Course Form
I. Summary of Proposed Changes
Dept / Program
Mathematical Sciences
Course Title
Introduction to Mathematical Software
Prefix and Course #
M 210
Short Title (max. 26 characters incl. spaces)
Intro to Math Software
Summarize the change(s) proposed
New course.
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Requestor:
Nikolaus Vonessen
Phone/ email :
x-6222,
nikolaus.vonessen@umontana.edu
Program Chair/Director: Leonid Kalachev
Other affected programs Computer Science:
Yolanda Reimer
Dean:
Date
Chris Comer
Are other departments/programs affected by this modification Please obtain signature(s) from the
because of
Chair/Director of any such department/
(a) required courses incl. prerequisites or corequisites,
program (above) before submission
(b) perceived overlap in content areas
(c) cross-listing of coursework
III: To Add a New Course Syllabus and assessment information is required (paste syllabus into
section V or attach). Course should have internal coherence and clear focus.
NO
Common Course Numbering Review: Does an equivalent course exist elsewhere YES
in the MUS? Do the proposed abbreviation, number, title and credits align with
existing course(s)? Please indicate equivalent course/campus 
X
http://mus.edu/transfer/CCN/ccn_default.asp
This course is equivalent to “M 210 Computer Mathematics”, currently taught only at UM-Western.
UM Western’s Department of Mathematics supported our request to change the title from “Computer
Mathematics” to “Introduction to Mathematical Software”, which better describes this course. According to
an email from Sarah Elkins of the Commissioner’s Office dated 8/30/2010, the title will be changed as
requested.
At UM-Western, the course is taught with 4 credits, like all M courses at UM-Western. A three-credit course
fits better into the curriculum for our undergraduate math majors. In spite of the small difference in credits,
the two courses will still be substantially equivalent in content (in particular, since UM-Western’s course has
a lower mathematical prerequisite). Note that several mathematical sciences courses taught as 4-credit
courses at UM-Western are taught as 3-credit courses at UM-Missoula (M 274, M 414 and STAT 422).
Exact entry to appear in the next catalog (Specify course abbreviation, level, number, title, credits,
repeatability (if applicable), frequency of offering, prerequisites, and a brief description.) 
U 210 Introduction to Mathematical Software 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., M 162 or 171 (MATH 150 or
152), or consent of instr. Software packages useful for doing and writing mathematics. Introduction to a
computer algebra system (such as Maple or Mathematica), a numerical package (such as MATLAB or R),
and elementary programming. Writing and communicating mathematics using the mathematical typesetting
system LaTeX.
Justification: How does the course fit with the existing curriculum? Why is it needed?
Computers and specialized mathematical software are increasingly important for all mathematicians and
statisticians. Our majors will greatly benefit from an introduction to mathematical software, including
elementary programming techniques. Exposure to the mathematical typesetting system LaTeX will help
students communicate mathematics in their subsequent courses and their future careers.
This course will be required for most math majors, see the accompanying program change form.
Are there curricular adjustments to accommodate teaching this course?
None are necessary.
Complete for UG courses. (UG courses should be assigned a 400 number).
Describe graduate increment (Reference guidelines: http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/Grad/UG.htm)
N/A
Fees may be requested only for courses meeting specific conditions determined by the
YES
Board of Regents. Please indicate whether this course will be considered for a fee.
If YES, what is the proposed amount of the fee?
Justification: N/A
IV. To Delete or Change an Existing Course – check X all that apply
Deletion
Title
Course Number
From:
Level U, UG, G
From:
Change
To:
To:
Description Change
Change in Credits
From:
To:
Prerequisites
1. Current course information at it appears in catalog
(http://www.umt.edu/catalog) 
NO
X
Repeatability
Cross Listing
(primary program
initiates form)
Is there a fee associated with the course?
2. Full and exact entry (as proposed) 
3. If cross-listed course: secondary program & course
number
4. Is this a course with MUS Common Course Numbering? If yes, then will this change eliminate the
course’s common course status? Please explain below.
5. Graduate increment if level of course is changed to UG.
Reference guidelines at:
http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/Grad/UG.htm
(syllabus required in section V)
Have you reviewed the graduate increment
guidelines? Please check (X) space provided.
6. Other programs affected by the change
7. Justification for proposed change
V. Syllabus/Assessment Information
Required for new courses and course change from U to UG. Paste syllabus in field below or attach and send
digital copy with form.
This course will be taught as a special topics course in Spring 2011. The syllabus is attached.
VI Department Summary (Required if several forms are submitted) In a separate document list course
number, title, and proposed change for all proposals.
VII Copies and Electronic Submission. After approval, submit original, one copy, summary of
proposals and electronic file to the Faculty Senate Office, UH 221, camie.foos@mso.umt.edu.
Revised 11-2009