Departments & Courses

Math & Computer Science

The Mathematics and Computer Science Department offers a diverse curriculum to accommodate a variety of student interests. You will find rigorous instruction in a supportive learning environment leading to a solid foundation in math and computer science. The faculty places an emphasis on a conceptual understanding, analytical skills, problem solving, application, and appropriate use of technology. Students who wish to specialize in Computer science can now pursue the Excellence in CS program.
  • CSCI101 CL Acc Computer Applications

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). Designed to provide basic knowledge of the computer and selected applications. The components of an information computer system are addressed. Through practice, students will gain experience in the use of microcomputers and programming packages in various applications such as word processing, electronic spreadsheets, graphics and database systems as a tool to solve common business problems. Fall. (Formerly CS101)
  • CSCI112 CL Intro Prog in Python

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). Students will be able to write simple graphic programs and games using OpenGL libraries. Python is a powerful language that does not have the complexity of C++ and Java. Python is used by many companies including Google and Industrial Light and Magic. Fall. (Formerly CS244V)
  • CSCI113 CL C++ through Game Design

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). An introduction to game algorithms and computer programming using the C++ language, todays industry standard. Students will develop core skills to begin programming with C++ specifically as it relates to games and user-interactivity, by being introduced to topics such as: basic C++ syntax, arithmetic operations, decision making using fuzzy logic, I/O, looping, arrays, generating random numbers, program modularization, and most importantly object-oriented programming. Students will gain hands-on experience by completing projects that design standard games, such as but not limited to Tic-Tac-Toe, Hang-Man, and Blackjack. Fall and Spring. (Formerly CS113)
  • CSCI160 CL Robotics

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). Students assemble the Mindstorm NXT Robot in various configurations and program it to do specific tasks. Basic tasks include maneuvering the robot, following lines, gearing, making sounds and screen displays, and programming the distance, sound, and light sensors using loops, if-then statements, and arithmetic and logic comparisons. Students create designs and choose from an endless list of projects including etch-a-sketch, xerox, art, motion detector, drag racer, crane, guitar, Sumo wrestler, paper-scissor-hammer, catapult, worm, dinosaur, mousetrap, gymnastics, ballerina, and blue-tooth control. all and Spring. (Formerly CS244Z)
  • CSCI210 CL Database Design

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). This course is an introduction to the design, implementation, and management of database management systems. Topics include data modeling, normalization, relation algebra, Data Type Definitions (DTD), Structured Query Language (SQL), Data Manipulation Language (DML), Data Definition Language (DDL), and the utilization of a relational database management system to develop an integrated database application. Spring. (Formerly CS223)
  • CSCI213 CL Data Structures

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). This course will involve an in-depth study of searching, sorting, and manipulation of data objects using algorithms of varying complexities. Students will be taught to measure the speed and efficiency of algorithms using mathematical tools such as the big-O analysis. The focus of this course will be on computer science theory and software engineering principles, including creation of data structures, modularization, data encapsulation, information hiding, data abstraction, analysis of algorithms, and as well as developing robust software design techniques.  Prerequisite(s): CSCI112 or CSCI113. Spring. (Formerly CS213)
  • CSCI240 CL Object-Oriented Software Development

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). Fundamental concepts of object-oriented programming. Techniques and programming strategies to solve problems in an object-oriented programming environment are taught. Emphasis will be placed on the study of UML modeling for Object-Oriented analysis and design. Also included are concepts of inheritance, polymorphism, cardinality, multiplicity, abstract classes, interfaces, relationship between objects, ATW and SWING libraries. Prerequisite(s): CSCI113. Spring. (Formerly CS244W)
  • CSCI305 CL Intro to Software Engineering

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). A formal background in the area of programming engineering, design, specifications and evaluation of high quality software. The course help students to build up and understand how to develop a software system from the beginning. Through the course, the students will learn the different stages of the development process and the fundamental principles of system development with object-oriented technology using UML. Software testing, unit testing, the testing of software releases, project management and professional software engineering practice will also be covered. Students are required to participate in a 3-4 group project. Prerequisite(s): MATH223 and one semester of programming. Fall. (Formerly CS244X)
  • CSCI311 CL Programming in JAVA

