Handbook
for Undergraduate Majors
Department of
Mathematics
14 MLH
(MacLean Hall)
(319) 335-0714
http://www.math.uiowa.edu
This Handbook belongs to ____________________________________________
(D. Randell, 1989)
(J. Simon, January 1999)
(D.
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
HANDBOOK FOR UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS
A successful math major represents a special combination of creativity and analytic rigor that is respected worldwide. Those of us who “do” mathematics are constantly excited by the combination of internal beauty and powerful applicability that motivate our studies. It's simply great stuff---challenging, fun, and vitally important to society.
Mathematics is a basic tool for understanding the world, and it is a crucial requirement for many careers in science, engineering, business and the professions. It is also a living, dynamic field of research.
There are several paths to a mathematics degree, so the lists of options may look confusing; just remember, for most tracks, you need eleven (11) courses for a BA, thirteen (13) for a BS. A minimum g.p.a. of 2.0 in the major is required to obtain a degree in mathematics, but you should aim much higher.
There are three tracks in the major: program A (for students who plan to work in industry or government or to pursue graduate study in mathematics), program B (Mathematics Education), and program C (mathematics with specialization in a math-related area).
Each track in the major has a core of several courses, followed by choices for electives. All the programs begin with 2 semesters of calculus and a course in linear algebra; your high school background and AP or other college level work will influence where you start. The next level of core courses includes 2‑4 courses (depending on the track) in multivariable calculus, introductory analysis, introductory abstract algebra, and differential equations. After the core courses, you select electives from upper level mathematics courses as well as certain courses in statistics/actuarial science or computer science (see also program C).
We encourage you to pursue interests in the many fields where mathematics is important, such as business and the physical or social sciences. If you want to enter the job market with a BA/BS degree, you should include courses in Computer Science, Statistics, and some area(s) of application. program C allows you to develop a strong area of application and is especially suited to double majors.
There is a special track, program B, for students seeking certification for secondary
teaching. For certification you will need to meet a combination of mathematics
requirements and
While mathematics is not the most common route to careers in fields such as Law or Medicine, we should note that such professional schools, along with graduate programs in many other fields, do welcome math majors. The key is to also take courses in those areas to demonstrate your interest and breadth of ability.
Graduate study is the expected route for college or university teaching and research, and it is advisable for certain industrial and governmental positions.
In this handbook we discuss how to set up programs of study appropriate to your goals and offer some tips and useful information about scheduling, preparation for jobs or graduate school, special opportunities for research, scholarships, etc.
The Department of Mathematics is part of the
This Handbook is available in the
Mathematics Department office and on the internet at http://www.math.uiowa.edu. The web site also has additional
Department information as well as the home pages of many of the faculty and
other students.
DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION AND ADVISING_______________________________________
OVERVIEW OF
THE BA/BS PROGRAMS______________________________________________
PLANNING YOUR
PROGRAM_______________________________________________________
PLANNING THE
FIRST YEAR__________________________________________________________
MATHEMATICS
INCENTIVE PROGRAM (MIP)____________________________________________
PLANNING THE
SECOND YEAR AND BEYOND__________________________________________
PREREQUISITE
STRUCTURE FOR CORE COURSES________________________________________
WHEN ARE
VARIOUS COURSES OFFERED?_____________________________________________
DETAILS OF
PROGRAM A: Mathematics (BA or BS)_________________________________________
DETAILS OF
PROGRAM B: Mathematics + Secondary-School Teaching____________________________
DETAILS OF
PROGRAM C: Mathematics + Area of Application__________________________________
Templates for
Program C____________________________________________________________
Mathematics
of Optimal Business Decision Making_____________________________________________________
Mathematics
and Economics______________________________________________________________________
Mathematics
and Physics________________________________________________________________________
Mathematics
and Statistics and Actuarial Science
________________________________________________________13
Mathematics
and Computer Science________________________________________________________________ 14
Biomathematics________________________________________________________________________________ 15
Mathematics
and Biostatistics_____________________________________________________________________
CALCULUS
COURSES_______________________________________________________________
22M:25-26
CALCULUS, I-II_______________________________________________________________________
ENGINEERING
CALCULUS______________________________________________________________________
SAMPLE
SCHEDULES_______________________________________________________________
Program A BS (Eventual
Ph.D.)_________________________________________________________________
Program A BS (Industry, Govt., or Grad. School in Applied Math.)____________________________
Program B BA (Teaching
Certification)____________________________________________________________
FOUR-YEAR
GRADUATION PLAN_____________________________________________________
DOUBLE MAJORS AND DOUBLE DEGREES_________________________________________
Computer
Science______________________________________________________________________________ 20
Physics and
Astronomy_________________________________________________________________________
Statistics
and Actuarial Science____________________________________________________________________
Engineering__________________________________________________________________________________
Business,
Economics, Biological Sciences____________________________________________________________
MINOR IN
MATHEMATICS________________________________________________________
ELEMENTARY
EDUCATION MATHEMATICS SPECIALIZATION_______________________
TRANSFERS
FROM ENGINEERING TO MATHEMATICS_____________________________
SPECIAL
OPPORTUNITIES_________________________________________________________
FINANCIAL AND
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT__________________________________________
UNDERGRADUATE
RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIPS_______________________________________
SUMMER
RESEARCH________________________________________________________________
SUMS - the
Undergraduate Math club______________________________________________________
HONORS IN
MATHEMATICS_________________________________________________________
PREPARING FOR
A JOB OR GRADUATE SCHOOL___________________________________
Appendix G:
GRADE AND CREDIT REQUIREMENTS__________________________________
Appendix R: REGRESSION,
DUPLICATION, and SECOND GRADE OPTION______________
Appendix F: MATHEMATICS FACULTY AND RESEARCH
INTERESTS________________ 33
WORKSHEET FOR
PLANNING SCHEDULE__________________________________________
NOTE: Please forward suggestions for improving this Handbook to Prof. Weimin Han, B1D MLH, 335-0770, whan@math.uiowa.edu. During the year, there may be corrections or policy changes, so students and advisors should check occasionally for updates.
