Majors
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics,
Pure Mathematics Concentration
Overview
The Pure Mathematics Concentration is Wright State University's standard college mathematics program. It should be selected by students who wish to study mathematics per se, rather than statistics, computing, or applications of mathematics. It is also the program of choice for those who intend to pursue mathematics (or closely related disciplines) at the graduate level. Students who wish to prepare for entry into the job market can do so in this program by wisely choosing among the many available electives.
Modern mathematics has several major branches. The three most commonly studied by undergraduate mathematics majors are algebra, geometry and topology, and analysis. Well-prepared freshmen will have sampled parts of the first two of these in high school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. In college, mathematics majors encounter the beginning topic in the third branch--analysis--in their calculus classes.
The core courses in the Pure Mathematics Concentration for the junior and senior years are two year-long sequences in algebra and analysis. Several characteristics distinguish these and other advanced courses from more elementary ones. Generally speaking, computation becomes less important and logical reasoning becomes more important. Ideas and objects (e.g., number, set, function, matrix) are discussed in a deeper, more precise way. Careful justification, in the form of deductive proof, is given for the facts, or theorems, which are presented. The reliance upon deductive proof as the basis of truth and the tendency toward abstraction are two fundamental characteristics of present-day mathematics. Students in the Pure Mathematics Concentration will be thoroughly exposed to both during their junior and senior years.
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics - Pure Math Concentration Checklist
Important: The above checklist is accurate as of December 2008 but should be used only with consultation with your department advisor to ensure that you meet all requirements for graduation.
Calculus Instruction
The four calculus courses offered by the department of Mathematics and Statistics is a key part of the Bachelor in Science in Mathematics degree. The following links will take you to important and helpful information about these courses:
Calculus Laboratory - Calculus Lab Schedule for Spring Term 2009
Math Help Room in the Student Academic Success Center
Advisors
Dr. Phan Loi [ e-mail ] Room 105 MM - (937) 775-3829
Dr. K.T. Arasu [ email ] Room 234 MM - (937) 775-3828
Dr. Daniel Slilaty [ email ] Room 259 MM - (937) 775-2572
Sample Program of Study
The program below shows just one of the many possible ways of satisfying the degree requiements for the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree. However, course scheduling and degree requirements change periodically. Thus, students enrolled in this degree program should expect to modify this program of study in consultation with their freshman advisor.
Fall Quarter, Freshman Year
Winter Quarter, Freshman Year
Spring Quarter, Freshman Year
Fall Quarter, Sophomore Year
Winter Quarter, Sophomore Year
Spring Quarter, Sophomore Year
Fall Quarter, Junior Year
Winter Quarter, Junior Year
Spring Quarter, Junior Year
Fall Quarter, Senior Year
Winter Quarter, Senior Year
Spring Quarter, Senior Year
Grand Total: 183 Credit Hours