Nov 24, 2024

2017-2018 SDSM&T Academic Catalog

2017-2018 SDSM&T Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Applied and Computational Mathematics, B.S.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Applied and Computational Mathematics B.S.

Contact Information

Dr. Kyle Riley
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
McLaury 308
(605) 394-2471
E-mail: Kyle.Riley@sdsmt.edu

ACMA Flowchart

Faculty

Professors Braman, Johnson, Kowalski, McGough, and Teets; Associate Professors Caudle, Kiche and Riley; Assistant Professors Dahl, Deschamp, Fleming and Garlick; Lecturers Bienert, Richard-Greer and Grieve; Instructors Lehmann, Leonard, and Rudy-Hinker; Emeritus Professors Carda, Corwin, Grimm, and Opp.

Applied and Computational Mathematics Major

Students majoring in mathematics will follow the accompanying applied and computational mathematics curriculum. The curriculum includes 55 credits of mathematics courses, 11 credits of computer science, 10 credits of sciences, and at least 9 credits of additional science and engineering courses that fall in a specific field (see emphasis area below). Any student majoring in mathematics who desires a minor in another field should consult his or her advisor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science as early in the program of study as possible. In addition, the student must contact the Office of the Registrar and Academic Services in order to declare a minor. Departmental majors contemplating a career in actuarial science should prepare for the examinations given by the Society of Actuaries. It is recommended that this preparation be attained, in part, by selecting courses from: MATH 353 , MATH 381 , MATH 382 , MATH 447/547 , IENG 362 , and IENG 301 or IENG 302 . Information concerning these examinations can be obtained from the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.

The primary goal of the applied and computational mathematics program is to give graduates a firm understanding of mathematics and its applications to science and engineering. Graduates are expected to develop a strong foundation of knowledge and skill in the core areas of analysis, differential equations, numerical methods, and modeling. They are also expected to attain a basic understanding of probability, statistics, and algebra. Because applied mathematicians are problem solvers, graduates must develop the ability to formulate and solve problems arising from scientific and engineering applications. This entails acquiring fundamental knowledge in the basic sciences, which School of Mines students accomplish by taking courses in an emphasis area. The student will take three courses in an external discipline that will provide exposure and depth in an application area of mathematics. Information on emphasis areas and the associated courses is available from the department or advisor.

Graduates must be prepared to continue learning throughout their careers. In the two-course sequence of MATH 498 and MATH 402 , students will have the opportunity to work with individual faculty members on research and develop their communication skills. This work will result in a technical paper and an oral presentation.

Upon graduation, some graduates pursue careers in fields such as computer software development, actuarial science, applied statistics, data analysis, and operations research. Others go on to pursue advanced degrees or seek certification to teach mathematics at the elementary or secondary levels.

An applied and computational mathematics major must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours in humanities and social sciences with at least 6 credit hours in humanities and at least 6 credit hours in social sciences. Refer to the humanities and social sciences section of this catalog for a list of courses satisfying these requirements. It is also important to refer to the general education core requirements under bachelor of science graduation requirements for further information. Students must complete the general education core requirements within the first 64 credits.

The accompanying sample schedule lists all required classes for the degree in their proper prerequisite sequence. Students should consult course listings for prerequisites and should consult their advisors at each registration.

Mathematics Double Major

Due to the large number of mathematics courses common with other majors and the mathematics major, many students find it attractive to pursue a double major. Students seeking the double major should consult the department for details about this option.

Accelerated Maters Option

The B.S. in Applied and Computational Mathematics program has aligned with the M.S. in Computational Sciences and Robotics (CSR) program. The accelerated option allows for students to complete both the B.S. program and the M.S. program in five years. Students interested in this program need to apply to the CSR program before or during their junior year. Students accepted into the program can apply up to ten credits of graduate courses towards their undergraduate degree and these same courses will apply to their graduate program of study. Students should inquire about this program at the department office or contact the CSR program coordinator.

Applied and Computational Mathematics Curriculum

For the bachelor of science in mathematics, a student must:

Take all of the courses listed in the applied and computational mathematics curriculum checklist;
Take 3 emphasis area courses (information about emphasis areas and supporting courses is available from the department); and
Have a departmental grade point average of at least 2.00 in all mathematics courses 300 level or higher. (Courses taken more than once will have only the higher grade counted for computing the departmental grade point average.)
Course requirements for the program also include the total number of credits per course. Any student that transfers a course that is approved for transfer will fulfill the course requirement, but if the transferred course does not meet the total credit hour r requirement then the program committee will decide on the proper accommodation for meeting the credit requirement. Students should consult with their advisor to get clarification on the necessary accommodation.

