Undergraduate Catalog 2012-2013

Home  |  Undergraduate Catalog 2012-2013  |  Majors, Disciplines and Course Descriptions  |  Mathematics

Print this page

Mathematics

(Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Preparation for Teaching in Grades 7–12, Minor; see also Computer Science-Mathematics (BS); see also Education/Adolescence Education Program.)

Department of Mathematics, Building 1S, Room 215

Chairperson and Professor John Verzani

Mathematics (BS)

Mathematics is a gateway to many desirable professions in both the private and public sectors. Research teams at nearly all large corporations recruit Math majors. The analytical and problem solving skills cultivated by students majoring in mathematics are both versatile and highly valued in government, industry, and education.

There are three major emphases for the BS degree in Mathematics: Applied Mathematics–for those interested in applying mathematical ideas and techniques to model and solve real-world problems; Pure Mathematics–for those primarily interested in mathematical concepts and who excel at abstract and analytical thinking; Secondary Education–for those interested in teaching high school-level mathematics.

A joint Mathematics-Computer Science major is also offered for those interested in both fields. This option involves a synthesis from both fields and gives students the advantage of broader opportunities in a growing area of research.

Mathematics Four-Year Plan

Mathematics (7-12) Four-Year Plan

General Education Requirements for the BS
ENG 111, ENG 151, COR 100, PED 190: 12 credits

Whenever possible, these four courses should be completed within the first 36 credits.

Scientific Analysis; Social Scientific Analysis; The Contemporary World; Textual, Aesthetic, and Linguistic Analysis; Pluralism and Diversity Requirements: 21-27 credits

Whenever possible, these courses should be completed within the first 60 credits.

1. Scientific Analysis: (11-12 credits)
   1. Science and Technology: (8 credits)
      Two courses with laboratories chosen from one of the following sequences:
      ‑BIO 170-BIO 171, BIO 180-BIO 181 General Biology I and II with laboratories
      ‑CHM 141-CHM 121, CHM 142-CHM 127 General Chemistry I and II with laboratories
      ‑GEO 100-GEO 101, GEO 102- GEO 103 Physical and Historical Geology with laboratories
      ‑AST 100-AST 101, AST 102-AST 103 Contemporary Theories of the Solar System (with planetary laboratory) and of the Universe (with galactic laboratory)
      ‑AST 120-AST 160 Space Science I and II with laboratories
      - PHY 120-PHY 121, PHY 160 -PHY 161, General Physics I and II with laboratories
   2. Mathematics: (3-4 credits)
      (Can be satisfied using courses MTH 102, 109, 113, 121, 123, 130, 214, 230, or 231)
2. Social Scientific Analysis: (3-4 credits)

   One course from either category:

   1. Social Scientific Analysis: 100-level
   2. Social Scientific Analysis: 200-level
3. The Contemporary World: (4 credits)
4. Textual, Aesthetic, and Linguistic Analysis: (3-4 credits)

   One course from either category:

   1. Literature: 200-level
   2. Arts and Communications: 100-or 200-level
5. Pluralism and Diversity Requirement: (0-4 credits)

Please refer to the section in the Catalog on general education requirements for approved course lists and complete details.

Pre-Major Requirements: 14-17 credits

Major Requirements: 36 credits

Four additional mathematics courses (16 credits) at the 300 or 400 level chosen with the approval of an adviser.

Note: Whenever possible all Mathematics majors are strongly advised to include in their curriculum a computer science course (CSC 126 or CSC 270) and MTH 214 (one of them as an elective.)

Electives: 28-37 credits (including courses in education, required for students interested in secondary education teacher certification)

Total Credits Required: 120

Following are three different emphases for a BS degree in Mathematics.

Pure Mathematics Emphasis

Students who wish to focus on theoretical aspects of mathematics are advised to include courses from Differential Equations, Real and Complex Analysis (MTH 331, 342, 431), Number Theory and Algebra (MTH 347, 442), Geometry and Topology (MTH 329, 441), or Logic and Foundations (MTH 350, 440).

