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Mathematical Sciences (B.S.)

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Barry offers a variety of courses and educational experiences within the mathematical sciences which are required by many fields of study. Placement for new students in mathematics courses is determined by SAT scores. If SAT scores are not available and the student’s intended program requires a mathematics course, diagnostic testing is done at the time of first enrollment prior to registration.

Major in Mathematical Sciences

The Department offers the degree of Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences as well as a minor. The courses for the major cover the main areas of algebra, analysis, probability, statistics, numerical analysis, and discrete mathematics. Corequisites in physics and computer science are also required.

A major in the Mathematical Sciences is intended for students who wish to build a strong foundation for careers in mathematics. These include teaching, computer-related areas, engineering, and actuarial sciences, among others. The B.S. in Mathematical Sciences also prepares students who wish to pursue further study in the mathematical sciences at the graduate level for math-related jobs that exist in college teaching, research, industry, insurance companies, and government agencies such as the U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, etc.

Mathematics courses towards a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences are divided into two categories: core courses and electives. A grade of C or better is required in all courses towards the major, including the corequisites. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor, who will offer assistance in designing an appropriate curriculum and in the selection of courses each semester.

Students interested in the fields of Bioinformatics or Biomathematics are encouraged to take appropriate courses in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Genetics, Physical Sciences and Mathematics with the approval of a Departmental advisor.

Learning Objectives

Mathematics can be looked upon as an abstract science, as a practical tool, as an expression of culture. It has roots in human history and has always been an important element of any civilization. Mathematics can be considered a creative expression of races and peoples, endowed with beauty and proportion. The history of mathematics helps to provide a good insight into human culture. In the modern world, mathematics and its applications have become an all-pervading feature that cuts across continents and cultures.

Courses in mathematics help students develop their potential in the areas of problem-solving, abstract thinking, and applications, addressing the needs of future professionals. Mathematics is needed to understand the inventions of modern technology, including computers and the communications media. Mathematics helps students understand the intricacies of the financial world, the analysis of economic systems, prediction of weather patterns, biological growth, control of epidemics, the analysis of psychological and social phenomena, and the dynamics of economic systems.

The program goals are derived from recommendations from major mathematical associations such as the Mathematical Association of America and the American Mathematical Society, including the MAAs Committee on the Undergraduate Program in Mathematics (CUPM). The goals are consistent with the University mission and core commitments:

  1. Acquisition of skills in numerical and symbolic manipulation, with application to everyday life and to the -professions.
  2. Application of logical thinking and quantitative reasoning to problem-solving in various settings.
  3. An increased understanding of biological, geographical, economic, psychological, and social quantitative -measurements.
  4. An appreciation of mathematics as a beautiful and creative human endeavor.

These program goals are accomplished and assessed using the academic assessment plan developed by the faculty focusing on the following student centered learning objectives;

  1. Demonstrate mastery of mathematical skills.
  2. Model and analyze real world problems via mathematics.
  3. Recognize the interdependency of different areas of mathematics and the connection between mathematics and other disciplines.
  4. Show capability to read and understand advanced mathematical theory.
  5. Perform oral and written communication of a mathematical concept.

For the mathematical sciences major, the courses provide academic and professional training which includes the development of analytical skills, as well as competency in various branches of sciences, with an understanding of their interrelations and application, the various branches of mathematics, and their interconnections and applications.

All students in Mathematical Sciences are strongly urged to develop proficiency in the use of computers and in computer programming languages. A capstone course and a community service component are required before the end of the program.

Majors are encouraged to take courses in other areas such as accounting, biology, business, chemistry, communication, computer science, economics, education, management, and physics, among other fields, in order to enhance their professional background and be knowledgeable about applications of mathematics in other areas.

