Oct 03, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mathematics, Computational Sciences Concentration, B.A.


Concentration Requirements

For students majoring in mathematics or physics, the Departments of Mathematics and Physics offer a coordinated sequence of courses that prepare students for careers in the rapidly expanding field of computer modeling of complex systems. This program is structured so that students can earn a major in one department and a minor in the other. Students need not decide on a major field until their junior year.

The computational sciences concentration will prepare students to design and use computer models in any of those areas in which applied mathematics is used to understand complex systems (meteorology, astronomy, geology/geophysics, oceanography, physics, etc.). The preparation is appropriate for both those students who plan to enter the work force after graduation and those who plan to enter graduate school in applied mathematics, physics, or one of the other fields mentioned above.

Students should complete the following courses during the first two years of the program:

During their junior and senior years, students will normally complete the necessary course work for their major and minor. Mathematics majors will take PHYS 340 . Mechanics, and MATH/PHYS 365, Introduction to Computational Fluid Mechanics, counted as a physics course to complete their physics minor. Physics majors will take MATH/PHYS 365 counted as a mathematics course and either MATH 337 . Methods of Applied Calculus, or MATH 440 . Fourier Analysis and Partial Differential Equation, to complete their mathematics minor. Seniors in either major must complete at least one topics or independent study/research course that involves computer modeling.

Credit by Examination

The Department of Mathematics offers credit by examination for some of the courses taught in the department. Students who want to take an examination must apply to the department head. Upon application students will receive details regarding approval to take the examination.

Degree Requirements


Required Courses


  • General Education  41 Credit Hours 1, 2
  • Foreign Language classes (intermediate level required) 0-14 Credit Hours
  • Philosophy course (in addition to General Education ) 3 Credit Hours
  • University electives 19-35 Credit Hours
  • Major requirements (listed below) 41-43 Credit Hours

Total: 120 Credit Hours


Footnotes


1 MATH 231  or MATH 235  must be included and students seeking secondary teaching licensure must include PSYC 160 .
2 The General Education  program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.

Major Requirements


Mathematics requirements depend on whether or not the student is seeking secondary teaching licensure. All students must complete 29-33 credit hours of the following required core mathematics courses and 12 credit hours of mathematics courses beyond the core.

Total: 29-33 Credit Hours


Footnotes


1 MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations  may be substituted for MATH 300  and MATH 336  if the student is completing a double major, seeking the computational sciences concentration, or received credit for MATH 238  before declaring a math major.

MATH 229   and MATH 329  is recommended. For students choosing MATH 318 , a course with statistical data analysis (MATH 321 , 322 , 324 , 327  or 354 ) is recommended.

Additional Requirements for Students Seeking Secondary Teaching Licensure


Students seeking secondary teaching licensure must (in addition to the required core courses):

  • Complete the 22-24 credit hours that comprise the pre-professional education program in secondary education.
  • Complete 12 credit hours of mathematics courses:

Students seeking secondary teaching licensure earn the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree and then complete the Master of Arts in Teaching degree.

It is necessary to be admitted to the teacher education program prior to enrolling in pre-professional education courses. For a full description of the program in secondary education, refer to the College of Education Middle, Secondary and Mathematics Education, Department of .

Additional Requirements for Students Not Seeking Secondary Teaching Licensure


Students not seeking secondary teaching licensure track must complete (in addition to the required core courses) one of the following options, each consisting of 12 credit hours of mathematics courses:

The option chosen and the courses chosen to satisfy an option by a student are made in consultation with the student’s adviser and are dependent upon the student’s interests and career objectives. Students interested in pursuing graduate studies in mathematics are strongly urged to complete both MATH 411  and MATH 431 .

Recommended Schedule for Majors Seeking Secondary Licensure


Recommended Schedule for Majors Seeking Secondary Licensure

Total: 30 Credit Hours


Total: 30 Credit Hours


Third Year


Total: 30 Credit Hours


Fourth Year


  • Pre-professional education requirements and General Education  courses/electives 21 Credit Hours

Total: 30 Credit Hours


Recommended Schedule for Majors Not Seeking Secondary Licensure


Recommended Schedule for Majors Not Seeking Secondary Licensure

Total: 30 Credit Hours


Total: 30 Credit Hours


Third Year


  • General Education  courses/electives 18-21 Credit Hours
  • Mathematics required or elective courses numbered MATH 310  or above 6-9 Credit Hours

Choose one of the following: 3 Credit Hours


Total: 30 Credit Hours


Fourth Year


  • Mathematics required or elective courses MATH 310  or above 6-9 Credit Hours
  • Electives 18-21 Credit Hours

Choose one of the following: 3 Credit Hours


Total: 30 Credit Hours