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Mathematics

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Mathematics with Secondary-Level Teaching Licensure (B.S. in Mathematics)

Mathematics (B.S.)

The study of mathematics introduces students to mathematical abstraction as well as how mathematics can be used to solve practical problems. Many courses in this discipline provide the basic foundations necessary to support study in all majors. Whenever possible, mathematics courses introduce concepts using applications, analytical solutions (equation solving), numerical approximations, and graphical interpretations.

The mathematics major requirements fall into four categories:

foundation courses, offered each semester, are prerequisites for subsequent courses
introduction-to-proof courses, offered on an alternating-year basis, give students a more clear idea of pure mathematics
applied or computational mathematics, offered on a rotating basis, encourage students to use mathematics to solve, or elucidate, real-world problems
high-level proof courses, offered on a rotating basis, push students to understand mathematics in a deeper, more abstract way

A special feature of Marymount's mathematics program is the fall seminar series. Faculty members and students meet for one hour each week to hear presentations by professional mathematicians about their career paths. Students also give short presentations on mathematical topics of interest.

Beyond regular coursework, several faculty members have collaborated with students on joint research projects, most notably in mathematics education and in computational biology. Faculty and students regularly present their research findings at national conferences.

Upon successful completion of the mathematics program, students will be able to

gather, evaluate, and use relevant mathematical definitions and results to create logical, grammatically correct proofs;
connect mathematical ideas to real-world applications, including the creation and interpretation of mathematical models;
communicate mathematical ideas through oral and written presentations;
use a variety of technologies to solve mathematical problems;
articulate career, internship, and summer program opportunities for mathematicians; and
pose, research, and address new mathematical questions.

Marymount’s mathematics program prepares students for immediate careers in the field, as well as for graduate study. Computation and modeling are intentionally infused into the major so students are ready for jobs that require strong technical abilities. Marymount mathematics majors can also earn licensure to teach middle school or high school mathematics.

After meeting the Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements, mathematics majors have 20-23 elective credit hours. Students are encouraged to apply those credits toward other options such as teaching licensure in secondary mathematics or a minor or second major in biology, economics, or information technology. Mathematics majors are also eligible to consider participation in the five-year B.S./M.S. in information technology program. (See B.S./M.S. program for further information.)

Degree Planning: Note that course rotations vary and not every course is available each semester. Course rotations are specified in the Course Descriptions of this catalog. Individual advising is important to ensure fulfilling major requirements and the scheduling of additional coursework chosen to meet career objectives.

Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C in any course that serves as a prerequisite for a higher-numbered course.

Degree Requirements — Mathematics

Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements

See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core for details. Mathematics majors will satisfy the three-course university Writing-Intensive (WI) requirement in the following way: MA 420 Abstract Algebra and MA 425 Introduction to Real Analysis, and one additional WI course from the Liberal Arts Core or as a university elective.

Major Requirements

To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with a faculty advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core and/or University Requirements.

IT 130 Java Programming

MA 181 Calculus † or MA 171 Calculus with Precalculus A and MA 172 Calculus with Precalculus B

MA 200 Calculus of the Infinite †

MA 210 Seminar with Introduction to Proofs through Discrete Math‡

MA 215 Linear Algebra and Proof Techniques

MA 218 Probability and Statistics

MA 221 Multivariable Calculus

MA 230 Scientific Computing

MA 257 Introduction to Number Theory and Proof Techniques

MA 309 Mathematics Seminar ‡

MA 325 Differential Equations

MA 400 Internship or MA 433 Research

MA 409 Mathematics Seminar ‡

MA 418 Stochastic Modeling

MA 420 Abstract Algebra

MA 425 Introduction to Real Analysis

PHYS 271 General Physics I with lab and PHYS 272 General Physics II with lab or BIO 151 General Biology I with lab and BIO 262 Genetics with lab

† Students may complete either MA 181 or the MA 171 and MA 172 sequence, which is the equivalent of MA 181, during the first year. Also, MA 181 and MA 200 can be waived with appropriate AP credit. Students should take noted courses in a sequence specified by an advisor and, upon successful completion, may not subsequently register for a lower-numbered course in the calculus sequence.

