Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Pure Mathematics Concentration
OVERVIEW
The Pure Mathematics Concentration is Wright State University's standard college mathematics program. It should be selected by students who wish to study mathematics per se, rather than statistics, computing, or applications of mathematics. It is also the program of choice for those who intend to pursue mathematics (or closely related disciplines) at the graduate level. Students who wish to prepare for entry into the job market can do so in this program by wisely choosing among the many available electives.
Modern mathematics has several major branches. The three most commonly studied by undergraduate mathematics majors are algebra, geometry and topology, and analysis. Well-prepared freshmen will have sampled parts of the first two of these in high school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. In college, mathematics majors encounter the beginning topic in the third branch--analysis--in their calculus classes.
The core courses in the Pure Mathematics Concentration for the junior and senior years are two year-long sequences in algebra and analysis. Several characteristics distinguish these and other advanced courses from more elementary ones. Generally speaking, computation becomes less important and logical reasoning becomes more important. Ideas and objects (e.g., number, set, function, matrix) are discussed in a deeper, more precise way. Careful justification, in the form of deductive proof, is given for the facts, or theorems, which are presented. The reliance upon deductive proof as the basis of truth and the tendency toward abstraction are two fundamental characteristics of present-day mathematics. Students in the Pure Mathematics Concentration will be thoroughly exposed to both during their junior and senior years.
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics - Pure Math Concentration Checklist - until Fall 2012
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Checklist - as of Fall 2012
Important: The above checklist should be used only with consultation with your department advisor to ensure that you meet all requirements for graduation.
SAMPLE PROGRAM OF STUDY
NOTE: This program is under the current quarter term system. A new program of study will be posted before the change to sememsters in Fall 2012.
The program below shows just one of the many possible ways of satisfying the degree requiements for the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree. However, course scheduling and degree requirements change periodically. Thus, students enrolled in this degree program should expect to modify this program of study in consultation with their freshman advisor.
Fall Quarter, Freshman Year
Calculus I - MTH 229 - 5 credits
Computer Programming I - CS 141 - 4 credits
*Freshman Composition I - ENG 101 - 4 credits
*Western World: Ancient and Medieval Eras - HST 101 - 3 credits
Total Credits - 16
Winter Quarter, Freshman Year
Calculus II - MTH 230 - 5 credits
Computer Programming II - CS 142 - 4 credits
*Freshman Composition II - ENG 102 - 4 credits
*Western World in Transition: 14th to 18th Centuries - HST 102 - 3 credits
Total Credits - 16
Spring Quarter, Freshman Year
Calculus III - MTH 231 - 5 credits
*Great Books of the Western World - ENG/PHL/REL 204 - 3 credits
*Psychology: the Science of Behavior - PSY 105 - 4 credits
*Modern Western World: 19th to 20th Centuries - HST 103 - 3 credits
Total Credits - 15
Fall Quarter, Sophomore Year
Calculus IV - MTH 232 - 5 credits
**General Physics/Lab I - PHY 240/200 - 5 credits
*Fine and Performing Arts in Western Culture - ART/MUS/TH 214 - 3 credits
*Social Institutions and Processes: Social Life - SOC 200 - 3 credits
Total Credits - 16
Winter Quarter, Sophomore Year
Differential Equations - MTH 233 - 5 credits
**General Physics/Lab II - PHY 242/202 - 5 credits
*Non-Western World: Comparative Studies - CST _____ - 3 credits
*Social Institutions and Processes: Political Life - PLS 200 - 3 credits
Total Credits - 16
Spring Quarter, Sophomore Year
Linear Algebra - MTH 255 - 3 credits
**General Physics/Lab III - PHY 244/204 - 6 credits
*Non-Western World: Regional Studies - RST _____ - 3 credits
*Social Institutions and Processes: Economic Life - EC 200 - 3 credit hours
Total Credits - 14
Fall Quarter, Junior Year
Introduction to Mathematical Proof - MTH 280 - 3 credits
Advanced Linear Algebra - MTH 355 - 3 credits
Mathematics Elective - MTH _____ - 3 credits
Electives - 6 credits
Total Credits - 15
Winter Quarter, Junior Year
Introduction to Modern Algebra I - MTH 451 - 3 credits
Mathematics Electives - MTH _____ - 6 credits
Electives - 6 credits
Total Credits - 15
Spring Quarter, Junior Year
Introduction to Modern Algebra II - MTH 452 - 3 credits
Mathematics Elective - MTH _____ - 3 credits
Electives - 9 credits
Total Credits - 16
Fall Quarter, Senior Year
Real Variables I - MTH 431 - 3 credits
Mathematics Elective - MTH _____ - 3 credits
Electives - 9 credits
Total Credits - 15
Winter Quarter, Senior Year
Real Variables II - MTH 432 - 3 credits
Mathematics Elective - MTH _____ - 3 credits
Electives - 9 credits
Total Credits - 15
Spring Quarter, Senior Year
Real Variables III - MTH 433 - 3 credits
Undergraduate Mathematics Seminar - MTH 492 - 3 credits
Mathematics Elective - MTH _____ - 3 credits
Electives - 6 credits
Total Credits - 15
Grand Total: 183 Credit Hours
* This is a "General Education" (GE) course, required of all undergraduates. In a few cases, alternatives are available. Please speak to your undergraduate advisor regarding substituting GE classes.
** Sequences in chemistry, biology, or earth & environmental science may be substituted for PHY 240/200 -- 242/202 -- 244/204.