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). This course will evolve rapidly from examining the basic syntax of the JAVA programming language that is superior to other languages with regards to advanced special effects for dynamic we design and online game programming. Topics covered will include writing applets and applications to generate both basic and customized GUI components, mouse and keyboard event handling, animation with sound, graphics in JAVA using the 2D API, multithreading and thread-synchronization. Advanced topics will include introduction to 3D graphics and interactive game programming involving AI, Client-Server architecture and design. Prerequisite(s): CSCI113 or consent of instructor. Spring. (Formerly CS311)
  • CSCI313 CL Mobile App Development

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). A study of both iPhone and Android app development. Some of the topics will include leveraging developmental tools, using the Rails framework, storing, retrieving, and manipulating data, usage of iPhone and Android hardware devices, designing and building user-friendly apps. In addition, students will learn to develop network location apps and also publish them. Objective C and Ruby will be used to write iPhone Apps, and Java to develop Android Apps. Prerequisite(s): CSCI113 or CSCI311 or consent of instructor. Fall. (Formerly CS313)
  • CSCI725 CL Independent Study - Computer Science

    (One semester; 0.25 unit of credit). Any independent project to be contracted between the student and a computer science faculty member. The project can be of any form that is decided upon by the student and faculty member. Prerequisite(s): consent of instructor and department chair.
  • CSCI750 CL Independent Study - Computer Science

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). Any independent project to be contracted between the student and a computer science faculty member. The project can be of any form (laboratory, written, or both) that is decided upon by the student and faculty member. Prerequisite(s): consent of instructor and department chair.
  • MATH100A CL Geometry (pt. 1)

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). This traditional course covers direct and indirect proof, writing proofs in two-column and paragraph form, congruent and similar triangles and polygons, right triangles including an introduction to trigonometry, circles, areas and volumes, coordinate geometry, and transformations. This course is for incoming students only, and serves two functions, to cover the topics in a traditional proof-based Euclidean geometry course, and to review Algebra skills to prepare students for LSMSA's rigorous courses in second-year algebra and trigonometry. Prerequisite(s): Algebra I. Fall. (Formerly MA100)
  • MATH100B CL Geometry (pt. 2)

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). A continuation of MATH100A. Direct and indirect proof, writing proofs in two-column and paragraph form, congruent and similar triangles and polygons, right triangles including an introduction to trigonometry, circles, areas and volumes, coordinate geometry, and transformations. This course is for incoming students only, and serves two functions, to cover the topics in a traditional proof-based Euclidean geometry course, and to review Algebra skills to prepare students for LSMSA's rigorous courses in second-year algebra and trigonometry. Prerequisite(s): MATH100A. Spring. (Formerly MA100)
  • MATH120A CL College Algebra (pt. 1)

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). Topics include but are not limited to: Algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities, functions, graphs, linear systems, quadratic functions, polynomial functions, radical functions, rational functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions. Students may not earn credit for MATH120A/B and MATH121. Prerequisite(s): Algebra I and MATH100B or equivalent. Fall. (Formerly MA120)
  • MATH120B CL College Algebra (pt. 2)

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). A continuation of MATH120A. Topics include but are not limited to: Algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities, functions, graphs, linear systems, quadratic functions, polynomial functions, radical functions, rational functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions. Students may not earn credit for MATH120A/B and MATH121. Prerequsite: MATH120A. Spring. (Formerly MA120)
  • MATH121 CL Acc College Algebra

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). Topics include but are not limited to: Algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities, functions, graphs, linear systems, quadratic functions, polynomial functions, radical functions, rational functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions.  MATH121 covers all of the topics from MATH120A/B, but in one semester. Students may not receive credit for both MATH120A/B and MATH121. Students who take MATH100A/B Geometry at LSMSA will be advised as to which course, MATH120A/B or MATH121, should be taken after Geometry. New students will be placed into the appropriate course based on previous classes and placement tests. Prerequisite(s): Algebra I and MATH100B.   May be taken concurrently with MATH100B if grade of A earned in MATH 100A. Fall and Spring. (Formerly MA121)
  • MATH203 CL Trigonometry