‡ Transfer students or new majors who join the program after the fall semester of their sophomore year will take mathematics seminar classes every fall semester, starting with MA 210. Such students may need to make up the credit hours to meet the 120-credit minimum requirement toward graduation.

Sample Degree Plan — Mathematics

Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.

Year One — Fall

DSC 101 DISCOVER First-Year Seminar*

EN 101 Composition I (WR core course)*

MA 181 Calculus (MT core course) § * †

Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course*

One (1) elective

Year One — Spring

EN 102 Composition II (WR core course)*

IT 130 Java Programming §

MA 200 Calculus of the Infinite

MA 218 Probability and Statistics §

TRS 100 Theological Inquiry (TRS-1 core course)*

Year Two — Fall

MA 210 Seminar with Introduction to Proofs through Discrete Math §

PHYS 271 General Physics I with lab or BIO 151 General Biology I with lab (NS core course) § *

Introductory Literature (LT-1) core course*

Introductory History (HI-1) core course*

Year Two — Spring

MA 215 Linear Algebra and Proof Techniques§

MA 221 Multivariable Calculus§

PHYS 272 General Physics II with lab or BIO 262 Genetics with lab (NS core course) § *

Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course*

One (1) elective

Year Three — Fall

MA 230 Scientific Computing§

MA 309 Mathematics Seminar §

MA 425 Introduction to Real Analysis§ *

Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2), or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course*

PH 200 Introduction to Philosophy (PH-1 core course)*

One (1) elective

Year Three — Spring

MA 257 Introduction to Number Theory and Proof Techniques§ *

MA 418 Stochastic Modeling§

Advanced Theology/Religious Studies (TRS-2) or Theological Ethics (TRS-E) core course*

Two (2) electives

Year Four — Fall

MA 325 Differential Equations § *

MA 400 Internship § *

MA 409 Mathematics Seminar §

MA 420 Abstract Algebras §

Advanced Social Science (SS-2) core course*

Year Four — Spring

Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2) or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course*

Advanced Philosophy (PH-2) or Philosophical Ethics (PH-E) core course*

Two (2) electives

§ Requirement for the major

* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements. See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core and Course Descriptions for further information.

† Not all students should begin with MA 181. Follow placement recommendations and advisor guidance in course selection.

Mathematics with Secondary-Level Teaching Licensure (B.S. in Mathematics)

This program of study allows students to complete a baccalaureate degree in mathematics and also be licensed to teach secondary mathematics at the end of four years. Students pursuing licensure in this manner complete all requirements necessary for Virginia licensure, including field experience and student teaching.

After meeting the Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements, mathematics majors seeking teaching licensure have 6-9 elective credit hours.

Admission Requirements: Students in this program must seek admission to the teacher licensure program and apply for student teaching. See the education section for admission requirements and procedures.

Degree Planning: Students in this program must take courses as specified to ensure fulfillment of state licensure requirements. In addition to working with a mathematics advisor, students should see an education advisor in the School of Education and Human Services for further assistance in degree planning.

Also, course rotations vary and not every course is available each semester. Course rotations are specified in the Course Descriptions of this catalog. Individual advising is important to ensure meeting all major and teaching licensure requirements.

Minimum Grade Requirements: Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average in their major. A grade of a C or better is required in professional studies courses. Professional studies courses are those associated with teacher preparation. An overall 2.5 GPA is required.

Degree Requirements — Mathematics with Secondary-Level Teaching Licensure

Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements

See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core for details. Students will satisfy the three-course university Writing-Intensive (WI) requirement in the following way: MA 420 Abstract Algebra, MA 425 Introduction to Real Analysis, and one additional WI course.

Major Requirements

ED 250 Introduction to Teaching and Learning

ED 250L Technology for the K-12 Classroom

ED 251 Assessment to Support Learning in the K-12 Classroom

ED 327 Curriculum Design: Secondary Education

ED 337 Literacy in the Content Areas

ED 452 Managing the K-12 Classroom #

ED 460S Student Teaching: Secondary Level #

MA 124 History of Mathematics

MA 181 Calculus † or MA 171 Calculus with Precalculus A and MA 172 Calculus with Precalculus B

