University of Maine at Farmington 2014-2015 Catalog
 
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Context

Mathematics
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Degree Earned
Bachelor of Arts: Mathematics

The program is designed to prepare students for graduate study or a career in a mathematical field. The program offers a more traditional track in pure mathematics as well as an applied math alternative track. As such, the program conforms to the guidelines of the Mathematical Association of America, and in addition gives students material and tools of theory, abstraction and inquiry that would be useful in a graduate mathematics program.

Learning Goals:
  • Students will explain how they know mathematical truths, and prove some of the basic ones.
  • Students will express mathematical ideas verbally and in writing.
  • Students will identify major mathematicians and explain and critique the major ideas of mathematics.
  • Students will apply problem-solving techniques to problems they have never seen before.
  • Students will be familiar with the application of technology in mathematics.

Assessment Criteria:

  • Students will identify the properties and graphs of the elementary functions: that is, polynomials, rational functions, exponential functions, logarithms, trigonometric functions and their inverses, and hyperbolic functions.
  • Students will differentiate combinations of elementary functions, including functions of several variables. Students will be able to apply all of the basic integration techniques.
  • Students will perform what might be thought of as the core skills of linear algebra: in particular, matrix and vector calculations, for instance, determination of whether a set of vectors is linearly independent, or mutually orthogonal.
  • Students will solve problems from probability involving set theory, combinations and permutations, and probability distributions.
  • Students will use the basic ideas of statistics, including identifying methods for attacking various statistical problems.
  • Students will use logic and set theory in other areas of mathematics, in particular to understanding and proving statements in abstract algebra and elsewhere.
  • Students will apply mathematical ideas to problems from other disciplines.
Pure Track – Students will be able to prove mathematical theorems requiring complex arguments.
 
Applied Track - Students will be able to apply mathematical and/or statistical modeling to a discipline of special emphasis chosen by the student.

 

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PURE TRACK

Required Courses (36 credits):

MAT 141M Calculus I   4
MAT 142 Calculus II 4
MAT 151M Foundations of Abstract Mathematics                                         4
MAT 220 Data Analysis 4
MAT 241 Calculus III 4
MAT 251 Linear Algebra 4
MAT 352 Abstract Algebra 4
MAT 371 Mathematical Probability 4

One math course at the 400 level                                                                             4

Elective Courses (8 credits):

Two electives numbered MAT 242 or higher,except MAT 277(M) and MAT 313

Supporting Course:

COS 140   Introduction to Computer Science                               4

 

Total Credits for the Major: 48

 

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS FOR THE APPLIED ALTERNATIVE

Required Courses (44 credits):

MAT 141M Calculus I 4
MAT 142 Calculus II 4
MAT 151M Foundations of Abstract Mathematics                                   4
MAT 220 Data Analysis 4
MAT 241 Calculus III 4
MAT 242 Differential Equations 4
MAT 251 Linear Algebra 4
MAT 367 Intermediate Statistics 4
MAT 371 Mathematical Probability 4

Supporting Courses:

COS 140 Introduction to Computer Science                   4
COS 142 Data Structures 4

 

Concentration Requirements

In addition to the above required courses, a 16 credit concentration in a related discipline is required. A related discipline may be chosen from the following:

     -Biology
     -Business
     -Chemistry
     -Computer Science (16 credits in addition to the 8 required COS credits)
     -Economics
     -Geography
     -Geology
     -Physics
     -Psychology

A student may tailor a concentration under the guidance of his/her advisor with approval from the Mathematics and Computer Science division.
 

Total credits for the Major with the Applied Track in Mathematics Option: 60

 

FOREIGN LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
One year of one foreign language at the college level or two years of one foreign language at the high school level.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
For specific information about general education requirements and expectations, see the General Education Requirements in the Academic Programs section of this catalog.

MINIMUM TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE DEGREE: 128

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