2019-2020 Edgewood College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Mathematics Department
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Mission
In service to all students in our college community, the mathematics department provides courses that develop mathematical reasoning and quantitative skills, offer opportunities to experience insights uniquely gained through such activity, and build capacities necessary for engaged and effective citizenship. Additionally, the department provides courses that support the strength and success of other Edgewood College programs.
In service to the mathematics education of the young and their future teachers, the department provides a program of courses guided by state and national standards along with enriching co-curricular experiences that allow pre-service teachers to attain the capacities necessary to deliver high quality mathematics instruction at K-12 grade levels.
In service to students planning to build a career on the foundation of the mathematics major, the department provides a solid foundation of coursework, affirmed by national standards, as well as individualized direction that prepare the student for admission to graduate school or transition to a variety of career paths.
Goals
The majors, minors, and concentrations offered by the Mathematics Department are designed to prepare students for a wide variety of career trajectories such as teaching, actuarial science, business and engineering, as well as graduate school. In addition to preparation in core areas of mathematics, students will develop habits of precision and logical thinking, acquire an appreciation for and understanding of the aesthetic qualities and historical development of mathematics, and gain an appreciation for and understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques that are applicable to areas outside of mathematics. The department has identified four goals:
Core Mathematics
Students should demonstrate a broad understanding of core mathematics as defined by the requirements for the major and the department’s course goals. These goals include the interplay of mathematics with other disciplines and the history of mathematics.
Problem Solving
Students should demonstrate competency in problem solving. This includes the ability to generate special cases, recognize patterns, formulate and test conjectures, reject incorrect solutions, use mathematical tools developed in coursework and reflect appropriately on the solution.
Proof
Students should demonstrate the ability to critically examine mathematical arguments and produce proofs that are both mathematically and stylistically correct.
Communication
Students should be able to communicate mathematics effectively in oral and written forms using formal definitions, appropriate mathematical terminology and symbolism.
Departmental Policies
All mathematics prerequisites for mathematics courses must be completed with a grade of C or above to satisfy the prerequisite requirement. Courses in mathematics may not be audited. Courses may only be taken Pass/Fail with the consent of both the instructor and the Mathematics Department Chair.
In order for any mathematics course to count towards any of the mathematics majors or minors, the course must have been completed within five years preceding the date of major/minor declaration. Courses taken prior to that point will be evaluated on an individual basis by the department.
Any mathematics course requirement for any major or minor offered in the department, with the exceptions of MATH 485 and MATH 451 , may be satisfied through the proficiency process established by the department. The minimum residency requirement may not be waived.
A student pursuing any major within the Mathematics Department must take at least three mathematics courses at or above the 300 level at Edgewood College. A student pursuing any minor within the Mathematics Department must take at least two mathematics courses approved by the department at Edgewood College.
Students intending to major or minor in mathematics should take MATH 256 concurrently with or as soon as possible after MATH 241 since it is a prerequisite for most of the mathematics courses at the 300 and 400 levels.
Student Development Opportunities
The Mathematics Department supports a number of student development opportunities, including participation in the Edgewood Engaged: A Research and Creative Inquiry Symposium, research experiences and internships, the Wisconsin Mathematics Council Annual Conference, and St. Norbert College’s Pi Mu Epsilon Conference. Any full time member of the department can provide details.
Internships and Careers in Mathematics
A number of careers are open to students majoring in mathematics. Some students proceed to graduate school in an advanced mathematical, professional or technical field; other students move directly into the workforce including teaching at the middle or secondary level. A student majoring in mathematics should talk to their advisor early in their academic career to explore internships and career opportunities. Members of the department will work with the student and Academic and Career Counselors to help the student successfully chart a path beyond graduation.
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