Mathematics
Central 227
541-552-6141
Sherry A. Ettlich, Chair
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Mathematics
Sherry A. Ettlich, Chair |
SOU CATALOG HOME : SCHOOLS AND DEPARTMENTS : MATHEMATICS : COURSES
Professors: George A. Converse, John J. Engelhardt, Sherry A. Ettlich, Kenneth C. Larson, Richard G. Montgomery, John D. Whitesit
Associate Professors: Arthur J. Clemons, Kemble R. Yates, Lisa M. Yates
Assistant Professor: Dusty E. Sabo
Instructors: Lynda Carlson, John Thickett, Eric York
All mathematics courses are designed to improve students' ability to think, analyze, and communicate; in particular, to use mathematics to express, define, and answer questions about the world. The bachelor's degree program nurtures these abilities while building a solid base in mathematicsa combination highly valued by business, government, industry, and graduate programs in many fields.Our primary concern is the growth of each student's confidence using mathematical ideas, approaches, and exposition. Key courses and coursework nurture the learner's abilities to critically understand and use mathematics. A primary goal is to make direct connections between mathematics and our contemporary environment.
Business-mathematics (see printed catalog page 136)Mathematicscomputer science (see printed catalog page 137)
Mathematics
The mathematics major is an option for students participating in the Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program. For information on this program see page 144 or visit our website.
The lower division curriculum offers many choices for non majors. Consult your advisor or the Department of Mathematics to select courses matched to your background and goals. Possibilities include:Liberal arts majors wanting a solid mathematics core should consider Mth 251, 252, 261, 311.
Prospective elementary school teachers should take Mth 211, 212, 213.
Prospective middle school teachers should take Mth 111, 112, 150, 211, 212, 213, 243, 251, 252.
Physical science majors should consult their advisors and consider Mth 251, 252, 253, 261, 281, 321, 361, 461.
Others: For breadth consider Mth 150, or 243; for more depth consider Mth 112, 251, 252.
Many upper division courses also serve non majors.
Applied mathematics: Majors in any discipline who want substantial training in applied mathematics can choose from blocks of courses in applied mathematics (Mth 321, 421) and probability and statistics (Mth 361, 461).
Professional elementary and secondary education: Preprofessionals may select topics in mathematics education (Mth 481).
All students are encouraged to take advantage of the enrichment courses available:Mathematical Perspectives (Mth 290) presents mathematics as a way of thought and body of knowledge important to the development of civilization and the concerns of modern society.
The Mathematical Contest in Modeling is an opportunity for students with a suitable background to compete in a nationwide competition. Teams of three students prepare for several weeks for the weekend contest. The contest involves writing up a solution to an open-ended problem to which mathematics may be applied.
Students who want to major in mathematics should see the department chair to sign up for the major and be assigned an advisor who will help with academic and career planning.All majors take a common core of courses. These include two important coordinating courses: Mathematical Perspectives (Mth 290) to introduce prospective majors to the scope and role of mathematics in the world, and a Senior Colloquium (Mth 490) to help graduating seniors integrate the diverse elements of their studies in mathematics. The major develops a common base of knowledge and maturity in the study of mathematics, with topics courses providing senior level studies in important areas of mathematics. For more information see www.sou.edu/math.
Transfer students will have full junior standing in the mathematics major if they transfer in the following five courses: an approved computer science language such as visual BASIC, Pascal, or C++; a full year of single variable calculus; and one term of linear algebra.
1. Fulfill the baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on page 31.a) Students meeting the core curriculum requirements and the mathematics major requirements automatically meet the BS requirements.
b) Students wishing to receive a BA should pay careful attention to the additional requirements listed on page 32.
2. Complete core curriculum requirements beginning on page 31 or, if qualified, the general education requirements for transfer students beginning on page 33. Mathematics majors complete the equivalent of Wr 123 or Wr 227 by successfully completing the following three required courses: Mathematical Perspectives (Mth 290), Number Structures (Mth 311), and Senior Colloquium (Mth 490).
3. Complete the required courses specified below.
4. No more than two of the upper division requirements may be met with a grade below C-.
5. Credit requirement: 6365 credits, 3436 of which must be upper division.
6. Complete the capstone.
(4 credits)
Must complete by the end of the sophomore year.
Select one course from:
(21 credits)
(3032 credits)
The capstone project is completed by taking the Senior Colloquium (Mth 490) over two terms, usually winter and spring prior to graduation. The Senior Colloquium allows students to draw on their mathematical background while investigating a topic or theme of the year not readily available in the regular curriculum. Students research the topic or theme in conjunction with a faculty mentor. Completion of the capstone entails producing a final paper and making an oral presentation to a general audience of faculty and mathematics students. Capstone students have the opportunity to present their projects at the School of Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Graduation with honors in mathematics is attained by completing the department honors program. During their junior year, students must successfully petition the Honors Committee for admission to the honors program. Honors students work with a faculty mentor while independently studying an advanced mathematical topic and preparing an expository thesis (Mth 401, 6 credits and Mth 403, 3 credits). In addition, five senior topics courses are required, two each from the categories of algebra and analysis and one from applied mathematics. Honors graduates must have a 3.25 grade point average in mathematics and a 3.0 overall. Students completing the honors program may have their projects accepted in lieu of the Senior Colloquium (Mth 490).
(25 credits)
The department is a member of the American Mathematics Society, the Mathematical Association of America, and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. These organizations have an active commitment to the advancement of mathematics and to maintaining the currency of college mathematics programs.
Computer Laboratory. The Computing Services building has a student laboratory containing personal computers equipped with software specific to mathematics coursework. The department is committed to using technology to enhance student learning.Harry S. Kieval Memorial Mathematics Education Laboratory. The department maintains a well-stocked laboratory of materials for use by regional educators, preprofessional education students, and students in mathematics education courses.
All faculty with professorial rank hold doctoral degrees. Areas of doctoral specialization include algebra, analysis, topology, applied mathematics, statistics, discrete and combinatorial geometry, and mathematics education.
Students who want to teach mathematics at the middle school and/or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete specific course requirements in mathematics before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the mathematics department chair regarding the course requirements in mathematics and assignment of an appropriate advisor. Students should also consult the Education Department regarding admission requirements for the MAT teacher education program.This competitive program requires students to prepare in advance to enhance their acceptance into the program. Practica, internships, and volunteer experiences working with children in the public schools prior to application to the MAT program are required.
Students who want to teach mathematics at the high school level in Oregon public schools need an Advanced Mathematics Endorsement. The specific course requirements in mathematics are roughly equivalent to the mathematics major at SOU, specifying three 300-level courses and four 400-level courses. These courses should be completed before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Contact the mathematics department chair for the current course listing and to obtain a mathematics advisor. All SOU mathematics majors meet these requirements provided they select the Mth 481 courses for their applied area.
Students who want to teach mathematics at the middle school level in Oregon public schools should strongly consider a Basic Mathematics Endorsement. The specific course requirements in mathematics total 27 credits and consist of specific coursework applicable to intermediate and middle school teaching. Eighteen of these credits are required for the elementary/middle school licensure and an additional 9 credits are required to add the Basic Mathematics Endorsement. These courses should be completed before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Contact the mathematics department chair for the current course listing and to obtain a mathematics advisor.