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

Students may complete either MA 181 or the MA 171 and MA 172 sequence, which is the equivalent of MA 181, during the freshman 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 or BIO 151 General Biology I (NS core course) § *

Introductory Literature (LT-1) core course*

Introductory History (HI-1) core course*

Year Two — Spring

MA 215 Linear Algebra and Proof Technques§

MA 221 Multivariable Calculus§

PHYS 272 General Physics II or BIO 262 Genetics (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: A minimum grade of C is needed in all professional studies courses required for licensure.

Degree Requirements — Mathematics with Secondary-Level Teaching Licensure

Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements

See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core for details. Writing-Intensive course requirements for this program are satisfied in this way: MA 420 Abstract Algebra, MA 425 Introduction to Real Analysis, and one additional Writing-Intensive (WI) designated course.

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. Some coursework fulfills teaching licensure requirements as specified by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

ED 250 Introduction to Teaching and Learning

ED 327S Curriculum Design: Secondary Education

ED 337 Literacy in the Content Areas

ED 452 Managing the 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 272 General Physics II

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.

† Students may complete either MA 181 or the MA 171 and MA 172 sequence, which is the equivalent of MA 181, during the freshman 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 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

MA 210 Seminar with Introduction to Proofs through Discrete Math §

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

Introductory Literature (LT-1) core course *

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

Year Two — Spring

ED 250 Introduction to Teaching and Learning §

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) § *

Year Three — Fall

ED 327S 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 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

MA 210 Seminar with Introduction to Proofs through Discrete Math

MA 218 Probability and Statistics

MA 230 Scientific Computing

Nine (9) additional credits from MA courses numbered 200 or above

Quantitative Science (Minor)

See quantitative science minor under Interdisciplinary Studies in the School of Arts and Sciences.

Catalog Contents

General Information

Admission

Financial Information

Academic Support Services

Academic Information and Policies

University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core

Academic Opportunities

Undergraduate Programs

Course Descriptions

Accounting Courses

Applied Arts Courses

Astronomy Courses

Biology Courses

Business Law Courses

Center for Career Services

Chemistry Courses

Communication and Media Design Courses

Criminal Justice Courses

Economics Courses

Education Courses

English Courses

EN 090 Introduction to College Reading

EN 100 Introduction to College Writing

EN 101 Composition I

EN 102 Composition II

EN 150 Introduction to American Sign Language

EN 200 Elements of Literary Study

EN 201 World Literature: The Ancient World

EN 202 World Literature: The Middle Ages

EN 203 World Literature: Renaissance through Enlightenment

EN 204 World Literature: Romanticism through Post-Modernism

EN 205 American Literature I

EN 206 American Literature II

EN 207 Theater History

EN 211 Principles of Language

EN 212 Topics in Acting

EN 220 The Movie or the Book? Narrative Adaptation in the Cinema

EN 225 Literary Superheroes

EN 227 Short Fiction

EN 230 American Multicultural Literature

EN 240 Introduction to Visual and Cultural Studies

EN 250 Introduction to Shakespeare and Elizabethan Literature in London

EN 270 Approaches to Creative Writing

EN 280 Perspectives on Language Acquisition

EN 290 Literary Theory and Practice

EN 301 The Writing Process: Theory and Practice

EN 303 Literary Nonfiction

EN 305 Topics in Creative Writing

EN 308 Style and Revision

EN 321 Modern Drama

EN 322 19th-Century British Poets

EN 323 Modern Poetry

EN 330 Chaucer and the Courtly Love Tradition

EN 340 Major Women Writers

EN 350 The American Dream

EN 351 Literature of Childhood and Adolescence

EN 355 Shakespeare

EN 357 Topics in Literature Before 1800

EN 385 Approaches to Teaching Secondary English

EN 400 Internship

EN 421 Project

EN 424 Senior Seminar

EN 426 Studies in the Novel

EN 428 Studies in Contemporary Literature

EN 429 Topics in Performance

EN 433 Research

EN 490 Major Author(s)

Finance Courses

Fine Arts Courses

First-Year Seminar Courses

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Geography Courses

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Spanish Courses

Theology and Religious Studies Courses

University Leadership

Notices to Students

Index