Mathematics, Bachelor of Science

Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

• At least 54 units of major requirements

• Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements

• For this major the liberal studies prefixes are MAT and STA

• Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units

Please note that students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Purpose Statement

The BS in Mathematics trains students to think critically and logically and to use mathematical tools to formulate and solve problems in both the mathematics world and the real world. Students study Calculus and Linear Algebra, which are fundamental to engineering and the applied sciences. Students also study advance mathematics topics in order to be able to carry out mathematical research. Students will learn to write and present mathematics with precision and clarity. The BS in Mathematics will prepare students for different careers such as Actuarial Science, careers in Statistics, careers in Applied Mathematics, and graduate study in mathematics and statistics. Students are advised to consult with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics for suggestions on choosing mathematics, statistics, and general electives to meet specific career goals.


Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate breadth and depth of mathematical knowledge which is required for continued graduate work and valued in technical fields.
  • Graduates will be able to draw upon the theory and applications of the fundamental areas of calculus, set theory, algebraic structures and statistics to validate principles of intrinsic mathematical interest and to solve practical problems arising in other disciplines.
  • Graduates will be able to utilize a deep understanding of the theoretical aspects of mathematics, particularly in the areas of analysis, abstract algebra and statistics, to analyze the structure of mathematical objects and formulate logical arguments for general mathematical propositions.
• Students will demonstrate facility with mathematical reasoning — progressing from a computational understanding of mathematics to an understanding that encompasses the principles of abstraction and generalization which are essential to the field of mathematics and valued in technical fields.
  • Graduates will be able to read and synthesize formal mathematical arguments.
  • Graduates will recognize the value of proof, a primary factor that distinguishes mathematics from all other disciplines, by demonstrating proficiencies in the independent writing of proofs and in the skeptical assessment of the logical arguments of others.
  • Graduates will be able to use acquired fundamental skills to read and interpret mathematical literature (textbooks, journals, papers, etc.) to continue independent learning and reasoning.
  • Graduates will be able to employ appropriate software packages or write computer programs to solve problems or test conjectures.
• Students will communicate mathematics effectively in preparation for graduate work or careers in government agencies, the corporate sector, or education.
  • Graduates will be able to precisely communicate mathematical principles and ideas with clarity and coherence, both written and verbally—demonstrating communication skills to be used in any future career.
  • Graduates will be able to productively and creatively collaborate with peers and/or faculty on mathematical problems—demonstrating cooperative working skills to be used in any future career.