Nondiscrimination Statement: The
in employment or in its
educational programs and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color,
creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity,
or associational
preference. The University
also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to
University facilities.
The Mathematics Department has a Chair
(Prof.
We have an excellent support staff, including certain Secretaries who deal often with students: Margaret Driscol handles money matters and also is the person to see about meeting with the Department Chair. Cindy Van Ark works most closely with the Graduate Program. Katie Voss works closely with the Undergraduate Program.
Students in all majors usually receive
initial advising from AAC, the
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PEOPLE TO CONTACT |
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PHONE AND/OR EMAIL |
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Prof. Weimin Han |
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B1D MLH, 335-0770 whan@math.uiowa.edu |
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Katie Voss, Secretary |
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14 MLH, 335-3175 kvoss@math.uiowa.edu |
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Bill Nibbelink, Mathematics Education Program Advisor |
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N259A LC, 335-5593 William-nibbelink@uiowa.edu |
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Or contact TEP Applications |
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TEP Applications |
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N310 LC, 335-5359 |
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Academic Advising Center |
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C210 |
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Prof. Weimin Han Department Honors Advisor |
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B1D MLH, 335-0770 whan@math.uiowa.edu |
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There are three programs leading to a BA or BS = (BA plus two extra upper level courses). These are summarized below. See DETAILS OF PROGRAM A, ...B, ...C for more information.
In addition, the Department offers a minor. It is especially easy to do a double major, or major/minor combination in Mathematics, with Statistics/Actuarial Science or with Computer Science because of the number of their courses that count towards a Mathematics degree. (See section on Double Majors)
Program A is the traditional and most general degree. This program is extremely flexible. One student might take electives specifically preparing for graduate work in math, while another might take courses emphasizing tools for applications, including 22C: (Computer Science) and 22S: (Statistics and Actuarial Science) electives.
Program B serves the math majors who
are preparing for secondary school teaching. This is a carefully designed
program enabling students to satisfy the State of
Program C is designed for students who want a degree in mathematics with a clear specialization in some area of application. The key is that certain courses in the area of application are counted towards the Mathematics degree. (This also facilitates double majors or major/minor combinations.) Students can focus on areas for which templates already have been designed (Optimal Business Decision Making, Economics, Physics, Biomathematics, Biostatistics, Computer Science, Statistics/Actuarial Science) or propose new ones. In consultation with a Mathematics faculty advisor, the student prepares a program of studies tailor-made to her/his future plans or career needs. The proposed program of studies must be approved by the Director of the Undergraduate Program and the Mathematics Department Undergraduate Committee.
This section has general advice and several sample schedules. Remember the samples are just samples, not rigid specifications. For ProgramS A, B, and C we list the specific requirements you need to satisfy. These are quite flexible, so we do not expect you to need to ask for substitutions or other modifications. But you do have that right, and may appeal to the Department (via the Director of the Undergraduate Program) if you wish to propose a modification. You should consult closely with your faculty advisor before making such an appeal.
Because of the special nature of Program C, it is essential that you work with your Mathematics faculty advisor as early as possible in planning your multi‑year schedule in that program.
It is not hard to get a second major. Natural tie-ins include Computer Science, Statistics or Actuarial Science, since many courses can be counted toward both majors. Other nice combinations are with Physics, other physical or biological sciences, Economics, and other social sciences. Some students also pursue Math/Music and Math/Philosophy combinations. If you are planning a double-major in an area where mathematics is used a