Applied Mathematics Concentration, Mathematics, B.A.

Mathematics

Objectives for the Program in Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics serves all students at the university. Mathematics majors receive a comprehensive foundation in abstract and applied mathematics as preparation for graduate school or a professional career. Minors in Mathematics receive the mathematical foundation needed for advanced work in their major field.

The department also provides non-majors with courses for their major or with courses for their General Education program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Develop effective thinking and communication skills

• Present information in a clear, precise and organized manner both verbally and in writing.
• Use and compare analytical, visual, and numerical perspectives in exploring mathematics.
• Recognize and make mathematically rigorous arguments.
• Approach mathematical problems with curiosity and creativity and persist in the face of difficulties.
• Work creatively and self-sufficiently with mathematics.

Learn to link applications and theory

• Understand and apply motivating examples that illustrate the ideas they are studying.
• Apply mathematical ideas to problems in those areas of study.
• See mathematical theory as useful and enlightening in both pure and applied contexts.
• Recognize and integrate connections between mathematical courses and theory.

Learn to use technological tools

• Use technology effectively, both as a tool for solving problems and exploring mathematical ideas.
• Use technology with increasing sophistication throughout a major curriculum.

Develop mathematical independence and experience open-ended inquiry

• Be able to explore mathematical ideas and problems beyond the classroom.
• Explore increasingly more difficult and open-ended questions.
• Speak and write about mathematics with increasing depth and sophistication.

Applied Mathematics Concentration

Applied Mathematics is the study of mathematics that is often used in other technical disciplines such as Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Physics, Economics and Computer Science. Students who complete the concentration in Applied Mathematics will have a strong mathematical background, an emphasis in a second field and will be able to integrate the mathematics within that field.

Student Learning Outcomes

Develop effective thinking and communication skills

• Present information in a clear, precise and organized manner both verbally and in writing.
• Use and compare analytical, visual, and numerical perspectives in exploring mathematics.
• Recognize and make mathematically rigorous arguments.
• Approach mathematical problems with curiosity and creativity and persist in the face of difficulties.
• Work creatively and self-sufficiently with mathematics.

Learn to link applications and theory

• Understand and apply motivating examples that illustrate the ideas they are studying.
• Apply mathematical ideas to problems in those areas of study.
• See mathematical theory as useful and enlightening in both pure and applied contexts.
• Recognize and integrate connections between mathematical courses and theory.

Learn to use technological tools

• Use technology effectively, both as a tool for solving problems and exploring mathematical ideas.
• Use technology with increasing sophistication throughout a major curriculum.

Develop mathematical independence and experience open-ended inquiry

• Be able to explore mathematical ideas and problems beyond the classroom.
• Explore increasingly more difficult and open-ended questions.
• Speak and write about mathematics with increasing depth and sophistication.

Language Requirement

The B.A. requires foreign language proficiency at the intermediate level.