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B.A./B.S. in Mathematics 2016

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2016–2017 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

Upon declaring a major in mathematics, students must select a degree in which the major will appear.  We offer your choice of a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.).  These degrees have many common requirements, including minimum units, English composition, and many of the general education courses.  There are some differences, however.

Comparing the B.A. and the B.S.

As far as the mathematics coursework is concerned, the B.A. and B.S. are identical: they each require the core courses and one of seven math major emphases. The requirements for the two degrees differ only in the following ways:

The B.A. in Mathematics

The B.S. in Mathematics

Agric & Biosystems Eng  , , , , MATH 3TR;
Astronomy , ;
Atmospheric Sciences ATMO 421C (no longer offered), , , ;
Biochemistry , , , ;
Biomedical Engineering ;
Civil Engineering ;
Chemical & Environmental Engr  , , , , , ECOL 586;
Chemistry , ECOL 596T, , , , ;
Computer Science , , , , CSC 437 (not offered recently), , , , ;
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Electrical & Computer Engr AME 299, , , ;
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology , , ECOL 496N (not offered recently);
Economics ECON 332,ECON 361;
Engineering , , ;
Environmental Science , ;
Geography & Development ;
Geosciences , , , , , GEOS 440 (not offered recently), , ;
Hydrology and Water Resources HWRS 421 (not offered recently), , ;
Information Sci, Tech & Arts , ;
Molecular & Cellular Biology , , MCB 480;
Materials Science & Engr , , ;
Optical Sciences SIE 543, OPTI 221 (no longer offered), ;
Physics , , , , PHYS 151 (not offered recently), PHYS 152 (not offered recently), , , , , PHYS 251 (not offered recently), , ;
Physiology , , , ECE 580;
Planetary Sciences , ;
Systems & Industrial Engr SIE 250, ; 
Watershed Management , ;
 or courses approved by your academic advisor.

Note: B.S. students may satisfy both the Laboratory Science Courses Requirement and the Application Courses Requirement by completing one of the Physics sequences. 

Double Degrees

Students pursuing a second major that has a degree title different from that of the first major are technically double degree students. Additional requirements may apply to double degree students that do not pertain to double major students (students with two majors that have exactly the same degree title). See an advisor for details.

Math Major Emphases

Both the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mathematics require a core of basic courses followed by additional courses specific to one of seven possible emphases:

Each emphasis requires at least 15 units of 400-level mathematics course work, and each emphasis, except Mathematics Education, requires the student to complete a minor. Courses in minors must be distinct from those in the major.

The complete official requirements for each emphasis are given in the University Catalog in the form of an Academic Advisement Report (ADVIP). Below we cover the portion of the requirements specific to the mathematics major. It is important for students to consult with their academic advisor about their choice and order of courses, as well as which additional courses would strengthen their degree program.

Core Courses

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2016–2017 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

All seven emphases for the B.A./B.S. require the following core courses, which should ideally be completed by the end of the sophomore year.

(1)Either CSC 127A or ISTA 130 is recommended for most students. Other courses that can be used to satisfy the programming requirement are: , ,, , and . These latter courses may require prior programming experience, additional prerequisites and/or a major or minor declared in another subject.

(2)MATH 122A and MATH 122B are a single-semester sequence of courses that cover Calculus I. They are equivalent to the old MATH 124 course, which is no longer offered.

(3) MATH 313 replaces MATH 215, which is no longer offered.  Students who completed MATH 215 prior to fall 2015 or who have transfer credit equivalent to MATH 215 will still fulfill this requirement, though they will not earn upper-division credit for the course.

(4)MATH 323 is a writing-emphasis course that is the foundation for many of the advanced courses taken by math majors. It should be taken as soon as possible and before most of the 400-level courses in the major. Students who do not do well in MATH 323 should speak to an advisor about their choice of major/emphasis.

(5)MATH 355 is the differential equations course that all mathematics majors are expected to take. This course emphasizes the ideas of dynamical systems and makes use of a more sophisticated approach to differential equations. ACBS 457 is a differential equations course that is aimed at preparing students for engineering and science applications. Students with an additional major in engineering or science may ask their math faculty advisors for permission to substitute MATH 254 course for MATH 355 if a scheduling issue arises.

