MATHEMATICS
MAJOR
The mathematics major introduces students to the fundamental areas of
mathematics and provides some degree of specialization in one or more
areas. It trains students in the analytic thinking characteristic of
pure and applied mathematics and provides some familiarity with rigorous
methods of mathematical proof. In addition to the traditional mathematics
major, the department offers a number of specialized tracks: a concentration
in preparation for adolescent education (grades 7-12), a concentration
in quantitative biology, a concentration in preparation for
childhood education (grades 1-6). Available also are several BA/MA
programs: a BA/MA program in preparation for adolescent education
(grades 7-12), a BA/MA program in mathematics, and a BA/MA
program in statistics and applied mathematics.
To enter the traditional mathematics major (for careers in business
or government and for graduate study beyond the master’s level),
the student should have completed one year of calculus (MATH 150 and
155, or the equivalent). The major consists of at least 33 credits of
coursework: 24 credits of core curriculum courses (taken by all mathematics
majors except those enrolled in the concentration in preparation for
childhood education (grades 1-6) or enrolled in the BA portion of the
BA/MA program in preparation for adolescent education (grades 7-12)
and at least 9 credits of advanced elective courses, chosen by students
according to their career plans.
Students interested in pursuing mathematics at the advanced graduate
level are urged to participate in the BA/MA program in mathematics.
The BA/MA program in preparation for adolescent education leads to professional
(permanent) certification in adolescent education (grades 7-12) in mathematics.
Permanent certification may also be received by completing the BA degree
with a mathematics major and then completing the graduate Teacher Education
Program (TEP) in Mathematics or the graduate Teaching Opportunity Program
(TOP) in Mathematics.
Major Core Curriculum
(24 cr) MATH 156, 250, 254, 255, 260, 311, 351 and STAT 213 or 311.
NOTE: MATH 156 was formerly MATH 153/158.
Students who declared their major prior to Spring 2007 are required
to take either MATH 254 or MATH 255.
Elective Courses
The student must complete three 3-credit approved elective courses.
The elective courses must be chosen from the 300-or 400-level courses
in mathematics or statistics listed by the department. Factors affecting
the choice of courses will include the student’s career goals
(preparation for graduate study; education; careers in business, government
service or industry), the student’s other major, where applicable,
(for students with a second major in mathematics), and the availability
of courses due to the course rotation schedule. A 300-level course may
be replaced by a graduate level course approved by a departmental advisor.
Symbolic Computation Proficiency Requirement
As a requirement for graduation with a BA in mathematics, students must
demonstrate entry level proficiency in symbolic computation. The requirement
can be met in any of the following ways:
(a) passing any of MATH 126, MATH 151, MATH 154, MATH 385;
(b) passing a departmental exam in a computer algebra system (currently
we use MATHEMATICA or the equivalent)
Minor
Except for mathematics majors planning to teach in elementary or secondary
schools, majors in mathematics ordinarily take as a minor 12 approved
credits in one of the following subjects: biological sciences, chemistry,
computer science, economics, geology, philosophy (in particular, logic),
physics, or statistics. However, other minors may also be approved.
Students following the concentration in quantitative biology must take
the following natural science courses, which will fulfill the requirements
for a minor in biological sciences or in chemistry: CHEM 102-105 (or
the equivalent), CHEM 222, BIOL 100, BIOL 300, BIOL 425. For students
preparing to teach in elementary or secondary schools the education
sequence as prescribed by the School of Education is taken in lieu of
a minor.
Minor for Non-Majors
Non-majors wishing to minor in mathematics should consult their major
advisor for appropriate course recommendations.
.
Concentration in Preparation for Adolescent Education (Grades
7-12)
Provisional certification for teaching mathematics in grades 7-12 may
be obtained by completing a BA with a traditional mathematics major
and the adolescent education sequence as prescribed by the School of
Education. This education sequence is taken in lieu of a minor. Students
following this concentration in the mathematics major should consult
a departmental advisor as to which advanced elective courses are recommended
to complete 33 or more credits in the major.
