Mathematics

Mathematics is a liberal art fundamental to a true education, and Computer Science is its modern cousin. The study of Mathematics and Computer Science trains students in analytical thinking and problem solving. Graduates of the department are active in an extraordinarily wide range of careers. The department offers a bachelor of science degree in mathematics with pure and applied concentrations. The department offers a bachelor of science in Computer Science. A bachelors of arts in Mathematics, a bachelor of arts in Computer Science, a minor in Mathematics, and a minor in Computer Science are also available.

Faculty

Chris Jones, PhD, Professor

Anastasia Chavez, PhD, Assistant Professor

Andrew Conner, PhD, Associate Professor, Chair

Udayan Das, PhD, Associate Professor

Satbir Malhi, PhD, Assistant Professor

Victoria Noquez, PhD, Assistant Professor

Jim Sauerberg, PhD, Professor

Todd Schmid, PhD, Assistant Professor

Charles R. Hamaker, PhD, Professor Emeritus

Lidia R. Luquet, PhD, Professor Emerita

Kathryn F. Porter, PhD, Professor Emerita

Jane R. Sangwine-Yager, PhD, Professor Emerita

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 two concentrations for the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics: Pure and Applied. The department also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and pathways for earning a California Teaching Credential in Mathematics.

A student wishing to major in mathematics should have a strong interest in the field and normally have 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 137 and MATH 238 and CS 121 . Failure to take these courses in the first year may make it difficult to complete the major in four years. It is also recommended for first-year students intending to major in math to enroll in PHYSI 151 , PHYSI 151L , PHYSI 152 , PHYSI 152L or CHEM 110 , CHEM 110L , CHEM 230 , CHEM 230L . Those interested in developing a four-year program of study toward a major in mathematics or computer science may consult any department faculty member.

Minor Requirements

Normally, a student minoring in math 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 pre-calculus or equivalent).

Math BA/SSTE Credential Pathway

This major has an integrated Single Subject Teacher Education (SSTE) pathway to prepare future middle and high school classroom teachers. The integrated program of study enables students to graduate with their BAs and a CA teaching credential in 4 years. See Teacher Education - Major Emphasis/SSTE Pathways for detailed information on credential courses.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Arts

Mathematics, BA

Minor

Mathematics Minor

Courses

Mathematics - Lower Division

Mathematics - Upper Division

Most upper-division courses are offered on a biannual rotation. See the departmental webpage for the schedule.