Mathematics
Mathematics
Central 227
541-552-6141
Kemble Yates, Chair
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All mathematics courses are designed to improve students’ abilities to think, analyze, and communicate, and, 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 mathematics—a combination highly valued by business, government, industry, and graduate programs in a variety of fields.
The department’s primary concern is the development of each student’s confidence in using mathematical ideas, approaches, and exposition. Key coursework hones the learner’s abilities to critically understand and use mathematics. One of the program goals is to make direct connections between mathematics and the contemporary environment.
Degrees
BA or BS in MathematicsBA or BS in Mathematics with Honors in Mathematics
Co-Majors
Business-Mathematics (see page 47)Mathematics-Computer Science (see page 112)
Minors
MathematicsMathematics Education
Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program
Mathematics majors may participate in the Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program. For information on this program, see page 157.
Mathematics Placement Testing
To help students determine the mathematics courses that best meet their needs, the Mathematics Department uses a computerized placement test and encourages students to meet with a mathematics faculty member for individual advising. New students are required to take the mathematics placement test. Please contact the ACCESS Center to find out when upcoming placement testing sessions are scheduled.
Some students, however, may qualify for a transfer placement waiver. Students with prior college mathematics coursework should meet with a mathematics faculty member to determine whether a waiver is appropriate.
The computer system checks prerequisites when processing a student’s request to register for a mathematics course. Students must have a C- or better in the prerequisite course or the appropriate SOU mathematics placement level to register. On rare occasions, a student may have a reasonable substitution for the stated prerequisite. In those situations, the student should see the Mathematics Department chair for clearance before trying to register for the course.
Curriculum for Nonmajors
The lower division curriculum offers a variety of choices for nonmajors. Consult your advisor or the Mathematics Department to select courses that match your background and goals. Possibilities include:
Liberal arts majors wanting a solid mathematics core should consider Mth 251, 252, 261, and 311.
Prospective elementary and middle school teachers should take Mth 211, 212, 213.
Physical science majors should consult their advisors and consider Mth 251, 252, 253, 261, 281, 321, 361, 421, and 461.
For breadth, others should consider Mth 158 or 243; for more depth, consider Mth 111, 112, 251, and 252.
Majors in any discipline who would like substantial training in applied mathematics can choose from blocks of courses in applied mathematics (Mth 321, 421) and probability and statistics (Mth 361, 461).
Many upper division courses also serve nonmajors.
Prospective elementary, middle school, and high school teachers may select topics in mathematics education (Mth 481/581).
Enrichment Courses
All students are encouraged to take advantage of the available enrichment courses.
Mathematical Perspectives (Mth 290) presents mathematics as a way of thinking and a 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 suitable backgrounds to compete in a nationwide competition. Teams of three students prepare several weeks in advance for the weekend contest. The contest involves writing up a solution to an open-ended problem to which mathematics may be applied.
Choosing a Major
Students who wish to major in mathematics should see the department chair to sign up for the major and be assigned an advisor for help with academic and career planning.
All majors take a common core of courses that includes two important coordinating courses: Mathematical Perspectives (Mth 290), which introduces prospective majors to the scope and role of mathematics in the world, and the Senior Colloquium (Mth 490), which helps graduating seniors integrate the diverse elements of their mathematics studies. Majors develop a common knowledge base and maturity in the study of mathematics, with topics courses providing senior-level studies in important areas of mathematics.
Transfer Students
Transfer students will have full junior standing in the mathematics major if they transfer in the following courses: an approved computer science language (such as Visual BASIC, C++, or Java), a full year of single-variable calculus, and one term of linear algebra. One term of lower division statistics is also recommended.
Requirements for Major
- Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated
beginning on page 21.
- Students meeting the core curriculum requirements and
the mathematics major requirements automatically meet the BS
requirements.
- Students wishing to receive a BA should pay careful
attention to the additional requirements listed on page
22.
- Students meeting the core curriculum requirements and
the mathematics major requirements automatically meet the BS
requirements.
- Complete core curriculum requirements beginning on page
22 or, if qualified, the general education requirements for transfer
students beginning on page 25. Mathematics majors meet the Wr 123 or
227 requirement by successfully completing three required courses:
Mathematical Perspectives (Mth 290), Number Structures (Mth 311),
and Senior Colloquium (Mth 490).
- Complete the required courses specified
below.
- No more than two of the upper division requirements may
be met with a grade below C-.
- Complete the capstone.
