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Mathematics

Mathematics

Associate Degrees

Associate in Science Degree

Data Science

Data science (DS) is an interdisciplinary field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data. The DS program focuses on fundamental ideas of computer science, applied mathematics, statistics, optimization, and data visualization while incorporating real-world examples. Computational, programming, and numerical approaches are constantly changing and critical to ongoing research, data-driven decision-making, and successful ongoing employment. 

This program provides students with versatile skills that encompass higher levels of critical thinking and analysis related to data sets. It is designed to give students a broad overview of the field of data science, including mathematics and computational tools, to explore a broad range of data sets in multiple contexts, and prepare them to transfer to a Bachelor of Science in Data Science program at a four-year university. Graduates will have a basic skill set linking computer programming and computer science with theoretical mathematics and applications to be able to easily integrate into a four-year program. 

Program Student Learning Outcome

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to analyze problems and data sets, evaluate mathematical expressions, utilize programming tools, and interpret and apply the results.

Required courses: 
Data Science Course (choose one)3-4
Principles of Data Science
Introduction to Data Analytics
Mathematical Courses
MATH 150Calculus and Analytic Geometry I5-7
or MATH 150H Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (Honors)
or MATH 150S Calculus and Analytical Geometry I with Integrated Support
MATH 155Calculus and Analytic Geometry II4
MATH 270Linear Algebra4
MATH 260Calculus and Analytic Geometry III *4
or MATH 265 Differential Equations
Computer Science Foundations6
Choose two courses from either Java Based or Python Based.
Java Based Courses
Introduction to Computer Science II: Java
and Basic Data Structures and Algorithms
Python Based Courses
Programming with Python
and Advanced Programming with Python
Total Units26-29

* Students planning to transfer to UCSD should take MATH 260. Students planning to transfer to UC Berkeley should take MATH 265.

NOTE: Students planning to transfer to UCSD are encouraged to incorporate one of these groups into their general education plan.

Group 1: ECON 101 and ECON 102

Group 2: BIO 202 and BIO 204

Group 3: BTEC 180, BUS 204, MATH 103, PSYC 104 or SOC 125.

Associate in Science Degree

Mathematics for Transfer

Students completing this associate degree will have completed lower-division major preparation requirements for a mathematics degree, an emphasis or option within a mathematics degree, or a degree considered similar to mathematics at a participating California State University (CSU) campus.

Following transfer to a participating CSU campus, students will be required to complete no more than 60 units to obtain a bachelor’s degree; however, some CSU campuses may require additional lower-division major preparation. This degree may not be appropriate preparation for students transferring to a CSU campus not accepting this degree or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a MiraCosta counselor for further information regarding the most efficient pathway to transfer as a mathematics major and to determine which CSU campuses are participating in this program.

Graduation Requirements
  • Complete a minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
  • Complete all courses in the major with a “C” or "P" or better.
  • Complete the Cal-GETC general education pattern.
  • Obtain a minimum CSU-transferable grade point average of 2.0.
  • Complete a minimum of 12 semester units in residence at MiraCosta College.
Program Student Learning Outcome

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to analyze problems, evaluate expressions, and interpret and apply the results.

Course Requirements
Required Core:
MATH 150Calculus and Analytic Geometry I5-7
or MATH 150H Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (Honors)
or MATH 150S Calculus and Analytical Geometry I with Integrated Support
MATH 155Calculus and Analytic Geometry II4
MATH 260Calculus and Analytic Geometry III4
List A: Select one course.4
Differential Equations
Linear Algebra
List B: Select one course.3-5
Any List A course not already used.
Introduction to Computer Science I: Java
C++ Programming
Discrete Mathematics
Principles of Physics I
Introduction to Statistics
Introduction to Statistics (Embedded Support)
Introduction to Statistics (Honors)
Total Units20-24

NOTE: Students are strongly advised to select courses that meet lower-division major preparation requirements at their transfer university and to complete the History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement prior to transfer.

How to Read Course Descriptions

For more detailed information about a course, such as its content, objectives, and fulfillment of a degree, certificate, or general education requirement, please see the official course outline of record, available on the Courses and Programs webpage.

