2019-2020 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Mathematics and Computer Science
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Mathematics is a liberal art fundamental to a true education. Its study trains students in analytical thinking. Graduates of the department are active in an extraordinarily wide range of careers. The department offers a bachelor of science degree in mathematics with a pure, applied, and computer science track. A minor in mathematics is available.
Faculty
Chris Jones, PhD, Professor, Chair
Kristen Beck, PhD, Associate Professor
Andrew Conner, PhD, Associate Professor
Charles R. Hamaker, PhD, Professor
Lidia R. Luquet, PhD, Professor Emerita
Michael Nathanson, PhD, Professor
Brother Raphael Patton, FSC, PhD, Professor Emeritus
Kathryn F. Porter, PhD, Professor
Jane R. Sangwine-Yager, PhD, Professor Emerita
Jim Sauerberg, PhD, Professor
Ellen Veomett, PhD, Professor
Learning Outcomes
When they have completed a mathematics major, students will be able to:
- DEMONSTRATE a mastery of the core SMC undergraduate mathematics curriculum.
- COMMUNICATE mathematical ideas and concepts correctly and clearly in both oral and written forms using mathematical reasoning and terminology and symbolic representation.
- UNDERTAKE scholarly investigations using appropriate mathematical resources.
- INTEGRATE the use of technological tools into their investigations.
- DEMONSTRATE knowledge of connections within mathematics and applications to other fields.
Major Requirements
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers three tracks within the mathematics major: Pure, Applied, and Computer Science. Each is a Bachelor of Science degree.
A student wishing to major in mathematics should have a strong interest in the field and normally a background of four years of high school mathematics (two years of algebra, one year of geometry and one year of pre-calculus or equivalent).
Prerequisite Grade
Any course listed in this department with a prerequisite requires a grade of C- or better in the prerequisite course.
Suggested Four-Year Program
First-year students should take MATH 027 and MATH 038 and MA/CS 021 . Failure to take these courses in the first year may make it impossible to complete the major in four years. It is also recommended for first-year students enroll in PHYSI 001 , PHYSI 002 , PHYSI 003 , PHYSI 004 or CHEM 008 , CHEM 009 , CHEM 010 , CHEM 011 . Those interested in developing four-year program of study toward a major in mathematics may consult any department faculty member.
Computer Science
Courses in computer science are designed to introduce students to the design of computer systems and their current applications, and to prepare students for using the computer as a tool to solve complex problems in the future. The emphasis is on the fundamental principles and questions of computation and computer structures.
Minor Requirements
A student wishing to minor in computer science should have a strong interest in at least one area of application of computer science. Normally, a student is expected to have a background of four years of high school mathematics (two years of algebra, one year of geometry and one year of precalculus or equivalent). Students may not complete both the mathematics major and the computer science minor.
ProgramsBachelor of ScienceMinorOther ProgramsCoursesComputer Science - Lower DivisionComputer Science - Upper Division
Consult the department chair for the schedule of offerings.
Mathematics - Lower DivisionMathematics - Upper Division
Most upper-division courses are offered on a biannual rotation. See the departmental webpage for the schedule.
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