Required Courses
Computer Science
(3–4 credits)
Must complete by the end of the sophomore year with a
grade of C- or better. Select one course from:
| Programming I (CS 200) | 4 |
| Programming II (CS 257) | 4 |
| Computer Applications in Chemistry (Ch 371) | 3 |
| Computer Methods (Ph 380/Engr 373) | 3 |
Lower Division Core Courses
(22 credits)
| Calculus I, II, III, IV (Mth 251, 252, 253, and 281) | 16 |
| Linear Algebra (Mth 261) | 4 |
| Mathematical Perspectives (Mth 290) | 2 |
Upper Division Sequences
(39–41 credits)
| 1. Foundations: Number Structures (Mth 311) and Geometry (Mth 411) | 9 |
| 2. Analysis: Introduction to Real Analysis (Mth 331) and one term of Topics in Analysis (Mth 431) | 8 |
| 3. Abstract Algebra: Introduction to Algebraic Systems (Mth 341) and one term of Topics in Abstract Algebra (Mth 441) | 8 |
| 4. Probability and Statistics: Probability (Mth 361) and Statistics (Mth 461) | 8 |
| 5a. Differential Equations (Mth 321) and one term of Topics in Applied Mathematics (Mth 421) | 8 |
or
| 5b. Any two distinct topics of Topics in Middle School and High School Mathematics (Mth 481) and Informal Geometry (Mth 481) | 6 |
Capstone Experience
(8 credits)
The capstone project is completed by taking the Senior
Colloquium (Mth 490) over three terms, usually the fall, winter,
and spring terms prior to graduation. The Senior Colloquium allows
students to draw on their mathematical background while
investigating a topic not readily available in the curriculum.
Students research the topic in conjunction with a faculty mentor.
As part of the capstone, students produce a final paper and make
an oral presentation to a general audience of faculty and
mathematics students. One outstanding student is selected to
present his or her capstone project at the School of Sciences
Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Mathematics Honors Program
Graduation with honors in mathematics is attained by completing the department’s honors program. In 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 for 8 credits and Mth 403 for 4 credits). In addition, students must complete differential equations (Mth 321) and two topics from both abstract algebra (Mth 441) and analysis (Mth 431). Honors graduates must have a 3.25 GPA in mathematics and a 3.00 overall GPA. Students completing the honors program may have their projects accepted in lieu of the Senior Colloquium (Mth 490).
Minors
Mathematics
(26 credits)
1
| Calculus I and II (Mth 251, 252) | 8 |
| Linear Algebra (Mth 261) | 4 |
| Mathematical Perspectives (Mth 290) | 2 |
| Approved upper division mathematics2 | 12 |
Mathematics Education
(27 credits)
1
| Fundamentals of Elementary Mathematics (Mth 211, 212, 213)3 | 12 |
| Any five distinct Mth 481 Topics in Middle School and High School Mathematics2 | 15 |
| 1 | Only one of the upper division requirements may be met with a grade below C-. |
| 2 | Students seeking both minors may not apply more than two of the Mth 481 topics toward the upper division requirements for the minor in mathematics. |
| 3 | Students who have taken at least one of the following courses -- Math 251, 252, 253, 261, or 281 -- may apply for the following alternative 12 credit package: 1) substitute a Math 409 Practicum in which s/he assists an instructor in planning and delivering a Mth 211, 212, or 213 course, and 2) additionally substitute 1 or 2 courses taken from Mth 251, 252, 253, 261, or 281. |
Affiliations
The Mathematics Department is a member of the American Mathematics Society, the Mathematical Association of America, and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. These organizations are actively committed to advancing mathematics and maintaining the currency of college mathematics programs.
Facilities
Computer Laboratory. The department is committed to using technology to enhance student learning. The computers in the Computing Services lab are equipped with software specific to mathematics coursework.The Harry S. Kieval Memorial Mathematics Education Laboratory is a well-stocked lab, with materials available for use by regional educators, preprofessional education students, and students in mathematics education courses.
Located near faculty offices, the Mathematics Study Room provides a space where students may gather regularly to study and socialize. It is equipped with lockers, three computer stations, and numerous other supplies.
Teacher Licensing
Students who would like to teach math at the middle school 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 department chair regarding mathematics requirements and the assignment of an advisor and the Education Department regarding admission requirements for the MAT program.
Students must prepare in advance to increase their chances of acceptance into this competitive program. Practica, internships, and volunteer experiences working with children in the public schools are required prior to application to the MAT program.
Students who wish 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, with three 300-level courses and four 400-level courses. These courses should be completed before applying for admission to the MAT program at SOU. Contact the Mathematics Department chair to obtain the current course listing and a mathematics advisor. All SOU mathematics majors meet these requirements, provided they select the Mth 481 courses for their applied area.
Students who would like to teach mathematics at the middle school level in Oregon public schools should pursue a Basic Mathematics Endorsement. The specific course requirements in mathematics total 27 credits and comprise coursework applicable to both intermediate and middle school teaching. The elementary/middle school licensure requires 12 of these credits, plus an additional 15 credits to add the Basic Mathematics Endorsement. These courses should be completed before applying for admission to the MAT program. Students completing these courses as part of the undergraduate degree at SOU are eligible for a minor in mathematics education. Contact the Mathematics Department chair to obtain the current course listing and a mathematics advisor.
Mathematics Courses
See Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses
| Mth 199 Special Studies |
| 1 to 4 credits |
| Mth 209 Practicum |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Mth 299 Special Studies |
| 1 to 4 credits |
Upper Division Courses
| Mth 399 Special Studies |
| 1 to 4 credits |
| Mth 401/501 Research |
| 1 to 4 credits |
| Mth 403/503 Thesis |
| 1 to 4 credits |
| Mth 405/505 Reading and Conference |
| 1 to 4 credits |
| Mth 407/507 Seminar |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Mth 409/509 Practicum |
| Credits to be arranged |