Applied Mathematics Emphasis

Students who wish to explore mathematical topics that have applications to other fields, including sciences, engineering, medicine, economics, or business, are advised to include courses that emphasize Mathematical Modeling such as Combinatorics/Graph Theory, Actuarial Mathematics, Operations Research and Mathematical Biology (MTH 337, 360, 370, 415), Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems (MTH 331, 435), Numerical Analysis (MTH 335), Mathematical Statistics (MTH 410, 411), or Mathematics of Finance (MTH 416).

Preparation for Teaching (Grades 7-12)

See also Education/Adolescence Education.

Students who wish to be recommended for New York State certification for teaching mathematics at the secondary level (grades 7 - 12) must complete all general education, pre-major, and major requirements for the Mathematics BS. Students must include, within the set of advanced courses required by the major, one or more upper-level mathematics courses covering (1) Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry and (2) history of mathematics: this requirement may be met by taking MTH 329 Geometry, and MTH 306 History of Mathematical Thought. Students must also include as electives the following Adolescence Education (EDS) course sequence offered by the Department of Education (24 credits):

See the Catalog section on Education for additional requirements.

Honors

To graduate with honors in Mathematics a student must have at least a 3.5 grade point average in mathematics courses and must complete an honors thesis or project. The student must work closely with a Mathematics faculty member to define the project, carry out the research and investigation, and write the final report or prepare the final project. The student may receive credit through Independent Study for work on an honors project. The project must be accepted by the Honors Committee of the Department of Mathematics.

Computer Science-Mathematics (BS)

The Departments of Computer Science and Mathematics offer a joint BS degree program in Computer Science and Mathematics that provides a balance between these two disciplines with an emphasis on their applied aspects and their relationship to each other.

Computer Science/Mathematics Four-Year Plan

General Education Requirements for BS:
ENG 111, ENG 151, COR 100, PED 190: 12 credits

Whenever possible, these four courses should be completed within the first 36 credits.

Scientific Analysis; Social Scientific Analysis; The Contemporary World; Textual, Aesthetic, and Linguistic Analysis; Pluralism and Diversity Requirements: 21-27 credits

Whenever possible, these courses should be completed within the first 60 credits.

1. Scientific Analysis: (11 credits)
   1. Science and Technology: (8 credits)
      A one-year sequence chosen from the list of courses below:
      - BIO 170-BIO 171, BIO 180-BIO 181 General Biology I and II with laboratories
      ‑CHM 141-CHM 121, CHM 142-CHM 127 General Chemistry I and II with laboratories
      ‑GEO 100-GEO 101, GEO 102- GEO 103 Physical and Historical Geology with laboratories
      ‑AST 100-AST 101, AST 102-AST 103 Contemporary Theories of the Solar System (with planetary laboratory) and of the Universe (with galactic laboratory)
      ‑AST 120-AST 160 Space Science I and II with laboratories
      - PHY 120-PHY 121, PHY 160 -PHY 161, General Physics I and II with laboratories
   2. A one year sequence chosen from the list of courses below:
      ‑Mathematics: (3 credits)
2. Social Scientific Analysis: (3-4 credits)

One course from either category:

1. Social Scientific Analysis: 100-level
2. Social Scientific Analysis: 200-level

1. The Contemporary World: (4 credits)
2. Textual, Aesthetic, and Linguistic Analysis: (3-4 credits)

One course from either category:

1. Literature: 200-level
2. Arts and Communications: 100-or 200 level

1. Pluralism and Diversity Requirement: (0-4 credits)

Please refer to the section in the Catalog on general education requirements for approved course lists and complete details.

Pre-Computer Science Sequence: 4 credits

A grade of C or above in CSC 126 will be required for admission to the Computer Science-Mathematics Baccalaureate program. Students will be allowed to repeat the course, if necessary.

Pre-Major Requirements: 22-25 credits

Students planning to major in Computer Science-Mathematics should complete the following requirements prior to their junior year.

