Mathematics Major

NSM PEAK

For centuries, mathematics has given its students a lifetime of intellectual excitement, deep creative satisfaction, mental acuity and agility, and appreciation of an austere and elegant beauty. More than anything else, the study of mathematics enhances the student's power of thinking. Mathematics majors at The College of Idaho learn to think, both deeply and creatively, about a wide range of important and interesting topics and areas of mathematical inquiry.

Mathematics majors at The College of Idaho learn the fundamental principles of mathematical thought as they progress through the Mathematics Core. They also begin to gain an understanding of the relevance and utility of mathematics to, and interconnectedness with, other disciplines of the liberal arts and the world as a whole. This program of study is completed with choices from a broad selection of proof-based courses. The curriculum reflects the intellectual sweep of undergraduate mathematics and the applied, interdisciplinary sensibilities of the Department of Mathematics and Physical Sciences and the PEAK curriculum.

Since much mathematical activity resembles a kind of logical problem-solving, and since this activity is such excellent mental training, mathematics is an excellent major field of study for many exciting and interesting careers. Recent graduates have found careers in medicine, finance, software development, education, various engineering fields, and have gone on to graduate study in mathematics, physics, astronomy, computer science, and engineering, among others.

Mathematics majors may not minor in Mathematics or major in Mathematics-Computer Science or Mathematics-Physics.

Major Requirements

39 credits

(Total does not include prerequisite courses.)

Complete the Mathematics Core (18 credits).

CSC-150Comp Sci I: Intro to Comp Sci and Prog

3 credits

MAT-175Single Variable Calculus

4 credits

MAT-252Discrete Mathematics

3 credits

MAT-275Multivariable Calculus

4 credits

PHY-271Analytical Physics I

3 credits

PHY-271LAnalytical Physics I Lab

1 credit

Depending on their placement, students may need to complete MAT-150 Applied Calculus before enrolling in MAT-175 .

Complete two semesters (1 credit) of Colloquium.

IND-198Natural Sciences and Mathematics Colloquium

0.5 credits

IND-198Natural Sciences and Mathematics Colloquium

0.5 credits

Each semester of IND-198 provides 0.5 credit. One credit is required to complete the major.

Complete any two of the following advanced courses in modern axiomatic mathematics (6 credits).

MAT-431Complex Analysis

3 credits

MAT-451Real Analysis

3 credits

MAT-461Abstract Algebra

3 credits

Complete upper-division elective coursework in Mathematics (12 credits).

MAT-
Elective MAT coursework, 300- or 400-level (excluding MAT-490 and MAT-498)

12 credits

A maximum of 3 credits of MAT-494 and INT-497 in any combination may be counted toward the upper-division elective requirement. MAT-490 and MAT-498 do not satisfy the upper-division elective requirement.

Complete the Mathematics Capstone Sequence (2 credits).

Through a capstone experience and participation in department seminar, mathematics majors gain important professional skills and experience and an exposure to a mathematics research environment, culminating in an independently conducted capstone project.

MAT-490Math-Physics-CS Capstone

1 credit

MAT-498Mathematics Seminar

1 credit

Students interested in graduate study in mathematics are strongly encouraged to take the following courses:

MAT-451Real Analysis

3 credits

MAT-461Abstract Algebra

3 credits

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this major, students will be able to:

1)  Demonstrate foundational knowledge of mathematics and mathematical thinking, including logical reasoning, abstraction, generalization, and proof;

2)  Speculate and investigate: create and verify conjectures in mathematics independently;

3)  Use mathematical ideas to solve problems in applied contexts, using computers when appropriate;

4)  Communicate mathematical information effectively in a variety of professional contexts;

5)  Recognize contemporary social and ethical issues related to mathematics; and

6)  Recognize, illustrate, and explain mathematical sensibility, in both the aesthetic and practical senses.