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). A thorough treatment of the trig functions, including graphs, radian measure, unit circle, identities, trig equations, solving triangles, laws of sines and cosines, area, vectors, and applications. Additional topics may include polar coordinates, DeMoivre's theorem, and complex numbers. May be taken concurrently with MATH120B in Spring if A or B was earned in MATH120A, or concurrently with MATH121. Prerequisite(s): MATH120B or MATH121 or Algebra II. Fall and Spring. (Formerly MA203)
  • MATH223 CL Precalculus

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). An intensive treatment of functions described as follows: General theory of functions; linear, quadratic, and general polynomial functions; solving polynomial equations; solving other types of equations; limit of a function; graphs of common functions and translations; inverse functions; theory of equations; and rational functions. Other topics include exponentials and logarithms, sequences, and series. Prerequisite(s): MATH120B or MATH121 or Algebra II. May be taken concurrently with MATH203. Fall and Spring. (Formerly MA223)
  • MATH243 CL Probability & Statistics

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). A study of the collection and tabulation of data, bar charts, graphs, sampling, measures of central tendency and variability, regression and correlation, statistical distributions, discrete and continuous probability/ distributions, hypothesis testing, and applications to various fields. Prerequisite(s): MATH203 and MATH223 (one of which may be taken concurrently). Fall and Spring. (Formerly MA243)
  • MATH262 CL Discrete Math

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). Examines various topics of discrete mathematics, that is, topics involving mathematics of countable sets. These topics include but are not limited to the following: fair division, election theory, apportionment, matrices, the Leslie Model, Markov Chains, probability, Euler circuits and paths, Hamiltonian circuits and paths, trees, spanning trees, graph coloring, and recursion. Emphasis will be placed on applications of mathematics. This is a senior-only course and is not recommended for students who have taken Calculus. Prerequisite(s): Algebra II or MATH120B. Spring. (Formerly MA262)
  • MATH303 CL Calculus I

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit, four days a week). Topics include limit of a function, continuity, differentiation (including the formal definition, derivative rules, implicit derivatives, derivatives of trig, curve sketching, max/min and related rate problems). Additional topics include: an introduction to integration and the fundamental theorem of calculus. Prerequisite(s): MATH203 and MATH223. Fall and Spring. (Formerly MA303)
  • MATH346 CL Mathematics of Finance

    (One semester; 0.50 units of credit). An introduction to mathematics techniques used in the finance industry. Topics include fundamentals of finance, the concept of Time Value of Money (TVM), and Portfolio Theory. While no background in finance is assumed, exposure to calculus will make the content more accessible to students. Elective credit only; may not be used to fulfill TOPS requirements. Prerequisite(s): Credit or registration in MATH303. (Formerly MA344, MA346)
  • MATH350 CL Mathematical Modeling and Simulation

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). This course covers five major approaches to computational science problems: System dynamics models, empirical modeling, cellular automaton simulations, agent-based simulations, and modeling with matrices. Prerequisite(s): MATH203 and MATH223. Spring. (Formerly MA250)
  • MATH403 CL Calculus II

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). Topics include indefinite integrals, definite integrals and the fundamental theorem, area under a curve, area between curves, volumes by disks, washers, and shells, length of a plane curve, surface area, average value of a function, numerical techniques, L'Hopital's Rule, inverse trig functions,transcendental functions, techniques of integration, and improper integrals. Prerequisite(s): MATH303. Fall and Spring. (Formerly MA403)
  • MATH421 CL Modern Algebra

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). An introductory course in the study of group theory. Because the subject is theoretical mathematics, emphasis will be placed on logic and proof. A review of logic and set theory, as well as the following topics will be explored: Properties of the integers, groups, semigroups, subgroups, Zn, nZ, product groups, Abelian groups, cyclic groups, finite permutation groups, LaGranges Theorem, homeomorphisms, isomorphism, normal subgroups, and Cayleys Theorem. Emphasis will also be placed on students learning to read and comprehend mathematical literature and to express mathematical ideas clearly. Prerequisite(s): MATH303. Spring even years. (Formerly MA421)
  • MATH422 CL Topology

