BS in Mathematics

The Major in Mathematics provides a foundation in mathematics, plus courses in higher mathematics or computer science, depending on the track taken. The program allows for flexibility in student goals by providing two tracks within the major: mathematics and mathematics and computer science.

Mathematics and Computer Science Track

This track blends mathematics courses with courses in computer science and a senior project in computer science.

Students are prepared for a career in a technical area or, with careful attention to electives and other courses, for graduate study in business and other professional or scientific areas.
Success in this track (minimum 3.0 average) leads directly to the MS in Computer Science at UMLAC. Students are prepared to complete the Master of Science in Computer Science at UMLAC in just over a year.
Although it is possible to proceed to graduate study in mathematics through this track, it is preferable to do so through the Mathematics Track.

Entrance requirements

Before entering the Mathematics and Computer Science Track of the Major in Mathematics, students must successfully complete Functions and Graphs 2 (MATH 162). It is highly recommended that students also complete College Composition 2 (WTG 192).

MATH 162 is equivalent to a Precalculus course or a course in College Algebra with Trigonometry. To satisfy this requirement, students take a placement test in mathematics. Depending on where they are placed, they complete at UMLAC any courses leading up to and including Math 162. This requirement is not satisfied by transfer credit, as the knowledge needs to be current.

Graduation Requirements

In addition to the requirements below for the BS in Mathematics, students need to satisfy the general requirements for a bachelor’s degree.

Students in all tracks of the math major must complete:

MATH 281 Calculus 1
MATH 282 Calculus 2
MATH 283 Calculus 3
MATH 286 Linear Algebra 1

Students in the Mathematics and Computer Science Track must also complete:

Math 272 Discrete Math
Math 351 Probability
CS 201 Procedural Programming
CS 203 Object-Oriented Programming
CS 221 Data Structures
CS 495 Software Development
CS 496 Senior Project

Plus

4 credits (one course) chosen from the following four courses:

CS 310 Systems Programming
or CS 321 Introduction to Algorithms
or CS 363 Computer Organization and Architecture
or CS 350 Programming Languages

Plus

An additional 8 credits of 400-level Computer Science courses

In addition, in their final year, students in the Mathematics and Computer Science Track are required to:

Take an assessment test to be chosen by the Department of Mathematics, and to submit the results to the Department of Mathematics. Students, who take the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for entry into graduate school or for other purposes, may satisfy this requirement by simply submitting their GRE results to the Department of Mathematics.Students not taking the GRE will need to consult the Department of Mathematics to determine an appropriate test.

Students completing the Mathematics and Computer Science Track of the Mathematics Major with a 3.0 GPA are eligible to continue on to UMLAC’s Master of Science in Computer Science and may be able to complete it in just over a year. Consult the Department of Computer Science for full information.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Program Learning Outcomes for the Mathematics and Computer Science Track of the Mathematics Major are given below. Finally, the main measures used to evaluate the success of the Program and locate any areas of concern can be found in the Program Assessment Measures.

Knowledge: We aim to produce individuals who

K1. Understand basic concepts and theory of both mathematics and computer science and are able to apply them in various fields, and relate them to principles of Maharishi Science of Consciousness.
K2. Appreciate the full range of mathematics from the deepest foundational levels to real-world applications in areas such as computer science, physics, engineering, business, art, and sustainable living.
K3. Have a working knowledge of the elements of single variable calculus, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, probability, and introductory differential calculus of a function of several variables.
K4. Have a working knowledge of elementary programming and data structures, and have a taste of higher and more theoretical aspects of computer science.

Skills: We aim to produce individuals who are able to

S1. Solve problems creatively in mathematics and computer science, and their applications.
S2. Use good number sense to decide whether answers are in the right ball park (orders of magnitude, rules of thumb), are meaningful (rounded appropriately, accuracy, extraneous roots, etc.), and are correct (checking answers when possible).
S3. Understand proofs of major results, construct proofs of elementary results, justify solutions of problems.
S4. Critique and find errors in proofs, mathematical arguments and computer programs, and solutions of problems given by others.
S5. Model natural phenomena and use mathematics and computer science effectively in disciplines such as engineering, physics, computer science, sustainable living and other life sciences, management, and business.
S6. Use appropriate software such as Graphing Calculator, Maple, Mathematica, Fathom, Geometer’s Sketchpad, and Excel to investigate concepts, ideas, and data.
S7. Use software such as Power Point, MS Word, and TeX to make lively and powerful oral and written presentations.
S8. Communicate mathematics and principles of computer science clearly and logically to others, both orally and in writing.
S9. Find and evaluate sources of information on topics of mathematics and computer science and integrate new knowledge into their knowledge base.

Values: We aim to produce individuals who

V1. Are self-confident, personally, mathematically, and in computer science.
V2. Behave in a harmonious, helpful, and uplifting way with others, including when working on group projects and when explaining mathematics and computer science to others.
V3. Exhibit positive attitudes towards personal growth and the daily habits that cultivate personal growth and success in life.
V4. Are clear on their personal strengths and career goals.
V5. See mathematics as a normal, natural part of their own intelligence, and as a natural foundation for understanding the orderliness at the core of any phenomenon in nature and society.
V6. Appreciate the source of all knowledge in the Self.

Program Assessment Measures

GRE General Test

Students in the Mathematics and Computer Science Track generally take the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and are expected to place in the top half in every category. Students not intending to take the GRE consult the Department of Mathematics to determine an appropriate test.

Senior Project and Presentation for Mathematics and Computer Science Track of the Math Major

Students write a substantial paper unifying the knowledge gained from the courses taken during their major and relating this knowledge to deep principles from Maharishi Science of Consciousness. This is done by taking a required course on software development and then actually creating software for a particular application such as a business.

The paper is made by the student into a poster for submission for presentation at the annual Knowledge Celebration in June of the year of completion of the major.

The paper is evaluated by the supervisor of that student’s senior project and by at least one other senior faculty member for significant content, significant unification of principles from all of their courses, and connection to general principles from Maharishi Science of Consciousness. In addition, they are evaluated for information literacy, writing ability according to criteria for modern professional writing, and critical thinking.

Questionnaire

At the end of each academic year, all mathematics majors are asked to fill out a questionnaire asking for their degree of satisfaction with what they have accomplished during their degree program so far. For students in this track, topics covered are related to the mission, goals, and outcomes of the Mathematics and Computer Science Track of the Mathematics Major.

BS in Mathematics – Mathematics and Computer Science Track