Concentration in Quantitative Biology (in the mathematics major)
This program is for students intending to pursue research careers in
biomedical sciences. It provides students with a working knowledge of
computing and biological sciences for bioengineering careers in bioinformatics,
the pharmaceutical industry, and the biotechnology industry. In order
to enroll in the quantitative biology concentration within the mathematics
major, students must obtain an average of B- or better in the following
courses: STAT 213, CHEM 104-105 (or the equivalent), CHEM 222, BIOL
100. In addition, no more than one (1) of these four courses may be
passed with a grade of C.
The requirements for the mathematics major that also apply to the bioinformatics
concentration are the entry requirements MATH 150 and MATH 155, the
symbolic computation proficiency requirement and the major core curriculum:
(24 cr) MATH 156, 250, 254, 255, 260, 311, 351 and STAT 213 or 311.
NOTE: MATH 156 was formerly MATH 153/158. Students
who declared their major prior to Spring 2007 are required to take either
MATH 254 or MATH 255.
Required courses (in addition to the major core) are: STAT 311 or STAT
213, STAT 319, CSCI 132, CSCI 232. Students will also take the following
natural science courses, which will fulfill the requirements for a minor
in biological sciences or in chemistry:
CHEM 102-105 (or the equivalent), CHEM 222, BIOL 100, BIOL 300, BIOL
425.
Concentration in Preparation for Childhood Education (Grades
1-6)
This concentration constitutes a mathematics major for QUEST students.
QUEST students majoring in mathematics are not exempt from the MATH
104/MATH 105 requirement. To enter the mathematics major, the student
should have completed one semester of calculus (MATH 150 or the equivalent).
The specified collateral major is childhood education. No minor is required.
The mathematics major consists of at least 32 credits of coursework:
20 credits of major core curriculum courses and at least 12 additional
credits, as described below.
(20 cr core): MATH 154, 155, 156, 160, 250, 260, and STAT 213.
NOTE: MATH 156 was formerly MATH 153/158.
At least 12 additional credits are required for the major. These are:
STAT 212, STAT 220, and two additional courses approved by a departmental
advisor.
BA/MA PROGRAM in PREPARATION for ADOLESCENT EDUCATION (GRADES
7 - 12)
Students interested in secondary school teaching may pursue a combined
BA/MA program in teaching. This program requires a minimum of 141 credits.
Admission Requirements for the BA/MA in Teaching
1. Completion of at least 45 credits with a GPA of 2.8
2. Completion of at least 10 credits in mathematics, including a year
of calculus (MATH 150 and 155, or the equivalent), with an average of
2.7 in these major courses.
Degree Requirements for the BA/MA in Teaching
The BA/MA program in the teaching of mathematics includes 50 credits
in mathematics and 23 credits in teacher education courses, some of
them taken at the undergraduate level and some at the graduate level.
The required mathematics courses are:
1. the following 23 undergraduate credits: MATH 150, 155, 156, 250,
260, 311, STAT 213
NOTE: MATH 156 was formerly MATH 153/158.
2. the following 15 graduate credits: MATH 620, 623 or 634, 630, 661,
STAT 614
3. 12 additional credits in mathematics or statistics at the 200-level
or above, selected with the approval of the departmental mathematics
education advisor.
The student should consult the School of Education section of the graduate
college catalog for the sequence of teacher education courses.
STATISTICS
MAJOR
The study of statistics provides the student with analytical tools that
may find application in various fields within the sciences and social
sciences. Bioinformatics is a rapidly developing area open to students
in statistics with a working knowledge of computing and biological sciences.
Actuarial science is one area open to students in statistics who also
have backgrounds in such subjects as computer science, mathematics and
economics.
The MA in statistics and applied mathematics offered by the department
provides enrichment for undergraduate statistics majors. To enter the
major the student must have completed MATH 150 and 155. Normally, the
statistics major consists of 32 credits as follows: 29 credits of core
curriculum courses and any additional 3-credit statistics, mathematics,
or computer science course approved by the undergraduate statistics
advisor. Modifications are permitted with the consent of the statistics
advisor. For example, a student may elect to replace STAT 212 with a
more advanced course. With permission of the advisor, a student may
take graduate courses in the MA in statistics and applied mathematics
program. Students interested in bioinformatics take the additional courses
listed in the concentration in quantitative biology below.
