Student Learning Outcomes

The Department of Mathematics has adopted the following Student Learning Outcomes for our programs. These outcomes are divided into two subsets, the first of which is applicable to all our classes and programs while the second applies only to our majors.

We expect all students who complete math classes to demonstrate the ability to:

a) understand and utilize course contents at an appropriate level;

b) use problem solving skills by developing a strategic overview of a mathematical situation and using this overview to analyze that situation;

c) recognize that a problem can have different useful representations (graphical, numerical, or symbolic) and select the most appropriate methods and formats;

d) model real world problems mathematically and interpret the results appropriately;

e) use appropriate software and technological tools and judge when such use is helpful;

f) communicate mathematical results and arguments clearly, both orally and in writing;

g) appreciate the central role of mathematics in the sciences and the wider world.

We expect our majors to have:

a) mastered the essentials of core lower division mathematics courses: single and multivariable calculus and linear algebra;

b) completed and understood material in courses that address theoretical and applied mathematical concepts in depth in at least two of the following areas: abstract algebra, differential equations, mathematical analysis, optimization, numerical analysis and statistics;

c) taken at least two upper division courses which combine the concepts and techniques of several areas of mathematics;

d) understood the importance of abstraction and rigor in mathematics, and be able to construct complete proofs and critically examine the correctness of mathematical work and logical arguments;

e) become aware of the historical context of areas of mathematics studied and be familiar with major contributions of some prominent mathematicians of the past and present.