 

Comprehensive emphasis

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2016–2017 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

Catalog Requirements

The Academic Program Requirements Report (APRR) gives complete requirements:

This emphasis covers the minimum requirements for admission to most graduate programs in mathematics or applied mathematics. We have separate information on selecting the appropriate emphasis and courses to prepare for various types of graduate programs.  Students selecting the comprehensive emphasis should consult with a Mathematics Department faculty advisor in choosing additional course work to ensure that they are prepared for the graduate school of their choice. A minor in any subject is required with this emphasis.

Major requirements:

Students completing this emphasis are expected to be proficient in proof writing before beginning most of the 400-level courses above. It is recommended that students who do not earn an A or B in MATH 323 speak with an advisor about their selected math major emphasis before enrolling in proof-intensive 400-level courses.

For an example of how to order your coursework to heed prerequisites and meet all degree requirements, please consult the sample 4-year plans. You will develop an individualized plan in consultation with your faculty advisor.  Students planning to enroll in three MATH courses in a single semester are advised to talk to their math faculty advisor before finalizing their schedule. The Math Department requires that students enrolling in four or more MATH courses for a single term obtain permission from their math faculty advisor.  Note that special courses like Supplemental Instruction, Workshops, Teaching Assistantship enrollment, and Pedagogy courses for the Secondary Math Education Program are not counted toward this limit.

 
 

Computer Science emphasis

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2016–2017 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

Catalog Requirements

The Academic Program Requirements Report (APRR) gives complete requirements:

A minor in computer science is required with this emphasis.

Major requirements:

(*) Students minoring in Computer Science may not double-dip courses with their math major, beyond CSC 127A. Students with a double major in Computer Science and Mathematics may be able to double-dip additional courses between the two majors, within reasonable limits. It is important to consult with both major advisors when planning your coursework to avoid graduation delays.

For an example of how to order your coursework to heed prerequisites and meet all degree requirements, please consult the sample 4-year plans. You will develop an individualized plan in consultation with your faculty advisor.  Students planning to enroll in three MATH courses in a single semester are advised to talk to their math faculty advisor before finalizing their schedule. The Math Department requires that students enrolling in four or more MATH courses for a single term obtain permission from their math faculty advisor.  Note that special courses like Supplemental Instruction, Workshops, Teaching Assistantship enrollment, and Pedagogy courses for the Secondary Math Education Program are not counted toward this limit.

 
 

Economics or Business emphasis

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2016–2017 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

Catalog Requirements

The Academic Program Requirements Report (APRR) gives complete requirements:

This emphasis requires either

The minor should be chosen in consultation with an advisor.

Major requirements:

Students completing this emphasis are expected to be proficient in proof writing before beginning their 400-level course work. It is recommended that students who do not earn an A or B in MATH 323 speak with an advisor about their selected math major emphasis before enrolling in 400-level courses.

For an example of how to order your coursework to heed prerequisites and meet all degree requirements, please consult the sample 4-year plans. You will develop an individualized plan in consultation with your faculty advisor.  Students planning to enroll in three MATH courses in a single semester are advised to talk to their math faculty advisor before finalizing their schedule. The Math Department requires that students enrolling in four or more MATH courses for a single term obtain permission from their math faculty advisor.  Note that special courses like Supplemental Instruction, Workshops, Teaching Assistantship enrollment, and Pedagogy courses for the Secondary Math Education Program are not counted toward this limit.

 
 

General/Applied Mathematics emphasis

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2016–2017 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

Catalog Requirements

The Academic Program Requirements Report (APRR) gives complete requirements:

A minor in any subject is required with this emphasis.

Major requirements:

(*) Students should plan to take MATH 485 in their final spring semester (it is only offered in spring semesters).  In addition to more typical prerequisites, MATH 485 requires completion of at least one 400-level MATH course (422, 454, 456, or 475A).  Prerequisites also include linear algebra (313), differential equations (254 or 355), and a programming course.

For an example of how to order your coursework to heed prerequisites and meet all degree requirements, please consult the sample 4-year plans. You will develop an individualized plan in consultation with your faculty advisor.  Students planning to enroll in three MATH courses in a single semester are advised to talk to their math faculty advisor before finalizing their schedule. The Math Department requires that students enrolling in four or more MATH courses for a single term obtain permission from their math faculty advisor.  Note that special courses like Supplemental Instruction, Workshops, Teaching Assistantship enrollment, and Pedagogy courses for the Secondary Math Education Program are not counted toward this limit.

