Mathematics and Physical Sciences Department Minors

Computer Science Minor

PEAKS | Professional Studies & Enhancements |

Computers are a part of almost aspect of our society from the cars we drive to the way we purchase goods. The study of computing requires a creative imagination and develops multidimensional problem solving skills. Students should recognize and gracefully accept that an ability to acquire and use mathematical tools is an assumed part of their minors.

In order to pursue a Computer Science Minor a student must prepare by taking the following preparatory courses or their equivalents:

Minor Requirements (20 credits):

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Critical Thinking
  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Problem Solving

Dual-Degree Engineering Minor

PEAKS | Natural Sciences & Mathematics | Professional Studies & Enhancements |

Engineering gives students the opportunity to be simultaneously creative and practical. They can combine the principles learned in science and mathematics with the methods and techniques of engineering to develop theory, models and applications. The Dual-Degree Engineering Minor is meant to develop a foundation preparing the student for further study and a career in engineering.

Engineering schools require that many general science and mathematics courses be completed at The College of Idaho before a student transfers under the dual-degree engineering program. Therefore it is recommended that students complete a mathematics or mathematics-physics major if interested in the dual-degree engineering minor. (Note: Choosing a major other than mathematics or mathematics-physics will likely result in the student spending four years at the College of Idaho to complete their major. Upper-level coursework from the engineering institution will transfer back to The College of Idaho to fulfill the mathematics or mathematics-physics major requirements. Please see the dual-degree Engineering requirements for affiliated institutions.) Students can fulfill two PEAKS upon completion of this minor: Natural Sciences and Mathematics and Professional Studies.

Minor Requirements:

  • Completion of at least 9 upper-level (above 300) credits in mathematics or physics.
  • Acceptance to an approved engineering program. 

The required courses specific to the dual-degree engineering minor depend upon the engineering field and the engineering institution. Every student completing this minor should closely consult with a dual-degree engineering advisor to choose appropriate College of Idaho courses. 

The following courses are required for most fields of engineering and most computer science programs:

Suggested courses for different engineering fields are included below.

Biological Systems Engineering

Chemical Engineering

 

Civil Engineering

Computer Engineering

 

Computer Science

Electrical Engineering

 

Environmental Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

 

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will gain skills and concepts necessary to understand the principles and practice of engineering.
  • Students will develop problem solving and analysis skills appropriate for the field.
  • Students will communicate science and engineering ideas both orally and in writing.

Mathematics Minor

PEAKS | Natural Sciences & Mathematics |

In order to pursue a Mathematics Minor the following courses or their equivalents are prerequisites for all upper level mathematics courses:
 

Minor Requirements (21 credits):

  • 18 credits of mathematics (MAT)
    • Up to four credits of computer science (CSC) may be counted towards the 18 credit total.
    • Six upper-division (300-, 400-level) credits in mathematics (MAT) must be included in the 18 credit total.
  • Three credits from one of the following sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Physics. Mathematics is often called the language of science. Therefore, a study of mathematics is not complete without experiencing its use in science.

Students who wish to satisfy the requirements for a second teaching field in Secondary education must complete 20 credits of mathematics (MAT) courses including the following courses:

Student Learning Outcomes

  • 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.

Physics Minor

PEAKS | Natural Sciences & Mathematics |

The fundamental nature of physics makes an understanding of its principles, techniques and limitations important in the acquisition and extension of knowledge in all the sciences. In addition, it has historical connections to metaphysics and natural philosophy, which makes it an integral part of a balanced liberal arts curriculum. This minor satisfies the state requirements for the secondary education second-teaching field in physics. Physics minors should recognize and gracefully accept that an ability to acquire and use mathematical tools is an assumed part of their minors.

Completing this minor and one additional credit in physics satisfies the state requirements for the secondary education second-teaching field in physics.

Students are expected to complete:

Minor Requirements (19 credits):

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will gain skills and concepts necessary to understand modern physics and physics laboratory methods.
  • Students will develop an understanding of modern physics theories
  • Students will develop problem solving and analysis skills appropriate for the field.
  • Students will communicate physical ideas both orally and in writing.
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