductively coupled circuits, Laplace transform applications, and circuit transfer functions. Introduces problem solving using computers. Pre – or – corequisite: MTH 275.
Instructor: Mr. Russell Lafferty

EGR 265 – Digital Electric & Logic Design

4 credits. Teaches number representation in digital systems; Boolean algebra; design of digital circuits, including gates, flip- flops, counters, registers, architecture, microprocessors, input-output devices.
Instructor: Mr. Russell Lafferty

General Education Classes

CHM 111 – College Chemistry I

4 credits. Explores the fundamental laws, theories, and mathematical concepts of chemistry. Designed primarily for science and engineering majors. Prerequisites or co-requisites: MTH 163 or 166 and successful completion of all necessary developmentsl English/reading courses.
Instructor: Mrs. Lourdes Alba

CHM 112 – College Chemistry II

IST 114 – Fundamentals of Computer Information Systems

3 credits. Provides a technical approach to concepts and terminology of computer information systems. Includes the study of computer information systems; hardware, software, functions, capabilities and limitations of computer systems. Exposes students to techniques used in programming and system development. Includes hands-on experience. A current software suite will be used in the course.
Instructor: Credit by exam!

ECO 201 – Macroeconomics

3 credits. Introduces macroeconomics including the study of Keynesian, classical, monetarist principles and theories, the study of national economic growth, inflation, recession, unemployment, financial markets, money and banking, the role of government spending and taxation, along with international trade and investments.
Instructor: Mr. Mike Schnurr

ENG 111 – College Composition I

3 credits. Develops writing ability for study, work, and other areas of writing based on experience, observation, research, and reading of selected literature. Guides students in learning writing as a process: understanding audience and purpose, exploring ideas and information, composing, revising, and editing. Supports writing by integrating, composing, revising, and editing. Supports writing by integrating experiences in thinking, reading, listening, and speaking. Prerequisite: ENG 03 or testing.
Instructor: Dr. Margaret Redmond

ENG 112 – College Composition II

3 credits. Develops writing ability for study, work, and other areas of writing based on experience, observation, research, and reading of selected literature. Guides students in learning writing as a process: understanding audience and purpose, exploring ideas and information, composing, revising, and editing. Supports writing by integrating, composing, revising, and editing. Supports writing by integrating experiences in thinking, reading, listening, and speaking. Prerequisite: ENG 111 or division approval.
Instructor: Mrs. Tamyra K. Turner

HLT 105 – Heartsaver CPR

1 credit. Provides training in one- and two- rescuer CPR, adult and infant obstructed airway management, and infant resuscitation. Required for American Heart Association certification as Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider.
Instructor: Mrs. Courtney Corrine

HIS 101 – History of Western Civilization I

3 credits. Examines the development of western civilization from ancient times to the present. The first semester ends with the seventeenth century.
Instructor: Dr. Ann Marie Plunkett

HIS 121 – United States History I

3 credits. Surveys United States history from its beginning to the present.
Instructor: Dr. Samuel Pincus

PED 195 – Hang Gliding

1 credit. Basic hang gliding course.
Instructor: Mr. Greg Mick

PHY 241 – University Physics I with Lab

4 credits. Teaches principles of classical and modern physics. Includes mechanics, wave phenomena, heat, electricity, magnetism, relativity, and nuclear physics. Prerequisite for PHY 241–MTH 173 or MTH 273 or divisional approval. Prerequisite for PHY 242–MTH 174 or MTH 274 or divisional approval.
Instructor: Dr. Aris Stylianopoulos

PHY 242 – University Physics II with Lab

RELS 302 – Introduction to the New Testament

3 credits. A survey of the New Testament with particular emphasis given to the historical development of the Canon.
Instructor: Dr. James T. South

SPA 101 – Beginning Spanish I

4 credits. Introduces understanding, speaking, reading, and writing skills and emphasizes basic Spanish sentence structure. May include an additional hour of oral drill and practice per week.
Instructor: Ms. Sarah Owen

SPA 102 – Beginning Spanish II

STD 100 – Orientation; Advanced Study Techniques

1 credit. Assists students in transition to college. Provides overviews of college policies, procedures, curricular offerings. Encourages contacts with other students and staff. Assists students toward college success through information regarding effective study habits, career and academic planning, and other college resources available to students. May include English and Mathematics placement testing. Strongly recommended for beginning students. Required for graduation.
Instructor: Ms. Janet Reed

URSP 116 – Introduction to the City

3 credits. Introduction to the various theories of urbanism and attempt to offer solutions to the problems of urban life in modern civilization. The course will survey the major works of those who have studied cities or offered solutions and alternatives to existing urban structures. The works of noted social reformers, political analysts, economists, and architects as well as urban planners will be examined through lectures, readings, films, slides, discussions and field trips (when feasible).

SemiAntics