Departmental Requirements

  1. Capstone course: Some courses help the students integrate mathematics within the historical, philosophical, social, and creative dimensions of general culture. MAT 487 (Undergraduate Seminar) is designated as a departmental capstone course.
  2. Service-Learning: The general goal of service-learning is to enrich the learning experience, foster civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. The purpose of service-learning is to get young students excited about math, to broaden their vision of the usage and importance of mathematics, and to help them overcome difficulties they encounter in class. A service-learning experience requires students to demonstrate mathematics concepts to students in an elementary and/or secondary school, to explain applications of mathematics learned in class (possibly using technology), and to reflect on their own experience. MAT 213 (a core mathematics course) contains this service learning component. Students submit three reflective journals (1.5 pages long).The reflective journal addresses new skills developed as a result of service; positive and negative experiences and what they tell you about yourself and the service site.

    Learning Outcomes Regarding Service Learning

    Develop communication, collaboration, and leadership skills while gaining an understanding of diverse cultures and communities.

    Through service learning students gain hands on knowledge of academic subjects, their communities, and themselves.

  3. Exit Exam: During the junior or senior year students must satisfactorily complete an integrative experience as a prerequisite for graduation. The integrative experience may be the ETS/Major Field Area Test (MFAT), taken in the senior year. Students specializing in Actuarial Science may use the first and second parts of the Actuarial Exam as their integrative experience.

    The goals of the integrative experience are:

    to demonstrate adequate skills in problem-solving and communication,

    to show a good level of achievement in the use of graphing calculators and mathematical computer software,

    to be able to apply logical reasoning to the proof of mathematical results, and

    to demonstrate a comprehensive view of the mathematical sciences, relating various branches of mathematics among themselves and with applications.

  4. Gordon Rule: Any MAT course numbered 107 or above fulfills the State of Florida Gordon Rule.

    Math Major Requirements

    Credits

    Core requirements

    24

    Applied Math Electives or Data Analytics Specialization

    15

    Corequisites

    16

    General Electives

    23

    General Education

    42

    Total

    120

Bachelor of Science (120 credits)

Core Courses (24 credits)

MAT-211CALCULUS I

4
MAT-212CALCULUS II

4
MAT-213CALCULUS III

4
MAT-253DISCRETE MATHEMATICS I

3
MAT-314DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

3
MAT-332LINEAR ALGEBRA

3
MAT-487UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS SEMINAR

3

Choose one of two options

Data Analytics Specialization (15 credits)

 
MAT-204INTRODUCTION TO DATA SCIENCE

3
MAT-333DATA ANALYTICS

3
MAT-356STATISTICS FOR SCIENCE

3
CS-318BIOMETRICS

3
-
Elective

3
Elective must be a MAT/CS 300 level or above course approved by department.

Or

Applied Mathematics Electives (15 credits)

MAT-204INTRODUCTION TO DATA SCIENCE

3
MAT-333DATA ANALYTICS

3
MAT-354DISCRETE MATHEMATICS II

3
MAT-356STATISTICS FOR SCIENCE

3
MAT-395RESEARCH

1 to 3
MAT-451PROBABILITY THEORY

3
MAT-495RESEARCH

1 to 3
CS-306DATABASE ANALYSIS & LOGICAL DESIGN

4
CS-331DATA STRUCTURES AND ALGORITHMS

3
CS-478APPLIED CRYPTOGRAPHY

3

Choose 15 credits from above suggested electives (maximum 6 credits of computer science courses)

MAT-395 and MAT-495 combined may count for a maximum of 3 credits towards the major.

Physics Corequisites (8 credits)

PHY-201GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I

3
-
And
PHY-201LGENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY I

1
-
And
PHY-202GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II

3
-
And
PHY-202LGENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY

1
-
Or
PHY-211UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I

3
-
And
PHY-211LUNIVERSITY PHYSICS LABORATORY I

1
-
And
PHY-212UNIVERSITY PHYSICS

3
-
And
PHY-212LUNIVERSITY PHYSICS LABORATORY II

1

Computer Science Corequisites (8 credits)

CS-211COMPUTER PROGRAMMING I

4
-
And
CS-212COMPUTER PROGRAMMING II

4
-
Or
CS-231COMPUTER SCIENCE I

4
-
And
CS-232COMPUTER SCIENCE II

4

General Electives (23 credits)

General electives may be used to pursue a specialization in Cybersecurity or Digital Media

Distribution/General Education Requirements