Mathematics Courses

MATH 102: Math Fundamentals: Mathematics for Life

Units: 3
Prerequisites: Knowledge, skills, and abilities at the elementary algebra level as determined by the math placement process.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course covers the fundamentals of logic, including fallacies, inductive and deductive reasoning, conditional statements, and the evaluation of arguments; the basic ideas of finance, including simple and compound interest, amortized loans, and retirement accounts; ideas of probability and applications of probability to realistic situations; and problem solving. The course provides students with a strong foundation in quantitative reasoning and mathematical concepts applicable to everyday life situations and long-term decision-making strategies.

MATH 102A: Mathematics For Life

Units: 3
Prerequisites: Knowledge, skills, and abilities at the elementary algebra level as determined by the math placement process.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

The course provides students with a strong foundation in quantitative reasoning and mathematical concepts applicable to everyday life situations and long-term decision-making strategies. This course covers linear and exponential equations and the basic ideas of finance, including simple and compound interest, amortized loans, and retirement accounts. Elementary probability theory to calculate the likelihood of events and descriptive statistics are used to organize and make sense of data sets.

MATH 105: Concepts and Structures of Elementary Mathematics I

Units: 3
Prerequisites: Knowledge, skills, and abilities at the elementary algebra level as determined by the math placement process.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course covers set theory, problem solving, systems of numeration, elementary number theory, numerical operations, and arithmetic algorithms. It emphasizes cognitive learning and the development of problem solving strategies and techniques. Students work collaboratively in groups and/or independently using manipulatives and models to explore structures and formulate concepts. It is required for students working toward a multiple subject credential in elementary education. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for MATH 105 or MATH 106.

MATH 106: Concepts and Structures of Elementary Mathematics II

Units: 3
Prerequisites: MATH 105.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring

This continuation of MATH 105 covers the mathematical concepts needed for teaching elementary school mathematics. Core topics include the real number system, geometry, Pythagorean theorem, measurement in both the English and metric systems, transformations, and symmetry. Students must demonstrate their understanding of the concepts and structures of elementary mathematics using critical thinking. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for MATH 105 or MATH 106.

MATH 110: Principles of Data Science

Units: 4
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course combines an introductory look into the fundamental skills and concepts of computer programming and inferential statistics with hands-on experience analyzing datasets using common tools within the industry. Additionally, the course investigates ethical issues surrounding data science, such as data privacy.

MATH 112: Algebraic Concepts for Problem Solving

Units: 4
Prerequisites: Knowledge, skills, and abilities at the elementary algebra level as determined by the math placement process.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 4 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course uses algebraic concepts to solve applied problems. It addresses application problems that incorporate linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The course covers some applied modeling, including break even analysis, market equilibrium, linear modeling, and exponential growth, decay, and their models. The course also addresses mathematical topics such as optimization, rates of change, and linear systems.

MATH 115: Calculus with Applications

Units: 5
Prerequisites: Knowledge, skills, and abilities at the intermediate algebra level as determined by the math placement process.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in MATH 115S.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 5 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course relates calculus to real-world applications in social science, economics, and business. Topics include an extensive and just-in-time algebra review, graphing, limits, derivatives of polynomials of one variable, maxima and minima, integration, derivatives of logarithmic and exponential functions, development of integration techniques, an introduction to multi-variable calculus, and their application to problems. This course is designed primarily for students majoring in social science, economics, and business who require calculus and is not recommended for mathematics, physical science, engineering, or biological science majors. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for MATH 115, MATH 150, or MATH 150H. C-ID MATH-140.

MATH 126: Pre-Calculus I: College Algebra

Units: 4
Prerequisites: Knowledge, skills, and abilities at the intermediate algebra level as determined by the math placement process.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in MATH 126S.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 4 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course covers advanced algebra topics including functions and their properties. Topics include linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their applications, graphs of functions, inverse functions, and systems of equations and inequalities. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for one college algebra or pre-calculus course, MATH 126, MATH 126S or MATH 131.

MATH 126S: Pre-Calculus I: College Algebra with Integrated Support

Units: 5
Prerequisites: Knowledge, skills, and abilities at the intermediate algebra level as determined by the math placement process.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in MATH 126.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 5 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course covers advanced algebra topics including functions and their properties. Topics include one unit of intermediate algebra review, linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their applications, graphs of functions, inverse functions, and systems of equations and inequalities. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Maximum credit MATH 126S 4 units. Credit for one college algebra or pre-calculus course, MATH 126, MATH 126S or MATH 131.

