Program Overview

Mathematics, BS

Overview

The BS degree program in mathematics focuses on mathematical theory, logical problem-solving, and the process of abstraction. The required courses and technical electives emphasize abstract structures, patterns, and logical relationships that are found in all branches of mathematics. The BS in mathematics requires more coursework in the major than a BA degree, with the majority of upper-level electives selected from pure mathematics offerings such as Number Theory, Topology, and Geometry.

Program Requirements

Students seeking to complete this major and degree program must meet the general requirements for bachelor's degrees and the Unified General Education Requirements. The BS degree in Mathematics requires at least 50 credit hours of mathematics courses and at least 17 credit hours in basic science.

• Mathematics Requirements:
  • MATH 121: Calculus for Science and Engineering I (4 credit hours)
  • MATH 122: Calculus for Science and Engineering II (4 credit hours)
  • MATH 223: Calculus for Science and Engineering III (3 credit hours)
  • MATH 224: Elementary Differential Equations (3 credit hours)
  • MATH 307: Linear Algebra (3 credit hours)
  • MATH 308: Introduction to Abstract Algebra (3 credit hours)
  • MATH 321: Fundamentals of Analysis I (3 credit hours)
  • MATH 322: Fundamentals of Analysis II (3 credit hours)
  • MATH 324: Introduction to Complex Analysis (3 credit hours)
• Non-Mathematics Requirements:
  • PHYS 121: General Physics I - Mechanics (4 credit hours)
  • PHYS 122: General Physics II - Electricity and Magnetism (4 credit hours)
  • PHYS 221: Introduction to Modern Physics (3 credit hours)
  • Choose one of the following sequences:
    • ASTR 101 and ASTR 103: Introduction to the Sun and Its Planets and Introduction to the Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe
    • CHEM 105 and CHEM 106: Principles of Chemistry I and Principles of Chemistry II
    • CHEM 111 and ENGR 145: Principles of Chemistry for Engineers and Chemistry of Materials
    • EEPS 110 and EEPS 115: Physical Geology and Introduction to Oceanography
    • EEPS 110 and EEPS 210: Physical Geology and Earth History: Time, Tectonics, Climate, and Life
• Technical Electives:
  • Choose four of the following:
    • MATH 303: Elementary Number Theory
    • MATH 309: Sets, Logic, and Categories
    • MATH 327: Convexity and Optimization
    • MATH 361: Introduction to Topology
    • MATH 363: Knot Theory
    • MATH 364: Geometry I
    • MATH 365: Introduction To Algebraic Geometry
    • MATH 380: Introduction to Probability
    • MATH 382: High Dimensional Probability
    • MATH 402: Abstract Algebra II
    • MATH 405: Advanced Matrix Analysis
    • MATH 406: Mathematical Logic and Model Theory
    • MATH 413: Graph Theory
    • MATH 418: Category Theory
    • MATH 423: Introduction to Real Analysis I
    • MATH 424: Introduction to Real Analysis II
    • MATH 462: Algebraic Topology
    • MATH 465: Differential Geometry
    • MATH 467: Differentiable Manifolds
• Additional Electives:
  • Three MATH or STAT courses (300-level or higher) with approval of the student's major advisor

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to know fundamental concepts of linear algebra: Vector spaces, linear operators and matrices, four fundamental subspaces, matrix factorizations, and the solution theory of linear systems.
• Students will be able to correctly analyze the solvability of linear problems in practice, and is able to solve linear systems.
• Students will be able to know the fundamental concepts of calculus and classical mathematical analysis: Metric spaces, limits and convergence, continuity, and differential and integral calculus.
• Students will be able to demonstrates the capability of rigorous abstract thinking, and is able to set up a rigorous mathematical proof.
• Students will be able to know the fundamentals of abstract algebra: groups, rings, fields.
• Students will be able to know and is able to work effectively with the elements of abstract algebra, and use them effectively in proofs and calculations.
• Students will be able to express a given problem in mathematical terms, and/or finds the appropriate set of mathematical tools to tackle the problem, and/or is able to select and implement an algorithm that leads to the solution of the problem.
• Students will be able to communicate effectively the results to a non-expert in mathematics, and is able to put the work in the proper context.

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Accelerated Master's Programs

Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.