Calculus sequence chosen from the following: 10-13 credits

Major Requirements: 52 credits

Computer Science: 24 credits

Mathematics: 24 credits

Electives: 0-12 credits
Total Credits Required: 120

Mathematics Minor

Minor

Pre-Minor requirements:

Requirements: 12 credits

At least 12 credits of mathematics courses at the 300 or 400 level including at least one four-credit course that has not been used to satisfy a requirement for another major. A GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Mathematics Testing (See also Academic Policies/Testing)

Every student entering The City University of New York must take a mathematics proficiency and placement test. Prior to fall 2004 the test used was the five-part CUNY Mathematical Assessment Test (CMAT). Beginning in fall 2004, the test used is the COMPASS Exam. This new exam is a computer adaptive test, which consists of four parts: Part I - Numerical Skills/Pre-Algebra, Part II - Algebra, Part III College Algebra, and Part IV - Trigonometry. Mathematics proficiency can be demonstrated by appropriate scores on the COMPASS Exam, Parts I and II or an appropriate score on prior mathematics exams such as the math section of the SAT or the NYS Regents Mathematics exams. Students who have sufficient background in mathematics can be exempted from the proficiency part of the exam, but are still required to take the placement section of the COMPASS Exam beginning with Part II - Algebra, for placement into the appropriate level of mathematics courses.

Students who do not get the required score on Part I and Part II of the COMPASS Exam and are not exempt based upon the SAT and NYS Regents score are not considered to be math proficient.

These students are required to achieve proficiency within one year. This one year includes the pre- and post-freshmen summer immersion program, the winter immersion program, and the fall and spring remedial coursework. Students who do not achieve proficiency in mathematics within one year will be dismissed.

All non-proficient students who fail both Part I and Part II of the COMPASS exam must complete a pre-freshman math immersion course. Other non-proficient students may take an immersion program or the appropriate 0-level mathematics course (MTH 020).

Mathematics Placement

All incoming students must take the COMPASS Exam, a mathematics proficiency and placement test. Those who are exempt from the proficiency part of the exam are required to take the placement part of the exam beginning with Part II - the Algebra section, in order to be placed into an appropriate mathematics course that is consistent with their curriculum.

Placement in mathematics courses is governed by the following Mathematics Department policies:

1. Incoming students who have failed to exhibit mathematics proficiency are eligible only for placement into either MTH 015 (6 hours.) for students who failed both parts of the proficiency exam or MTH 020 (4 hours.) for students who failed only one part of the proficiency exam and are not eligible to take any other mathematics courses until passing MTH 015 or MTH 020.

   Students who have mathematics proficiency but do not have a sufficiently high score on Part II (Algebra) of the COMPASS Exam need further work in elementary algebra are only eligible for placement into MTH 020.

   Students who have mathematics proficiency and in addition have sufficiently high scores on the appropriate parts of the (four-part) COMPASS Exam, or NYS Regents are eligible for placement into MTH 030, 102, 108, 109, 113, 121, 123, 130, 217, 221, 223, 230, or 231, according to the current Mathematics Placement Score table published by the Department of Mathematics. These courses may have additional prerequisites or restrictions.

2. Transfer students should bring documentation of previous course work in mathematics to the Mathematics Department for evaluation and placement, as soon as possible after admission to the College. If applicable, students should provide a copy of their high school transcripts with NYS Regents scores. Transfer students should bring catalog descriptions of their previous mathematics courses, along with copies of their transcripts with the original grades.
3. Students who complete MTH 123 with a grade of A may go directly to Calculus I MTH 231. Students who complete MTH 123 with a grade of A or B may go directly to Calculus I with a pre-calculus component, MTH 230. In either case, however, students who need additional background in trigonometry are advised to take MTH 130 before taking Calculus I.
4. Initial placement into all mathematics courses, including MTH 015 or MTH 020, 030, 102, 108, 109, 113, 121, 123, 130, 217, 221, 223, 230, or 231 for students not covered by the policies above is determined by the recommendation of faculty advisors in the Department of Mathematics, based on documentation or demonstration of the student’s mathematics preparation.

Selecting Appropriate Mathematics Courses

The College offers several introductory mathematics courses and course sequences meeting a variety of student interests and needs, described below.

Catalog Contents

Click arrowheads to expand or collapse contents

Expand all • Collapse all

Catalog Links

• Catalog Home
• Alphabetical Index
• Site Map