MATH 131: Pre-Calculus II: Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry

Units: 4
Prerequisites: MATH 126, MATH 126S, or eligibility determined by the math placement process.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in MATH 131H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 4 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course covers basic concepts of analytic geometry and trigonometry, including definitions and properties of trigonometric functions. Topics include solutions of applied problems involving right triangles; graphs of trigonometric functions; trigonometric identities; trigonometric equation solving; evaluation of inverse trigonometric functions, polar coordinates, and vectors. The course also covers conics, systems of non-linear equations, and sequences and series. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for one college algebra or pre-calculus course, MATH 126, MATH 126S, or MATH 131.

MATH 131L: Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry Laboratory

Units: 1
Prerequisites: MATH 126 or MATH 126S, and concurrent enrollment in MATH 131.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This optional laboratory course is for students concurrently enrolled in MATH 131. Students work with others to integrate key topics from Precalculus I that are necessary for and connect to the concepts in Precalculus II.

MATH 135: Precalculus Mathematics

Units: 6
Prerequisites: Knowledge, skills, and abilities at the intermediate algebra level as determined by the math placement process.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in MATH 126, MATH 126S, MATH 131, or MATH 131H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 6 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course covers functions and their properties as well as basic concepts of analytic geometry and trigonometry. Topics include linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions; systems of equations and inequalities; solving applied problems with right triangles; trigonometric identities; polar coordinates; conics; vectors; and sequences and series. This course prepares students for MATH 150/150H.

MATH 150: Calculus and Analytic Geometry I

Units: 5
Prerequisites: MATH 131, MATH 135, or eligibility determined by the math placement process.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in MATH 150H or MATH 150S.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 5 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course is the first in a three-semester calculus sequence designed for mathematics, science, and engineering majors. Topics include limits and continuity; differentiation of algebraic functions and their inverses, trigonometric functions and their inverses, and exponential functions and their inverses; integration and the fundamental theorem of calculus; and applications of differentiation and integration. NOTE: A graphing calculator is required. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for MATH 115, MATH 150, or MATH 150H. C-ID MATH-211.

MATH 150H: Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (Honors)

Units: 5
Prerequisites: MATH 131, MATH 135, or eligibility determined by the math placement process.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in MATH 150 or MATH 150S.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 5 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall even years

This first in a three-semester calculus sequence is designed for highly motivated mathematics, science, and engineering majors. Topics include limits and continuity; differentiation of algebraic functions and their inverses, trigonometric functions and their inverses, and exponential functions and their inverses; integration and the fundamental theorem of calculus; and applications of differentiation and integration. The course provides mathematically talented students the opportunity to obtain a level of rigor above the level currently available in existing courses. It emphasizes logical reasoning, problem solving, and applications. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for MATH 115, MATH 150, or MATH 150H. C-ID MATH-211.

MATH 150L: Calculus and Analytic Geometry I Laboratory

Units: 1
Prerequisites: Knowledge, skills, and abilities at the elementary algebra level as determined by the math placement process and concurrent enrollment in MATH 150.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This laboratory course is for students concurrently enrolled in MATH 150. Students work with others to explore algebra and trigonometric topics necessary for success in Calculus I.

MATH 150S: Calculus and Analytical Geometry I with Integrated Support

Units: 7
Prerequisites: Knowledge, skills, and abilities at the intermediate algebra level as determined by the math placement process.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in MATH 150 or MATH 150H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 7 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course is the first in a three-semester calculus sequence designed for mathematics, science, and engineering majors. Topics include limits and continuity; differentiation of algebraic functions and their inverses, trigonometric functions and their inverses, and exponential functions and their inverses; integration and the fundamental theorem of calculus; and applications of differentiation and integration. Utilizing a just-in-time approach, the course provides additional support and reviews topics from precalculus. NOTE: A graphing calculator is required. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for MATH 115, MATH 150, or MATH 150H.

MATH 155: Calculus and Analytic Geometry II

Units: 4
Prerequisites: MATH 150, MATH 150S, or MATH 150H.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in MATH 155H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 4 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This second course in a three-semester calculus sequence covers advanced integration techniques, improper integrals, infinite sequences and series, conic sections, parametric equations, polar coordinates, and applications of integration. The course is designed for mathematics, science, and engineering majors.