Applied and Computational Mathematics Curriculum/Checklist

It is the student’s responsibility to check with his or her advisor for any program modifications that may occur after the publication of this catalog. Additional information about the program may be found at: www.sdsmt.edu/MCS.

Freshman Year

First Semester

ENGL 101 Composition I Credits: (3-0) 3
MATH 110 Survey of Computer Science and Mathematics Credits: (1-0) 1
MATH 123 Calculus I Credits: (4-0) 4
CSC 150/150L Computer Science I/Lab Credits: (2-1) 3
²Humanities/Social Science Elective(s) Credits: 3

Total: 14

Second Semester

MATH 125 Calculus II Credits: (4-0) 4
¹Science Elective/Science Lab Credits: 4
CSC 215 Programming Techniques Credits: (4-0) 4
²Humanities/Social Science Elective(s) Credits: 3

Total: 15

Sophomore Year

First Semester

ENGL 279 Technical Communications I Credits: (3-0) 3
MATH 225 Calculus III Credits: (4-0) 4
MATH 321 Differential Equations Credits: (3-0) 3
PHYS 211/211-A University Physics I/Recitation Credits: (3-0) 3
²Humanities/Social Science Elective(s) Credits: 3

Total: 16

Second Semester

MATH 315 Linear Algebra Credits: (3-0) 3
⁴ CSC 251 Finite Structures Credits: 2 or 4
ENGL 289 Technical Communications II Credits: (3-0) 3
PHYS 213/213-A University Physics II/Recitation Credits: (3-0) 3
²Humanities/Social Science Elective(s) Credits: 3

Total: 16

Junior Year

First Semester

MATH 423 Advanced Calculus I Credits: (4-0) 4
MATH 432 Partial Differential Equations Credits: (3-0) 3
MATH 452/552 Advanced Studies in Mathematics Credits: (3-0) 3
MATH 373 Introduction to Numerical Analysis Credits: (3-0) 3
³Elective/Emphasis Credits: 2

Total: 15

Second Semester

MATH 382 Probability Theory and Statistics II Credits: (3-0) 3
MATH 424 Advanced Calculus II Credits: (4-0) 4
MATH 451/551 Math Modeling Credits: (3-0) 3
³Elective/Emphasis Credits: 5

Total: 15

Senior Year

First Semester

MATH 413 Abstract Algebra I Credits: (3-0) 3
MATH 381 Introduction to Probability and Statistics Credits: (3-0) 3
MATH 498 Undergraduate Research/Scholarship Credits: (1-0) 1
³Elective/Emphasis Credits: 8

Total: 15

Second Semester

MATH 443/543 Data Analysis Credits: (3-0) 3
MATH 421 Complex Analysis Credits: (3-0) 3
MATH 402 Communicating Mathematics Credits: (1-0) 1
³Elective/Emphasis Credits: 7

Total: 14

120 credits required for graduation

Curriculum Notes

¹ The science requirement for this major consists of PHYS 211/211-A , PHYS 213/213-A , one course from among BIOL 151 , CHEM 112 , GEOL 201 , plus a lab associated with one of the science courses taken - either BIOL 151L , CHEM 112L , GEOL 201L , or PHYS 213L .

² Students should consult the “General Education Requirements” section of this catalog for a complete listing of all general education requirements. It is important to note that all general education requirements must be completed within the first 64 credits taken. Math majors are additionally required to take a total of at least 15 semester hours of electives in humanities and social sciences. At least three credits of humanities/social sciences must be at the 300 level or above.

³ Math majors must complete 3 courses in a science or engineering emphasis area. Any double major automatically satisfies this emphasis area requirement with their other major. Further information about possible emphasis areas is available from the department. Math majors are also required to complete at least three credits in a nontechnical elective. Nontechnical elective courses include: PE, Music, MSL, Humanities, or Social Sciences. Please note the nontechnical elective is in addition to the 15 credits of Humanities and Social Sciences that are required for the major.

⁴CSC 251 must be taken for four credits to apply towards the Applied and Computational Mathematics major.

⁵CHEM 106 , CSC 105 , MATH 021 , MATH 101 , MATH 102 , MATH 120 , PHYS 111 , and PHYS 113 may not be counted towards the degree in Applied and Computational Mathematics.