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| Goals of the Castleton Mathematics Department
The emphasis in the mathematics major is on the practice of mathematics. In addition to satisfying all of the college's general education requirements, the mathematics major is required to take courses that help the student develop skills in the application of mathematics methods to real problems as well as courses that help the student understand the role that the theory of mathematics and statistics plays in making sound decisions
Furthermore, since the successful application of mathematics in practice requires collaborations with investigators from other disciplines, students in the major are required to take a sequence of four courses outside of the Mathematics Department in another discipline.
All students wishing to major in Mathematics are advised to complete their introductory calculus sequence, introductory sequence in probability and statistics. Students who elect Statistics as part of a double major must fulfill all Statistics degree requirements. However, the "Concentration Area'' requirement may be waived in consultation with the student's advisor. There are a number of other programs with which it would be natural to combine a major in Statistics. Students contemplating a double major in Statistics are advised to begin planning it (with appropriate advisors) as soon as possible. This is particularly true for students whose other major has a complex set of requirements and prerequisites.
Major Goals
The major goals for all students in mathematics programs are that they will:
- learn to value and enjoy mathematics;
- become confident in their ability to do mathematics and statistics;
- become mathematical problem solvers;
- learn to communicate mathematically and statistically;
- learn to reason mathematically and statistically;
- learn to function in a mathematical, statistical, and technological learning community.
Specific Goals
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (BAMAT) and
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics by Contract (BAMATCNT)Graduates in these programs will have a foundation for continued development in learning and application of mathematics to include the following:
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knowledge of mathematical content and analysis to include the calculus,real analysis, linear algebra, abstract algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics
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ability to address complicated problems, apply mathematical methods to arrive at solutions, and validate solutions; |
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ability to develop mathematical proofs and critique the proofs of others; |
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capability in using appropriate technology to assist in mathematical analysis and communication of results; prepare for graduate study and/or a career; |
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ability to work effectively in a team effort to solve a significant problem, and communicate the work to others at or below their level; |
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knowledge of mathematical methods in various disciplines, including science and/or business; |
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ability to communicate mathematical ideas clearly, efficiently, and effectively; |
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ability to organize and analyze data, solve problems, and construct logical arguments; and competence in a second discipline (for BAMATCNT graduates) |
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (Secondary Education) (BAMATSED) and
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (Elementary Educaton)(BAMATEDU)
Graduates in these programs will have the foundation for effective teaching at the secondary and/or elementary school levels.In addition to possessing the capabilities of the BAMAT graduate, graduates in this program will:
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possess an understanding of mathematics well beyond that required for the mathematics he/she will teach |
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be able to interest and involve students in using mathematical concepts, skills and tools appropriate to their age and ability in order to recognize, construct, and solve problems in mathematics and other disciplines |
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be able to teach students a variety of methods associated with solving mathematical problems |
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be able to teach students how to apply mathematics procedures to the physical, biological, or social sciences, or to business situations in order to solve problems; and be aware of, and be able to use, technology in the teaching and doing of mathematics |
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (Statistics) (BAMATSTA)
Graduates in this program will have sufficient understanding of statistical principles and techniques to function in a society increasingly dependent on data and data analysis. In addition to possessing the capabilities of the BAMAT graduate, graduates of this program will be able to:
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collect, display, analyze, and interpret sample data in a variety of ways; |
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use experimental and theoretical probabilities as appropriate to formulate and solve problems involving uncertainty; |
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conduct statistical analyses, including hypothesis testing, correlation, analysis of variance, nonparametric methods, and various methods for estimating parameters and errors; |
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develop strategies for reasoning and making decisions based on uncertainty; and use calculators and various statistical software in data analysis. |
Mathematics Minor (MAT) and Statistics Minor (STA)
Graduates in these programs will be able to:
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use mathematical (statistical) methods in his/her major field, which is likely to be in natural or social science, education, or business; |
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appreciate the role of mathematics (statistics) in the solution of practical problems; and, |
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be able to use appropriate technology in the solution of practical problems. |
Associate in Science in Computer Programming (ASMATCMP)
Graduates in this program will be able to:
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write programs in a suitable high level language given the program specifications; |
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be able to appropriately document programs both internally and externally; be capable of executing code and locating errors in them; and, |
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be able to communicate effectively with others in the field. |
General Education Component
The mathematics component of general education will expose the student to the nature of mathematics and provide him/her with samples of models used extensively in understanding the world and solving problems in all disciplines. The study of mathematics will enhance other general education objectives such as thinking, communication, and problem solving skills. The mathematics department has six full-time faculty members, each having a doctorate in mathematics, statistics, engineering, or mathematics education. Majors benefit from small classes and frequent contact with highly qualified professors with varied research interests. Graduates work in industry, schools, or government agencies, or pursue advanced work in mathematics, statistics, or computer science.
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