For many associate degree programs and liberal arts majors, a course in college algebra and trigonometry may be used to meet the mathematics general education requirements. College algebra and trigonometry courses typically cover a variety of algebra concepts, including exponents, polynomials, linear equations, graphing, linear equalities, systems of linear equations in three or more variables and complex numbers. Trigonometry deals with the relationships between the sides and angles of triangles; a college algebra and trigonometry course will typically cover how to calculate trigonometric functions, the law of sines, cosines and tangents, sine waves and related topics.
Statistics is the study of collection, organization and interpretation of numerical data, typically obtained through research. Statistics courses are commonly required for social science majors. For psychology majors, a course that covers the application of statistics to psychological research is typically required for a bachelor's degree. Common topics in statistics courses include measures of central tendency including mean, median and mode, measures of variability including variance and standard deviation, probability, sampling methods, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation and linear regression.
Calculus is the study of rates of change and includes two broad types: differential and integral calculus. Science and engineering students typically must take a three-course sequence in calculus that includes single and multivariate calculus. Topics typically include differentiation, integration and their respective applications, logarithmic, exponential and other transcendental functions, polar coordinates, parametric equations, infinite sequences and series, scalar and vector functions, partial derivatives, vector fields, Lagrange multipliers, Stokes' theorem, Gauss' theorem and more.
Discrete mathematics is typically a required course for computer science majors but may also be required or encouraged as an elective for engineering and information technology majors. Discrete Mathematics focuses on structures that are not continuous, including logic structures, countable sets and more. Common topics include logic, set theory, combinatorics, probability, number theory, game theory and topology.