Mathematics Learning Objectives and Assessment Plan
Students who successfully complete the program should reach the following goals:
- Be able to apply problem-solving and logical skills
- Have a deeper understanding of mathematical theory
- Have a solid knowledge of elementary statistics
- Be able to communicate mathematical/logical ideas in writing
- Be competent in computer programming
- Be familiar with several subfields of mathematics (e.g, numerical analysis, topology, operations research).
- Be exposed to undergraduate research or internship opportunities
Syllabus Review
The following courses will be used to monitor students’ performance as compared to the program objectives.
- MATH 311W. Discrete Mathematics
This is the writing course in the MTHBD major. This course helps students: develop logical and problem-solving skills; becoming familiar with some of the basic techniques used to construct mathematical proof; develop writing skills; learn to communicate mathematical concepts; be able to construct independently basic mathematical proofs. - MATH 312. Real Analysis
This is one of the first theoretical courses in the MTHBD major and it dovetails with MATH 311W. This course should help students: understand the mathematical theory that forms the underpinning of calculus; improve their writing skills by reinforcing the basic techniques from MATH 311W; make use of their logical and problem-solving skills. - STAT 401. Experimental Methods 1
This course is normally used as the second part of a two-semester sequence in statistics, and it is a required course in the MTHBD major. It is taught by statisticians. Students increase statistical competence; use mathematical concepts and logical skills to solve applied ‘real-world’ problems. - CMPSC 122. Intermediate Programming
This course is normally used as the second part of a two-semester sequence in computer programming, and it is a required course in the MTHBD major. It is taught by the computer science faculty. In this course, students develop competence in basic and intermediate programming; learn to write efficient computer programs that solve problems. - MATH 429. Introduction to Topology
This course is normally offered every other year. Students often take it in their junior or senior year. The course is typical of many 400-level courses in the MTHBD major because it is not specifically required, but is one of many upper-level courses from which the students may choose to fulfill their upper-level course requirements. In this course, students develop an elementary understanding of the field of topology; are given the tools needed to participate in undergraduate research in support of a faculty member doing research in this area; continue to develop logical, problem-solving, and proof-writing skills.