Mar 28, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2017-2018 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mathematics, B.A.


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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 Center for Undergraduate Teaching Preparation  section in this Bulletin.

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


  1. 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.
  2. Communication. Students will be able to communicate mathematics both orally and in writing. They will do so according to accepted standards in mathematics.
  3. Tools. Students will employ a variety of tools such as the library, Internet, computers, and calculators to solve problems and do undergraduate research.
  4. Independent Learners. Students will be able to independently investigate a mathematical topic.
  5. 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.

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


Note:


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).

Upper Division Requirements (11 courses):


Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics Curriculum


(124/126 S.H.)

Freshman Year


Fall Semester


Total: 15-18 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 15-18 semester hours

Sophomore Year


Fall Semester


Total: 13-15 semester hours

Note:

Dean’s list requires a minimum of 14 semester hours.

Note:

Upon successful completion of MATH 248 , the student must make an appointment with her/his advisor to discuss which of the three major programs the student wishes to pursue. The student should then contact the Chairperson of the Mathematics Department to have an upper division advisor appropriate to that major assigned.

Spring Semester


Total: 15-16 semester hours

Junior Year


Fall Semester


Total: 15-18 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 15-17 semester hours

Senior Year


Fall Semester


Total: 15-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


  • Elective 3-4 semester hours
  • Elective 3-4 semester hours ***
  • Elective 3-4 semester hours ***
  • Elective 3-4 semester hours ***
Total: 12-16 semester hours

Total: 124/126 semester hours


** This course is required for the student who wishes to get a secondary teaching credential.

*** For the student who is working on the teaching credential, these semester hours can be used for secondary directed teaching (EDCE 412 ).

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