BS in Mathematics

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

Mathematics and Physics Track

The Mathematics and Physics Track of the Mathematics Major provides a balance between mathematics courses and physics courses up to the level of multivariable calculus, ordinary differential equations, and an introduction to quantum mechanics.

Students are prepared for a career in scientific or technical areas.
By also majoring in education and with some additional mathematics courses, students can graduate prepared to teach mathematics in primary or secondary schools.
Although it is possible, after some additional study, to proceed to graduate study in mathematics or physics through this track, it is preferable to do so through the Mathematics Track or through a Physics Major, respectively.

Entrance Requirements

Before entering 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 MUM 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 Physics Track must also complete:

MATH 304 Calculus 4
MATH 308 Ordinary Differential Equations
PHYS 210 Introduction to Classical Mechanics
PHYS 220 Introduction to Fluids, Harmonics, and Waves
PHYS 230 Introduction to Electromagnetism
PHYS 250 Introduction to Modern Physics
PHYS 313 Classical Mechanics 1
PHYS 360 Quantum Mechanics 1
PHYS 490 Senior Project

In addition, in their final year, students in the Mathematics and Physics 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.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Program Learning Outcomes for the Mathematics and Physics Track of the Mathematics Major are given below. The Course-by-Outcomes Table then shows how the courses making up the Mathematics and Physics Track develop each of the Program Learning Outcomes. Finally, the main measures used to evaluate the success of the Program and to 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 mathematics and physics, are able to apply them in various fields, and relate them to principles of Maharishi Vedic Science.
K2. Appreciate the full range of mathematics and physics from the deepest foundational levels to real-world applications in areas such as physics, engineering, business, art, and sustainable living.
K3. Have a working knowledge of the elements of single and multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and ordinary differential equations.
K4. Have a working knowledge of introductory classical mechanics, fluids, waves, electricity and magnetism, modern physics, and quantum mechanics.

Skills: We aim to produce individuals who are able to

S1. Solve problems creatively in mathematics, physics, 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 and physical arguments, and solutions of problems of others.
S5. Model natural phenomena and use mathematics effectively in disciplines such as engineering, physics, 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 physics clearly and logically to others, both orally and in writing.
S9. Find and evaluate sources of information about mathematics and physics and integrate new knowledge into their knowledge base.

Values: We aim to produce individuals who

V1. Are self-confident, both personally and mathematically.
V2. Behave in a harmonious, helpful, and uplifting way with others, including when working on group projects and when explaining mathematics and physics 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 and physics 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 Physics 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 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. They report on readings or research they conduct on a topic or problem suggested by the course PHYS 360 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics.

Students also prepare an oral presentation, suitable for a lay audience, based on the paper, 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 mathematical and physical 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 mathematical 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 Physics Track of the Mathematics Major.

BS in Mathematics – Mathematics and Physics Track