 
 

Probability and Statistics emphasis

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2016–2017 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

Catalog Requirements

The Academic Program Requirements Report (APRR) gives complete requirements:

A minor in any subject is required with this emphasis. Studies in statistics can equip students for careers working with data in a wide variety of fields, from biology to economics. By discussing with an advisor the choice of the minor, the student can greatly enhance his/her career opportunities. Students who are interested in becoming actuaries will find additional information and suggestions on our Careers in Actuarial Science page.

Major requirements:

Students completing this emphasis are expected to be proficient in proof writing before beginning their 400-level course work. It is recommended that students who do not earn an A or B in MATH 323 speak with an advisor about their selected math major emphasis before enrolling in 400-level courses.

For an example of how to order your coursework to heed prerequisites and meet all degree requirements, please consult the sample 4-year plans. You will develop an individualized plan in consultation with your faculty advisor.  Students planning to enroll in three MATH courses in a single semester are advised to talk to their math faculty advisor before finalizing their schedule. The Math Department requires that students enrolling in four or more MATH courses for a single term obtain permission from their math faculty advisor.  Note that special courses like Supplemental Instruction, Workshops, Teaching Assistantship enrollment, and Pedagogy courses for the Secondary Math Education Program are not counted toward this limit.

 
 

Life Sciences emphasis

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2016–2017 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

Catalog Requirements

The Academic Program Requirements Report (APRR) gives complete requirements:

A minor in the biological sciences is required for this emphasis. Possibilities include Astrobiology, Biochemistry, Biology, Biosystems Engineering, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Sciences, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Physiology, Physiological Sciences, and Pre-Health Professions, or a thematic minor with a life sciences emphasis.  A second major in a life science area may also be used to fulfill the minor requirement.  Courses which may be of interest for your minor include: , , MCB 471A, , ; MCB 315, , , .

Major requirements:

(*) Students should plan to take MATH 485 in their final spring semester (it is only offered in spring semesters).  In addition to more typical prerequisites, MATH 485 requires completion of at least one 400-level MATH course (422, 454, 456, or 475A).  Prerequisites also include linear algebra (313), differential equations (254 or 355), and a programming course.

(†)  As of May 18, 2016, this requirement is still pending approval from the University curriculum committee.  Approval is anticipated soon; the previous catalog required an additional course in Linear Algebra instead of this flexible course.  This sixth course must be a MATH course numbered 305 or above, or an upper-division course cross-listed with MATH.  Suggestions include , , or MCB 471A.

For an example of how to order your coursework to heed prerequisites and meet all degree requirements, please consult the sample 4-year plans. You will develop an individualized plan in consultation with your faculty advisor.  Students planning to enroll in three MATH courses in a single semester are advised to talk to their math faculty advisor before finalizing their schedule. The Math Department requires that students enrolling in four or more MATH courses for a single term obtain permission from their math faculty advisor.  Note that special courses like Supplemental Instruction, Workshops, Teaching Assistantship enrollment, and Pedagogy courses for the Secondary Math Education Program are not counted toward this limit.

 
 

Mathematics Education emphasis

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2016–2017 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

Catalog Requirements

The Academic Program Requirements Report (APRR) gives complete requirements:

This emphasis is for students preparing to teach mathematics at the secondary school level. The Education emphasis has two main components, a set of courses in mathematics, and a set of pedagogy courses. This emphasis does not require a minor. See the Secondary Math Education Program (SMEP) website for additional information.

The Noyce Interns and Noyce Scholars programs offer experience to students interested in learning more about the teaching profession; see the SMEP website for details and to apply.

Major requirements:

For an example of how to order your coursework to heed prerequisites and meet all degree requirements, please consult the sample 4-year plans. You will develop an individualized plan in consultation with your faculty advisor.  Students planning to enroll in three MATH courses in a single semester are advised to talk to their math faculty advisor before finalizing their schedule. The Math Department requires that students enrolling in four or more MATH courses for a single term obtain permission from their math faculty advisor.  Note that special courses like Supplemental Instruction, Workshops, Teaching Assistantship enrollment, and Pedagogy courses for the Secondary Math Education Program are not counted toward this limit.