MATH 155L: Calculus and Analytic Geometry II Laboratory

Units: 1
Prerequisites: MATH 150, MATH 150H, MATH 150S or concurrent enrollment in MATH 155.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This optional laboratory course is for students concurrently enrolled in MATH 155. Students work with others to integrate key topics from Calculus I that are necessary for and connect to the concepts in Calculus II.

MATH 226: Discrete Mathematics

Units: 4
Prerequisites: MATH 150, MATH 150H, MATH 150S, or CS 150.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in MATH 226H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 4 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Designed for students majoring in mathematics or computer science, this course introduces discrete mathematics, including logic, methods of proof, number theory, sets, counting, discrete probability, relations, recursion, recurrence relations, Boolean algebra, graphs, trees, and networks. Topics are illustrated with applications to computer science, including design and analysis of algorithms, undecidability, program correctness, and digital logic design.

MATH 260: Calculus and Analytic Geometry III

Units: 4
Prerequisites: MATH 155.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in MATH 260H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This third course in a three-semester calculus sequence covers vectors in two- and three-dimensional space, quadratic surfaces, vector-valued functions of several variables, partial differentiation and multiple integration, vector fields, line integrals, and conservative fields. The course is designed for mathematics, science, and engineering majors. C-ID MATH-230.

MATH 265: Differential Equations

Units: 4
Prerequisites: MATH 155.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in MATH 265H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 4 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course introduces the theory and applications of ordinary differential equations of first and higher (mostly second) order as well as systems of linear differential equations. It includes both quantitative and qualitative methods. The course deals with theoretical aspects of existence and uniqueness of solutions as well as techniques for finding solutions using analytical, numerical, method of power-series, and Laplace transformations. C-ID MATH-240.

MATH 270: Linear Algebra

Units: 4
Prerequisites: MATH 155.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in MATH 270H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 4 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course introduces students to the concepts of linear algebra. Topics include matrix algebra, Gaussian elimination, determinants of a matrix, properties of determinants, vector spaces and their properties with an introduction to proofs, linear transformations, orthogonality, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and computational methods. C-ID MATH-250.

MATH 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-14
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 54 hours of work per unit, paid or unpaid.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. Fourteen unit maximum in any combination of work experience education and/or internship studies per semester.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or work/intern at a new site upon each enrollment.

MATH 296: Topics in Mathematics

Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours.
Lecture 4 hours.
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged

This course gives students an opportunity to study topics in Mathematics that are not included in regular course offerings. Each Topics course is announced, described, and given its own title and 296 number designation in the class schedule.

Statistics Courses

STAT C1000: Introduction to Statistics

Units: 4
Prerequisites: Placement as determined by the college's multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of int. algebra. Not open to students with prior credit in MATH 103/103H/103S or STAT C1000H/C1000E.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 4 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for BTEC 180, BUS 204, PSYC 104, PSYC 104H, SOC 125, STAT C1000, STAT C1000E, or STAT C1000H. Some CSU campuses may also impose this credit limitation. (Formerly MATH 103). C-ID MATH-110.

STAT C1000E: Introduction to Statistics (Embedded Support)

Units: 5
Prerequisites: Placement as determined by the college's multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of int. algebra. Not open to students with prior credit in MATH 103/103H/103S or STAT C1000/C1000H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 4.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines. This course has embedded support. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for BTEC 180, BUS 204, PSYC 104, PSYC 104H, SOC 125, STAT C1000, STAT C1000E, or STAT C1000H. (Formerly MATH 103S).

STAT C1000H: Introduction to Statistics (Honors)

Units: 4
Prerequisites: Placement as determined by the college's multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of int. algebra. Not open to students with prior credit in MATH 103/103H/103S or STAT C1000/C1000E.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 4 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring odd years

This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines. This is an honors course. This honors course gives students the opportunity to obtain a higher level of understanding on topics currently available in STAT C1000. It emphasizes logical reasoning, problem-solving, and applications. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for BTEC 180, BUS 204, PSYC 104, PSYC 104H, SOC 125, STAT C1000, STAT C1000E, or STAT C1000H. (Formerly MATH 103H). C-ID MATH-110.

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