Mar 28, 2024  
2012-2013 SDSM&T Academic Catalog 
    
2012-2013 SDSM&T Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Applied and Computational Mathematics, B.S.


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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

Faculty

Professors Corwin, Johnson, Logar and Teets; Associate Professors Braman, Kowalski, McGough and Riley; Assistant Professors Caudle, Dahl, Deschamp, Fleming and Grieve; Instructor Trimble; Emeritus Professors Carda, Grimm and Opp.

Applied and Computational Mathematics Major

Students majoring in mathematics will use the accompanying applied and computational mathematics curriculum. The curriculum includes 5 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 electing courses from: MATH 353 , MATH 381 , MATH 382 , MATH 463 , 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 16 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.

Computer Science and Mathematics Double Major

Due to the large number of courses common to the computer science major and the mathematics major, many students find it attractive to pursue a double major in these two areas.  Students seeking the double major should consult their advisors for details about this option.

 

Applied and Computational Mathematics Curriculum


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

  1. Take all of the courses listed in the applied and computational mathematics curriculum checklist;
  2. Take 3 emphasis area courses (information about emphasis areas and supporting courses is available from the department); and
  3. 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.)

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.mcs.sdsmt.edu/.

Freshman Year


First Semester


Total: 15

Second Semester


Total: 15

Sophomore Year


First Semester


Total: 16

Second Semester


Total: 16

Junior Year


First Semester


Total: 15

Second Semester


Total: 15

Senior Year


First Semester


Total: 14

Second Semester


Total: 14

120 credits required for graduation


Curriculum Notes


1 The science requirement for this major consists of PHYS 211 , PHYS 213 , 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.

4 MUEN 101 , MUEN 121 , MUEN 122  can be used to substitute for one or two of the required two physical education credits.

5CHEM 106 , CHEM 108 , 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.

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