Mathematical Sciences
Mathematics belongs both to the liberal arts and to the sciences. Not only is it the language of science (including social science), but it is also studied for its own beauty. It is therefore one of the most vital and lively subjects in the university curriculum. In the technology-oriented climate of today, the department’s graduates have excellent employment opportunities.
The Mathematical Sciences Department has programs leading to BA, BS, MA and PhD degrees. (MAT and MSEd degrees are offered through the School of Education and Human Development.) The department offers two tracks within its BA program: mathematics and actuarial sciences. The challenging BS degree program is excellent preparation for graduate work at any university. Students considering a BS degree should seek advice as early as possible and plan their schedules carefully to meet the demanding requirements.
The department serves other disciplines by providing instruction in various mathematical skills. Traditional mathematical preparation for the hard sciences (biology, chemistry, economics, physics and engineering) is provided by MATH 221, 222, 304, 323, 327, 371, 375, 471, 478, 479 and other courses.
Statistics has long been a fundamental tool in a variety of fields. MATH 147 does not demand the knowledge of calculus that is required by the more rigorous (but still basic) probability and statistics two-course sequence MATH 447-448, by MATH 346 and by MATH 450.
Grade Requirements and Prerequisites
• A grade of C– or better is necessary for a math course to count toward the major.
• A Pass grade (P) does not count toward the major (unless the only grade available is Pass/Fail; in this case, consent of the department is required).
• A grade-point average of 2.0 or higher in major courses is required for satisfactory completion of the major.
• A student who has received credit for a course may not take one of its prerequisites for credit at a later time.
BA Degree Program
The BA program is highly flexible and allows each student to fashion a course of study to meet his or her individual needs and interests. There are two tracks in the BA degree program: one in mathematics and one in actuarial sciences.
Mathematics Track
To obtain a BA degree in the mathematics track, a student must complete a minimum of 10 courses as follows:
• Calculus-linear algebra: MATH 221, 222, 323 and 304;
• Number systems: MATH 330; students are strongly advised to take this course as soon as they have completed MATH 222;
• a pairing of two courses to be selected according to the student’s interests from the following: MATH 401-402, 401-404, 401-407, 478-479, 375-478, 478-461, 461-462, 371-471, 357-358, 447-448, 447-450, 381-386; CS 333-350, 333-432, 471-472, 333-465, 333-373, 333-462;
• three additional MATH courses numbered above 330. CS 333 may be substituted for one of these three additional courses if the sequence in the two-course pairing above is not a CS sequence.
No more than three transfer and independent study courses may be used to satisfy the last three requirements listed.
At least three of the required mathematics courses listed above, and numbered above MATH 330, must be regular courses (not independent study) taken from the Department of Mathematical Sciences.
The 10-course requirement should be considered a strict minimum. Students are encouraged to take some additional mathematics courses numbered above MATH 330.
The flexibility of the mathematics track of the BA program makes it especially important for the student to get early and regular advice from the faculty adviser. See further comments under the headings “Departmental Advising” and “Mathematics and Computer Science.”
Actuarial Sciences Track
The BA degree in actuarial sciences is designed to prepare students for an actuarial career. Actuaries analyze and solve complex business and social problems related to insurance and pension plans. Professional advancement results from passing a series of examinations administered by the actuarial societies and by completion of specific courses or sets of courses approved by the actuarial societies. The BA degree program in actuarial sciences provides a strong preparation for an actuarial career. To obtain a BA degree in actuarial sciences, a student must complete 10 courses from the Department of Mathematical Sciences and four from economics as follows:
• Calculus-linear algebra: MATH 221, 222, 323 and 304;
• Probability, statistics and actuarial courses: MATH 346, 447, 448, 449 and 450;
• Differential Equations: MATH 371;
• ECON 160, 162, 360 and 362.
At least three of the required mathematics courses listed above, and numbered above MATH 330, must be regular courses (not independent study) taken from the Department of Mathematical Sciences.
MATH 449 is a preparation for the first actuarial examination. Students interested in an actuarial degree should have knowledge of computer programming equivalent to CS 140, and also take courses in economics and finance. Binghamton University is a site for administering the first two actuarial exams.
BS Degree Program
This degree affords excellent preparation for graduate study in mathematics . A student must complete the following courses:
• Calculus-Linear Algebra: MATH 221, 222, 323 and 304;
• Number Systems: MATH 330; students are strongly advised to take this course as soon as they have completed MATH 222;
• Algebra, Topology and Analysis: MATH 375, 401, 402 or 404, 461, 478 and 479.
• Five additional courses, chosen from the following: any math course numbered above 330, including graduate courses; CS 333, 350, 373, 432, 462, 465, 471, 472; courses from other departments with prior approval by the director of undergraduate studies. At most, three of these five courses may be taken outside the math department.
Transfer, computer science and independent study may not be used for more than five courses numbered above MATH 330.
Exceptions to the requirements for the BS degree may, in rare cases, be allowed. They must be approved by the department.
Honors in Mathematics
The Undergraduate Committee determines the recipients of departmental honors. Usually these will be students in the BS program. There is no formal nomination process. Final awarding of honors requires satisfactory completion of the student’s final semester courses as determined by the Undergraduate Committee.
A variation of the honors program involving a thesis or honors project is possible.
Guidelines for the honors program are available in the Mathematics Department office.
Departmental Advising
Students considering a major in mathematical sciences should seek advice from the faculty as early as possible. Every declared major should have an assigned faculty adviser, and should meet regularly with the adviser to discuss course selection and career goals.
Mathematicians and statisticians are in demand, not only in mathematics teaching and research, and in the traditional fields of physics, chemistry, computer science and engineering, but also, and increasingly, in business, economics, environmental sciences, geology, biology and the health sciences, among others. Students interested in applications of mathematics should consider a minor in another discipline or even a double major, and consult the faculty in the relevant departments.
A basic knowledge of computer programming is useful for most mathematics majors.
Mathematics and Computer Science
The Computer Science Department in Watson School offers a minor program that may be combined with a BA in mathematics to provide a strong background leading to careers in computer science. The BA in mathematics is designed to facilitate this combination by allowing two computer science courses to be included in the degree program. Students interested in mathematics and computer science should also consult with the Computer Science Department.
Mathematics Minor
A minor in mathematical sciences requires the student to complete, with a grade higher than D, at least six departmental courses numbered above MATH 300, of which at least three are numbered above MATH 330. Transfer and independent study credit may not be used for more than one of the latter three courses. At most, two CS courses chosen from CS 333, 350, 373, 432, 462, 465, 471 or 472 may be counted toward the math minor. The use of CS courses is subject to the transfer and independent study restriction. At least two courses numbered above MATH 330 must be taken from the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Students interested in pursuing a mathematics minor should consult with the undergraduate director. Note that Harpur College mandates that at least four of the courses for the minor must be in addition to those counted toward fulfillment of the student’s major.