Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2011-2012 > Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering > Mathematics > Mathematics Undergraduate Program

Mathematics Undergraduate Program

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Mathematics

Objectives

Mathematics, as an intellectual activity, is both an art and a powerful tool for problem solving and for understanding the physical universe. A mathematics major explores the different facets of the discipline through a broad spectrum of courses in applied, computational, and pure mathematics. In addition to exploring mathematics, a student majoring in mathematics takes classes from other fields (e.g., science and education) that help her/him prepare for her/his chosen career. The Department’s programs allow a student to focus on different aspects of the discipline and lead to one of three undergraduate degrees:

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Mathematics
Bachelor of Science with a major in Mathematics
Bachelor of Science with a major in Applied Mathematics

The Department offers minors in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Secondary Education Mathematics. These minors are designed for students majoring in another field (e.g., engineering, physics, business, economics, computer science, or liberal studies) who wish to develop an undergraduate background in mathematics that goes beyond the requirements of their degree program.

In addition to its major and minor degree programs, the Mathematics Department serves every department in LMU’s four Colleges, the School of Film and Television, and the School of Education through the core curriculum and by providing students in other majors courses designed to serve the mathematical needs of their fields of study.

Learning Outcomes

Content Proficiency. In each of the following subject areas of mathematics:
1. calculus and analysis,
2. abstract and linear algebra,
3. probability, combinatorics and statistics,
4. elementary numerical methods;
  students will be able to:
1. State and use basic definitions and theorems.
2. Solve basic problems.
3. Decide on useful approaches to more complicated problems.
4. Explain the central concepts of the subject.
Communication. Students will be able to communicate mathematics both orally and in writing. They will do so according to accepted standards in mathematics.
Tools. Students will employ a variety of tools such as the library, Internet, computers, and calculators to solve problems and do undergraduate research.
Independent Learners. Students will be able to independently investigate a mathematical topic.
Career and Professional Preparation. LMU mathematics graduates will be prepared to engage in mathematics-related professions or in a graduate school academic environment. This preparation will include significant pre-professional experiences.

Mathematics Placement Examination

The purpose of this examination is to determine the level of preparation of the student and to place her/him in the appropriate mathematics course. Any student with three years of high school mathematics including two years of algebra and one year of geometry should be adequately prepared to take this examination. However, students may wish to review these areas.

All first-year students with majors in the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering or the College of Business Administration, or who are Economics majors or Liberal Studies majors, must take the mathematics placement examination. Psychology majors are required to take MATH 104. All other majors are required to take MATH 102 or higher (see the section on Proficiency in Mathematics).

All students transferring into the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering or the College of Business Administration, or who are Economics majors or Liberal Studies majors, must take the mathematics placement examination unless they have transferred a college algebra or higher level college mathematics class approved by the Mathematics Department before entering LMU.

Any student, no matter her/his major, who plans to take MATH 106, 111, 112, 120, 122, or 131 and who has not transferred a college algebra or higher level college mathematics class is required first to take the mathematics placement examination. The mathematics placement examination may only be taken one time.

General Major Requirements

Students must complete the corresponding Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science University Core requirements as defined by the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering; students will choose the proper sequence of University Core courses in consultation with their advisor.

Mathematics majors and minors are not permitted to enroll in a mathematics course without a minimum grade of C (2.0) in that course’s prerequisite. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in each course in the lower division major requirements. A minimum cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required in the upper division major requirements for graduation.

Lower Division Major Requirements

MATH 131, 132, 190, 191, 234, 245, 248, 250, 282; one science course chosen from BIOL 101, 102; CHEM 110, 112, 114; CMSI 185, 281; PHYS 101, 201. The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and the Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics degrees require an additional science course chosen from the courses listed above; a second CMSI or PHYS course may also be counted towards the Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics (please see upper division requirements below).

Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Mathematics

This major is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching mathematics at the secondary (i.e., high school) level. With the help of her/his advisor, the student may design a schedule carefully so that s/he can complete the 2042 California Preliminary Single Subject (Secondary) Teaching Credential during her/his four years at LMU. For more details on the additional requirements for a Teaching Credential, and a sample four-year curriculum which includes both the requirement for the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and the Teaching Credential, see the Secondary Teacher Preparation Program section in this Bulletin. Furthermore, a program may be designed that allows a student to complete the mathematics degree, credential, and a Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics at LMU in five years including two summer sessions.

Upper Division Requirements (11 courses):

MATH 321, 331, 357, 360, 490, 493 or 497, 550, and one additional 3 semester hour upper division MATH elective (excluding MATH 301, 302) chosen in consultation with her/his advisor; EDES 488; and two 3 semester hour EDxx courses chosen from the list of requirements for the preliminary single subject secondary credential or one such EDxx course and one course from BIOL 101, 102, 201, 202; CHEM 114, 220; CMSI 185, 281, 282; or PHYS 101, 201.

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Mathematics

This degree program is designed for students who want a broad foundation in mathematics. By choosing appropriate mathematics electives in consultation with her/his faculty advisor, the student can emphasize in pure mathematics, applied and computational mathematics, or a combination of both. The degree can be tailored to meet the needs of students who expect to pursue a graduate degree in pure mathematics, expect to pursue a graduate degree in applied mathematics, or intend to work in a mathematics-related field in industry.

Upper Division Requirements (10 courses):

MATH 321, 331, 357, 360, one of MATH 491, 493, 495, or 497, and five additional 3 semester hour upper division MATH electives (excluding MATH 301 and 302) chosen in consultation with her/his advisor.

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Applied Mathematics

This degree program is designed for students who want an interdisciplinary program that combines the study of applied and computational mathematics with a scientific area of specialization. This program can be tailored to meet the needs of students who expect to pursue a graduate degree in applied mathematics or science, expect to double-major or minor in a scientific field, or intend to work in a mathematics-related interdisciplinary field in industry.

Upper Division Requirements (10 courses):

MATH 321, 357, 331, 360, 495 or 497, and three additional 3 semester hour upper division MATH electives (excluding MATH 301 and 302) chosen in consultation with his/her faculty advisor, and two upper division courses in a scientific area of specialization chosen in consultation with her/his faculty advisor and approved by the chair of the mathematics department. Note: Some areas of specialization require additional sophomore-level classes before upper-division coursework can begin; the faculty advisor will discuss these details with the student.

Biomathematics

Under the direction of an advisor, the student selects courses from the fields of biology, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics and obtains a Bachelor of Science degree through the Individualized Studies Program.

Any deviation from the above programs requires formal approval of the student’s advisor and the Department Chairperson.

Secondary Teacher Preparation Program in Mathematics

For information on this program, see the Secondary Teacher Preparation Program section in this Bulletin.

Minor in Applied Mathematics Requirements

At least 24 semester hours including MATH 131, 132, 234, 245; MATH 355, 360 or 366; MATH 321 (MATH 248 is a prerequisite for MATH 321, so the MATH 321 option requires 27 semester hours), 357, 560, or 562; and MATH 250 or one additional 3 semester-hour upper division MATH course chosen in consultation with the applied mathematics minor advisor. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) or better is required in the courses included in the minor.

Minor in Pure Mathematics Requirements

At least 24 semester hours including MATH 131, 132, 234, 248; MATH 331, 350, or 366; MATH 321, 357, 471, or 550; and MATH 250 or one additional 3 semester-hour upper division MATH course chosen in consultation with the pure mathematics minor advisor. A minimum cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required in the courses included in the minor.

Minor in Secondary Education Mathematics Requirements

At least 24 semester hours including MATH 131, 132, 234, 248, 360, 490, and 550. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) or better is required in the courses included in the minor.