Major Core Curriculum
(29 cr) MATH 250, 254 or 354, 260, STAT 212, 213, 214, 311, 312, 313
Minor
Statistics majors take 12 approved credits as a minor in one of the
following subjects: biological sciences, chemistry, computer science,
economics, geology, mathematics, philosophy (in particular, logic),
physics, political science, psychology or sociology. For information
concerning approved minor sequences, students should consult the departmental
advisor. Students following the concentration in quantitative biology
must take the following natural science courses, which will fulfill
the requirements for a minor in biological sciences or in chemistry:
CHEM 102-105 (or the equivalent), CHEM 222, BIOL 100, BIOL 300, BIOL
425.
Minor for Non-Majors
Non-majors wishing to minor in statistics should consult their major
advisor for appropriate course recommendations.
Actuarial Sequence
Students interested in actuarial work should take MATH 150, 155, 250,
260, STAT 311 and 313. Students are also encouraged to take courses
in accounting, economics and computer science. For information concerning
examinations and prizes given to undergraduates by the Society of Actuaries,
consult the departmental advisor.
Concentration in Quantitative Biology (in the statistics major)
For students intending to pursue research careers in biomedical sciences.
This is a new option to provide students with a working knowledge of
computing and biological sciences for bioengineering careers in bioinformatics,
the pharmaceutical industry, and the biotechnology industry. Required
courses (in addition to the core): CSCI 132, CSCI 232. In order to enroll
in the concentration in quantitative biology within the statistics major,
students must obtain an average of B- or better in the following courses:
STAT 213, CHEM 104-105 (or the equivalent), CHEM 222, BIOL 100. In addition,
no more than one (1) of these four courses may be passed with a grade
of C.
ACCELERATED
BA/MA PROGRAM in MATHEMATICS or in STATISTICS and APPLIED MATHEMATICS
The BA/MA program offers promising students the opportunity to complete
both the bachelor’s and master’s degree requirements with
a minimum of 120 credits. Requirements are the same as those for a major
in the department, plus 30 credits at the graduate level. Interested
students should contact the graduate advisor for further information
regarding eligibility and curriculum requirements.
Track 1: BA/MA Program in Mathematics
Students complete the BA with a traditional mathematics major, with
30 additional credits at the graduate level in
pure mathematics approved by the departmental graduate advisor.
Track 2: BA/MA Program in Statistics and Applied Mathematics
Students complete the BA with a traditional major in statistics or mathematics,
with 30 additional credits at the graduate
level in applied mathematics, statistics and computer science approved
by the departmental graduate advisor.
NOTE: For information on the MA portion of the
above BA/MA programs, please go to the GRADUATE page of this web site.
Special
Activities
Honors Programs
A mathematics major may become a candidate for departmental
honors by successfully completing the Honors Seminar, by presenting
a Grade Point Average of 3.6 in the major, and by achieving a satisfactory
rating on a comprehensive exam.
There are opportunities to receive complimentary memberships in the
American Mathematical Society (AMS), the Mathematical
Association of America (MAA), or the American Statistical
Association (ASA). This includes free journals.
Qualified students may be selected by the Department for Pi
Mu Epsilon, the national undergraduate mathematics honor society.
Members of Pi Mu Epsilon may present talks at the annual summer meeting
of the MAA.
The Math Club
The math club is organized and run by mathematics and statistics majors.
It provides opportunities for academic and social interaction. The club
sponsors problem solving contests, pizza lunches, math movies, and occasional
speakers.
Mathematical Competitions
Each year some majors participate in the six-hour William Lowell Putnam
Competition, one of the nation’s most difficult and prestigious
mathematics competitions. Undergraduates also participate in the year-long
Problem Solving Competition, a national event conducted locally at Hunter;
the winner can take part in the championship final at the summer semi-annual
meeting of the Mathematical Association of America.
