Mathematics and Physical Sciences Department
The Mathematical & Physical Sciences Department provides an engaging and pragmatic curriculum that fosters student understanding of the nature, simplicity and structure of mathematics and physical sciences and encourages exploration in the areas of computational methods and mathematical applications. The Mathematical & Physical Sciences Department promotes a supportive learning community and offers an exciting opportunity for students and faculty to learn and grow personally and intellectually. In the liberal arts tradition, our faculty help and encourage students to develop critical skills necessary for understanding a changing, diverse and technological world. The department is strongly committed to giving its majors a solid and broad-based mathematical and physical science foundation that is tailored to students who seek professional careers after graduation as well as those who choose further studies in graduate school.
By successfully completing a major or minor in the mathematical and/or physical sciences, a student will be able to:
- Discover and utilize effective analysis and problem solving skills in mathematics and mathematical applications.
- Effectively express discipline-specific content and articulate broad connections among disciplines verbally, mathematically and through written works.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the role of mathematics, mathematical applications and technology in the larger community including, but not limited to; a knowledge of ethical standards, the ramifications of technological advances and activities and the role of all mathematics in society.
Entry into the mathematical & physical sciences curriculum is determined by previous coursework. Typically, students with a strong interest and a good background in mathematics begin with Calculus. Some students with very strong high school backgrounds may begin in second-year level courses, while others might begin with Pre-calculus or College Algebra.
Note: Generally, an understanding of first-year calculus is assumed for mathematics courses numbered 231 or higher.