Mathematics
The mathematics major is designed to prepare students for graduate work in mathematics, for teaching mathematics in secondary school, and for a variety of careers in mathematics-related fields in government, business, or industry.
All students are expected to learn methods and techniques of problem solving and to develop facility in the mathematical mode of thinking. They are expected to become acquainted with the major areas of current interest in mathematics, with the great achievements of the past, and with the fundamental problems of number, space, and infinity.
The mathematics minor is designed for all interested students, but it is particularly suited for students majoring in any of the sciences (including computer science) or economics, as well as students interested in pursuing the Master of Arts in Teaching Program after graduation. The minor will introduce the student to calculus, linear algebra, and the foundations of mathematics.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate mastery of the core concepts in algebra and analysis
- Understand the convincing nature of mathematical proof
- Be able to write clear, coherent, logical proofs, including proofs by contradiction and mathematical induction
- Give clear and organized written and verbal explanations of mathematical ideas
- Approach and solve mathematical problems independently
- Explain and critique mathematical reasoning through speaking and writing in a precise and articulate manner
- Be prepared for post-graduate studies in mathematics and mathematics-related fields
- Be able to apply critical thinking skills outside of a mathematical context
Degree Requirements for the Mathematics Major
General College Requirements
General College Requirements (see Curriculum section), including the following requirements to satisfy the major
Required Mathematics Courses
- MATH 151: Calculus I
- MATH 152: Calculus II
- MATH 255: Vector Calculus
- MATH 256: Linear Algebra
- MATH 281: Foundations of Mathematics
- MATH 312: Differential Equations
- MATH 321: Algebra I
- MATH 322: Algebra II
- MATH 351: Analysis I
- MATH 352: Analysis II
Capstone Experience
All students must select one of the following three options as the capstone experience of their education:
- St. Mary’s Project in Mathematics (eight credits)*
- One senior-level mathematics** course and a Senior Project in Mathematics: MATH 495 (four credits)
- Two senior-level mathematics** courses
The requirement may also be satisfied by completing a St. Mary’s Project in another area. If a student wishes to do a project in another area, the approval of the department must be secured in advance.
** Senior-level mathematics courses carry the designation “MATH 4xx”. ”. COSC 440 (Theory of Computation) or COSC 455 (Graph Theory) can be taken in place of a senior-level mathematics course.
Minimum Grade and GPA Requirements
Students must earn a grade of C- or better in all courses required for the major and maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or better in these required courses.
Recommendations
Students who are interested in graduate studies in theoretical mathematics should add at least two senior-level courses in theoretical mathematics to their schedules. It is also recommended that all students majoring in mathematics develop a proficiency in programming during their studies. This may be obtained by taking the course COSC 120. Acquiring skills with a mathematics software package such as Maple or Mathematica is desirable.
Degree Requirements for the Mathematics Minor
Required Courses
- MATH 151: Calculus I
- MATH 152: Calculus II
- MATH 255: Vector Calculus
- MATH 256: Linear Algebra
- MATH 281: Foundations of Mathematics
Minimum Grade and GPA Requirements
Students must complete the required five courses, earn a grade of C- or better in each course taken to fulfill the minor, and the cumulative grade-point average of courses used to satisfy the minor must be at least 2.0.
Requirements for Teacher Certification
A Master of Arts in Teaching Program is available at St. Mary’s College of Maryland after completion of the baccalaureate degree. Students who are interested in becoming teachers should contact the chair of the Department of Educational Studies or an education adviser in their major field of study for suggested coursework in educational studies, and their specific major. These consultations should take place during the first semester of the sophomore year. It is recommended that such students take statistics (MATH 221).
Faculty
Casey Douglas, Sandy Ganzell (department chair), Susan Goldstine, Alan Jamieson, Lindsay H. Jamieson, Robert Kelley, Emek Köse, David Kung, Alex Meadows, Simon Read, Ivan Sterling.