Mathematics and Computer Science Department

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The Mathematics and Computer Science Department offers majors and minors in both mathematics and computer science. The major in mathematics includes an option for a concentration in secondary education certification in mathematics. Mathematics is the foundation of the physical sciences and a tool of virtually all disciplines. The Mathematics and Computer Science Department endeavors to develop in students not only a solid foundation in analytic thinking, but also an appreciation of the nature of mathematics itself. The discipline of computer science becomes ever more fascinating as computing grows in significance in our daily lives. Mastery of fundamental computing principles is essential as we step into the increasingly virtual future. Courses in this department strive to give students proficiency in mathematics and computer science, as well as to foster a spirit of creativity, enterprise, and ethical responsibility. In the liberal arts and sciences tradition, the department emphasizes breadth of knowledge and flexibility. Majors in the department may prepare for graduate work in mathematics or computer science or for careers in secondary school mathematics education, business, industry, or government. A mathematics major is also an excellent preparation for a career in law, medicine, or engineering.

Students may pursue personal academic interests in various ways such as research with a faculty member, a senior thesis, and/or independent study. Recent projects have included mathematical modeling of pediatric digestion, measure theory, topology, advanced differential equations, applied functional analysis, robotics, and networking a soda machine. Projects may be interdisciplinary. Internships are encouraged for all as an opportunity to sample careers in mathematics and computer science. Students have worked as interns in government, business, healthcare, and education both in Baltimore and in other parts of the country.

The department has access to excellent computing facilities, linked by a campus-wide network. Extensive software use is integrated into both the computer science and mathematics curricula.

Department Faculty

Professors

Robert Lewand (cryptology, abstract algebra), Jill Zimmerman (robotics, programming languages)

Associate Professors

Thomas Kelliher (computer architecture, computing systems), Bernadette Tutinas (abstract algebra, graph theory, combinatorics)

Assistant Professors

Justin Brody (model theory, mathematical logic, artificial intelligence), Joseph Cutrone (abstract algebra), Jessica Stewart (functional analysis, differential equations), Micah Webster (analysis, abstract differential equations, numerical analysis)

Lecturer

Sinan Ozdemir, John Ross

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 (

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