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Program Overview

College of Arts and Sciences Mathematics Major

Mathematics is an independent field of study valued for precision of thought and intrinsic beauty, as well as a rich source of techniques and methods with infinite practical applications. The department takes great pride in making sure that both of these aspects of mathematics are well represented in the curriculum. Students are encouraged to pursue their talent for finding innovative solutions to complex problems. Many also acquire expertise in other fields, such as physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, engineering, and computer science.

ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë's Mathematics and Statistics Department keeps its classes small, allowing close student-faculty interactions. Talented faculty members teach all levels, from introductory to advanced courses, while also editing major international journals, engaging in research, and writing fundamental textbooks used all over the world. Students go into such diverse fields as computer science, business, law, and government organizations such as the National Security Agency.

Majors may pursue their degrees either through the University's College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (B.S.) or the College of Arts and Sciences (B.A.).

Curriculum

Mathematics Curricular Themes

Mathematics and statistics permeate modern life. The study of these subjects leads to the acquisition of new knowledge, new skills and a new language for communication. Below we outline the general curricular themes we see as common to all of our programs. Precise learning outcomes that are consistent with these themes and that are feasible to evaluate have been incorporated into our departmental learning outcomes.

Universality: We hope to impart an appreciation for the power, beauty and breadth of mathematics and statistics. On one extreme, theoretical mathematics and statistics are beautiful subjects that require strong skills in critical and abstract thinking. The simple abstract concepts that arise in these subjects, such as a vector or a rate of change, have been applied to the immeasurable benefit of society in all areas of human endeavors. These applied areas serve to motivate and inspire new theoretical research.

Communication: Effective communication is an essential skill in all parts of life, from the person to the professional and from the humanities to the sciences. Practicing precision and clarity in effective mathematical communication, both verbally and visually, is excellent training for oral and written communications in all fields.

Problem solving: Solving a problem, whether in mathematics and statistics or elsewhere, requires a clear delineation of the problem, requisite knowledge, relevant skills and creativity.

Computational skills: Computing, grounded in paper-and-pencil work, runs the gamut from order-of-magnitude estimates in one’s head to the ability to use a computer to provide insight into a problem. These skills are especially important in those disciplines more directed toward modeling.

The core curriculum, major and ancillary courses, and related requirements are detailed in the ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë Undergraduate Catalogue.

Outcomes

Mathematics Learning Outcomes

Writing: Graduates should be able to write clearly and precisely about quantitative topics.

Computing: Graduates should be able to perform college-level mathematical computations on a computer.

Construction: Graduates should be able to construct a logically rigorous proof as well as to recognize flaws in a poorly constructed proof.

Concepts: Students graduating with a B.S. in Mathematics should also demonstrate an understanding of the core concepts from analysis and abstract algebra. (Specifically, students should demonstrate an understanding of continuity, convergence, metrics and limits from analysis as well as the basic structure of groups, rings and fields from algebra.)