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). An introduction to point-set topology. A review/introduction to logic, set theory, proof, and the set of Real Numbers in light of their usual topological structure. Other topologies on R will be introduced and their corresponding effects on limit and continuity notions. Topics to be covered include but are not limited to the following: axioms of Topology, open sets, closed sets, limit points, subspaces, finite product spaces, homeomorphisms, separation properties, compactness, connectedness, and metric spaces. Emphasis will also be placed on students learning to read and comprehend mathematical literature and to express mathematical ideas clearly. Prerequisite(s): MATH303. Spring odd years. (Formerly MA422)
  • MATH433 CL Advanced Statistics

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). An introduction to the mathematics of chance called probability. It begins with the basic concepts and definitions and progresses through the mathematical foundations that underpin probability theory. The course will also encompass aspects of inferential statistics which are necessary for drawing conclusions from sampled data. A significant part of the course will deal with random variables and their distributions. Prerequisite(s): MATH303 or consent of instructor. Fall. (Formerly MA433)
  • MATH443 CL Linear Algebra

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). A study of matrices, linear equations, dot products, cross products, geometrical proofs using vectors, determinants, n-dimensional space, vector spaces, subspaces, linear transformations, inner product spaces, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, diagonalization, and applications. Prerequisite(s): MATH303. Fall (Formerly MA443)
  • MATH450 CL Differential Equations

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). The study of first order differential equations, higher order linear differential equations, Laplace transforms, numerical methods, boundary value and initial value problems, qualitative analysis of solutions, and applications of differential equations. Prerequisite(s): MATH403. Spring. (Formerly MA523)
  • MATH461 CL Chaos Theory

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). An introductory course to chaotic dynamical systems. It is an opportunity to introduce students to some contemporary ideas in mathematics. It can also serve as a connection between calculus courses and the more demanding real analysis courses by introducing abstraction. Topics covered include but are not limited to the following: iteration, orbits, graphical analysis, fixed points, periodic points, bifurcations, chaos, symbolic dynamics, Sarkovskiis Theorem, the Schwarzian derivative, fractals, quadratic functions, complex functions, basins of attractions, Julia sets, and the Mandelbrot Set. The computer and graphing calculator will be used extensively. Prerequisite(s): MATH303. Fall of even years. (Formerly MA461)
  • MATH473 CL Calculus III

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). A study of polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions, parametric equations, sequences, series, vectors, functions of several variables and their derivatives, and multiple integrals with applications. Prerequisite(s): MATH403. Fall. (Formerly MA503)
  • MATH725 CL Independent Study - Mathematics

    (One semester; 0.25 unit of credit). To meet special needs and interests of the advanced mathematics student. Independent studies will be coordinated with the individual Mathematics instructor. Prerequisite(s): consent of the instructor and department chair.
  • MATH750 CL Independent Study - Mathematics

    (One semester; 0.5 unit of credit). To meet special needs and interests of the advanced mathematics student. Independent studies will be coordinated with the individual Mathematics instructor. Prerequisite(s): consent of the instructor and department chair.

Department Faculty

  • Photo of Brad Burkman
    Brad Burkman
    Senior Lecturer of Mathematics and Computer Science, Department Chair
    318-357-2541
    University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Doctor of Philosophy
    SUNY Buffalo - Master of Arts
    Wheaton College (Illinois) - Bachelor of Arts
  • Photo of David Andersen
    David Andersen
    Senior Lecturer of Mathematics and Computer Science
    318-357-2533
    Purdue University--Fort Wayne - Master of Science
  • Photo of Olaseni Fadipe
    Olaseni Fadipe
    Associate Lecturer of Mathematics
    318-357-2549
    Central Michigan University - Doctor of Philosophy
  • Photo of Randy Key
    Randy Key
    Lecturer of Mathematics
    318-357-2531
    University of Arkansas - Bachelor of Science
    University of Louisiana - Master of Science
  • Photo of Edwin Perez
    Edwin Perez
    Associate Lecturer of Computer Science
    318-357-2547
    University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez P.R. - Master of Science
    EDP University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus - Master of Computer Information Systems
    University of Puerto Rico, Bayamon, P.R. - Bachelor of Computer Science
  • Photo of Sanjeetha Peters
    Sanjeetha Peters
    Senior Lecturer of Mathematics and Computer Science
    318-357-2565
    West Virginia University - Master of Science
    University of Madras - Master of Science

Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts

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