Goucher College 2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalogue

Apr 16, 2024

Goucher College 2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalogue PLEASE NOTE: This is an archived catalog. Programs are subject to change each academic year.

Mathematics Major

Placement Procedure

All incoming students are required to complete a placement exam to determine initial placement into a mathematics or computer science course. Each student will be placed into one of the following levels: L (MA 100, MA 110, MA 113, CS 105); M (MA 140, MA 141, MA 145, MA 160, CS 116, or lower); or H (MA 168, MA 170, MA 171, or lower). Students who have previously studied calculus are invited to take a second exam to exempt from MA 170, MA 171, or MA 180. Students with AP credit in mathematics or computer science are also eligible to exempt introductory courses. Students who intend to major in mathematics should complete MA 180 in the first year. Computer science majors should complete CS 119 in their first year.

Courses required for a major in mathematics are:

CS 116 - Introduction to Computer Science (4 Cr.) or
CS 119 - Foundations of Computer Science (4 Cr.)
MA 170 - Calculus I (4 Cr.) or
MA 171 - Calculus I-Environmental (4 Cr.)
MA 180 - Calculus II (4 Cr.)
MA 221 - Linear Algebra (4 Cr.)
MA 222 - Calculus III (4 Cr.)
MA 304 - Proof Writing Seminar (1.0 Cr.)
Three of the following four courses:
MA 313 - Fundamentals of Real Analysis (4 Cr.)
MA 314 - Complex Analysis (4 Cr.)
MA 321 - Elements of Abstract Algebra (4 Cr.)
MA 324 - Combinatorics (4 Cr.)
Four credits of MA 400 Capstone in Mathematics, or senior thesis (8 credits)

Twelve additional credits in mathematics at the 200 level or above, four of which must be at the 300 level or above, chosen from:
MA 216 - Introduction to Applied Mathematics (4 Cr.)
MA 231 - Differential Equations with Applications (4 Cr.)
MA 240 - Probability and Statistics (4 Cr.)
PHY 280 - Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences (3 Cr.)
MA 316 - Scientific Computation (4 Cr.)
MA 333 - Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry (4 Cr.)
The fourth option among MA 313, MA 314, MA 321, and MA 324
Additional MA 400 credits
Four of the 8 senior thesis credits

Honors in Mathematics and Computer Science

Majors in Mathematics and Computer Science are encouraged to strive for honors in the major upon graduation. Honors will be awarded to students who exhibit mastery of the subject in both course work and additional academic endeavors.

Requirements for honors in mathematics and in computer science:

1. A minimum grade point average of 3.60 in 200 and 300 level courses in the major. All courses (other than CS 290) specifically required for the major must be taken for a grade. No more than two approved courses away from Goucher will be counted in the average.

2. Some evidence of maturity and creativity in mathematics and/or computer science, such as outstanding work on a senior thesis, independent work, paper or final examination in a 300 level course.

3. Approval of the program.

The following courses are recommended for students with an interest in applied mathematics:

Concentration in Mathematics with Secondary Education Certification in Mathematics

Students who choose this option qualify for secondary school teaching certification by the Maryland State Department of Education. Students must complete the major in mathematics, as well as the education courses listed below, and pass the required PRAXIS examination.

ED 103 - Adolescent Development (course now inactive) OR
ED 104 - Child and Adolescent Development (3 Cr.)
ED 207 - Psychological and Developmental Foundations of Education (with fieldwork) (4 Cr.) (with fieldwork)
ED 210 - Development of Education in the United States (3 Cr.)
ED 253 - Methods of Secondary School Teaching (2 Cr.)
ED 254 - Reading, Writing, and Assessment in the Secondary School (6 Cr.)
ED 353 - Secondary School Internship (10 Cr.)
SPE 100 - Special Education: Historical, Philosophical, and Legal Foundations (4 Cr.)
See other secondary education requirements under secondary education.