MA 200 Calculus of the Infinite †

MA 210 Seminar with Introduction to Proofs through Discrete Math ‡

MA 215 Linear Algebra and Proof Techniques

MA 218 Probability and Statistics

MA 221 Multivariable Calculus

MA 230 Scientific Computing

MA 257 Introduction to Number Theory and Proof Techniques

MA 309 Mathematics Seminar ‡

MA 325 Differential Equations

MA 385 Approaches to Teaching Secondary Mathematics

MA 409 Mathematics Seminar ‡

MA 420 Abstract Algebra

MA 425 Introduction to Real Analysis

MA 427 Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometries

PHYS 271 General Physics I

PHYS 271L General Physics I Lab § *

PHYS 272 General Physics II

PHYS 272L General Physics II Lab

PSY 110 Human Growth and Development

PSY 341 Psychology of Individuals with Exceptionalities

# ED 452 and ED 460S must be taken at the same time.

‡ Transfer students or new majors who join the program after their sophomore year will take mathematics seminar classes every fall semester, starting with MA 210. Such students may need to make up the credit hours to meet the 120-credit minimum requirement toward graduation.

Sample Degree Plan — Mathematics with Secondary-Level Teaching Licensure

Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.

Year One — Fall

MA 181 Calculus (MT core course) § * †

EN 101 Composition I (WR core course)*

Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course*

TRS 100 Theological Inquiry (TRS-1 core course)*

DSC 101 DISCOVER First-Year Seminar*

Year One — Spring

MA 200 Calculus of the Infinite §

MA 218 Probability and Statistics §

EN 102 Composition II (WR core course)*

PSY 110 Human Growth and Development (SS-1 core course) § *

Year Two — Fall

ED 250 Introduction to Teaching and Learning §

MA 210 Seminar with Introduction to Proofs through Discrete Math §

PHYS 271 General Physics I (NS core course) § *

PHYS 271L General Physics I Lab § *

Introductory Literature (LT-1) core course *

Advanced Theology/Religious Studies (TRS-2) or Theological Ethics (TRS-E) core course*

Year Two — Spring

ED 250L Technology for the K-12 Classroom §

ED 251 Assessment to Support Learning in the K-12 Classroom §

MA 215 Linear Algebra and Proof Techniques§

MA 221 Multivariable Calculus§

PH 200 Introduction to Philosophy (PH-1 core course)*

PHYS 272 General Physics II (NS core course) § *

PHYS 272L General Physics II Lab §

Year Three — Fall

ED 327 Curriculum Design: Secondary Education §

MA 230 Scientific Computing§

MA 309 Mathematics Seminar §

MA 425 Introduction to Real Analysis § *

Introductory History (HI-1) core course*

Year Three — Spring

ED 337 Literacy in the Content Area §

MA 257 Introduction to Number Theory and Proof Techniques§

MA 427 Euclidean/Non-Euclidean Geometries§

PSY 341 Psychology of Individuals with Exceptionalities (SS-2 core course)§

Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2), or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course *

Year Four — Fall

MA 325 Differential Equations§

MA 385 Approaches to Teaching Secondary Mathematics§

MA 409 Mathematics Seminar §

MA 420 Abstract Algebra §

Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2) or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course*

Year Four — Spring

ED 452 Managing the K-12 Classroom §

ED 460S Student Teaching § *

MA 124 History of Mathematics §

Advanced Philosophy (PH-2) or Philosophical Ethics (PH-E) core course*

§ Requirement for the major and/or teaching licensure

* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements. See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core and Course Descriptions for further information.

† Not all students should begin with MA 181. Follow placement recommendations and advisor guidance in course selection.

Mathematics (Minor)

Minor Requirements

MA 181 Calculus (or MA 171-MA 172 sequence)

MA 218 Probability and Statistics

At least nine (9) additional credits from MA courses numbered 200 or above and including one seminar course (MA 210 Seminar with Introduction to Proofs through Discrete Math or MA 309 Mathematics Seminar).

Suggested tracks include:

Proofs-focused Track

MA 215 Linear Algebra and Proof Techniques or MA 257 Introduction to Number Theory and Proof Techniques

MA 420 Abstract Algebra or MA 425 Introduction to Real Analysis

Applications-focused Track

MA 230 Scientific Computing, MA 325 Differential Equations, and MA 418 Stochastic Modeling