Home Page | Back
to 
Catalog Contents
UD Catalog Webmaster: mww@udel.edu
MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
The Department of Mathematical Sciences provides courses for those who need to use mathematics and statistics in their careers, be it engineering, science, medicine, or management. Mathematical sciences majors must also delve deeply into the structure of their subject without neglecting its applications. The balance between these two phases of mathematical education will depend on the goals and the inclination of the student. To meet these various needs, the Department offers four degree programs: the Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences, the Bachelor of Science in Statistics, the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical Sciences, and the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics Education, which trains students for careers in secondary school mathematics education. Minors in mathematics and in statistics are also available.
Since mathematics is a highly structured discipline, careful attention must be paid to prerequisites. The successful mathematical sciences major must complete several courses in the major each year to graduate within a reasonable time frame. Thus, the Department of Mathematical Sciences carefully monitors student progress and will drop from the major any student not making satisfactory progress in the program. A normally matriculated student majoring in the Department of Mathematical Sciences is not making satisfactory progress if he or she: (1) has not successfully completed a required Mathematical Science course by the beginning of the third semester; or (2) has not successfully completed MATH 245 by the end of the fourth semester; or (3) has failed to successfully complete any required Mathematical Science course for two consecutive semesters. Consistent with the program requirements, "successfully complete" means to earn a grade of C- or better. A student not making satisfactory progress may petition the department to remain as a major when there are extenuating circumstances.
Departmental requirements and course descriptions are subject to continual revision. Up-to-date statements of requirements, course descriptions and departmental policies are available at the departmental office.
The three-semester calculus sequence MATH 241-242-243 is the traditional basis for programs in the physical sciences and engineering. Students with a sound preparation in calculus are encouraged to enroll in MATH 242 to avoid repetition of known material. Students with advanced placement are automatically placed in MATH 242, and others should follow the advice given during freshman orientation.
The calculus sequence MATH 221-222 and finite mathematics course MATH 230 are designed for students in the biological, behavioral, management and social sciences. Trigonometry is not a prerequisite for these courses. Requirements in mathematics preparation for these programs vary greatly; thus students with preparation in trigonometry, a high aptitude for mathematics, or an expectation of pursuing more quantitative aspects might seriously consider taking MATH 210 as an alternative to MATH 230 and MATH 241-242 as an alternative to MATH 221-222.
The sequence MATH 251-252 is designed for prospective elementary school teachers and is restricted to declared majors in the appropriate programs of the College of Human Resources, Education and Public Policy.
Students who need further preparation in algebra and trigonometry prior to a 200-level course should take MATH 115. MATH 114 serves to establish minimal skill levels for students not expecting to continue at the 200-level. Students seeking mathematical electives for self-enrichment may select MATH 280 if their skills are adequate for the 200-level.
Ordinarily, credit is not given for 100-level courses that follow successful completion of 200-level courses. Credit for corresponding courses from different tracks MATH 114 and 115; MATH 210 and 230; MATH 221 and 241; MATH 222 and 242; MATH 302 and MATH 341; and, MATH 349 and MATH 342 will be given only upon approval of the chair.
Home Page | Back
to
Catalog Contents