This is an archived copy of the 2016-2017 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.valdosta.edu.

Selected Educational Outcomes

  1. Students will solve problems involving groups, rings, fields, and their applications.
  2. Students will derive discrete and continuous probability distributions and solve problems involving linear and non-linear optimization, expected values and probabilities for discrete and continuous random variables, and numerical methods.
  3. Students will exhibit the logical reasoning skills and technical background necessary to do mathematical proofs by proving theorems in Transitions to Higher Math, analysis, linear algebra, mathematical statistics, and modern algebra.
  4. Students will use mathematical software and modeling to solve problems in numerical analysis, operations research, and statistics.
  5. Students will communicate mathematical ideas and modeling and present them in class to the faculty.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

The department assesses the extent to which the program requirements create the desired outcomes by a variety of techniques. Examples of these assessments include the following:

  1. The capstone courses are used to assess student progress since taking Area F courses. They determine if students have mastered effective oral and written communication skills, acquired critical analysis skills, and learned to use the library and technological resources in solving non-routine problems. Assessment methods include student projects and presentations.
  2. Student examinations and samples of student work are kept in the department and are examined by the faculty to assess student content knowledge.
  3. Available student and alumni survey data collected by the University will be examined to determine student satisfaction with their undergraduate preparation for further education or employment.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Applied Mathematics

Core Curriculum60
Core Curriculum Areas A-E (See VSU Core Curriculum)42
Applied Mathematics Majors are required to take MATH 1112 or MATH 1113 or MATH 2261 in Area A and MATH 2261 or MATH 2262 in Area D.
Core Curriculum Area F
MATH 2261Analytic Geometry and Calculus I ("spillover" from Area D)1
MATH 2262Analytic Geometry and Calculus II4
MATH 2263Analytic Geometry and Calculus III4
CS 1301Principles of Programming I (3 credits “spill over” into “Supporting Courses”)1
PHYS 2211KPrinciples of Physics I4
PHYS 2212KPrinciples of Physics II4
Senior College Curriculum60
MATH 2150Introduction to Linear Algebra3
MATH 3600Probability and Statistics3
MATH 4621Mathematical Statistics I3
MATH 3040Set Theory3
MATH 3340Ordinary Differential Equations3
MATH 4150Linear Algebra3
MATH 4081Modern Algebra I3
MATH 4260Mathematical Analysis3
MATH 4651Numerical Analysis I3
MATH 4901Operations Research I3
MATH 4910Mathematical Models3
Select one of the following:3
Mathematical Statistics II
Numerical Analysis II
Operations Research II
Optics
Theoretical Mechanics I
Electromagnetism I
Quantum Mechanics I
Supporting Courses 6-9
Principles of Programming I ( “spillover” from Area F)
Foreign Language & Culture Requirement
Electives (Must include at least 6 hours of courses numbered 3000 or above in a single discipline outside the major)15-18
Total hours required for the degree120

Additional Requirements and Notes

  1. Students must complete 16 credits of laboratory science, including the calculus-based physics indicated in Area F.
  2. A grade of “C” or better must be earned in all “Courses Required for the Major.” Also, a grade of “C” or better is required in MATH 1111, MATH 1112, MATH 1113, MATH 2150, MATH 2261, MATH 2262, MATH 2263, and CS 1301, if any of those courses are taken.
  3. Students must complete a sequence of two courses in any foreign language, either in “Supporting Courses” or in a combination of Area C and “Supporting Courses.” Minimum acceptable grades in the language courses are the same as minimum acceptable grades in the Core Curriculum.