Catalog 05-07 - Biola University

Mathematics
Faculty
Chair: .............................................................................Edward Thurber, Ph.D.
Professor: .................................................................................................. Thurber
Associate Professors: ...........................................................................Stangl
Objectives
The Department of Mathematics at Biola University provides several
areas of concentration in addition to a basic core curriculum. The
student is allowed considerable flexibility in the major, depending
upon vocational or professional goals. Our student labs are equipped
with numerous Pentium and Macintosh workstations. We also have
a Computer Science Alcove equipped with the latest Pentium IV
platforms running either Windows or Linux.
The department endeavors to provide (1) a strong foundational
core curriculum for the student desiring to pursue graduate study
in both the pure and applied fields of mathematical science, (2)
course work and training to prepare students for applied mathematical
sciences (statistics, computer science, operations research and
actuarial science) and the field of teaching, (3) support courses for
the curriculum of other majors (biological science, physical science,
engineering, business and nursing) and (4) courses basic to gaining
some knowledge of mathematics as part of a liberal arts education.
The department provides an attractive and thorough offering in
mathematics as part of God’s creation and there is a concerted effort
to integrate faith and learning.
Degree Program
A Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematical Sciences is offered
upon completion of the university baccalaureate and the math
major in one of the emphases. Those who plan to pursue graduate
studies should take at least two of 410, 450 or 480 regardless of the
area of concentration.
Majors
a P P l I e d m at h (47 U n I t s)
Students who are interested in preparing for careers in business or
industry should choose this emphasis. Courses introduce a variety of
areas of applied mathematics. This emphasis must complete: Math
105, 106, 112, 205, 291, 305, 315, 321, 331, 332, 333, two units of 370,
435 or 440, one course (3 units) at the 300 or 400 level in Math, and
Computer Science 105.
Co m P U t e r s C I e n C e (53 U n I t s)
This emphasis allows a mathematics major the opportunity to
focus on the more mathematical aspects of computer science. This
emphasis must complete: Math 105, 106, 112, 205, 291, 305, 315, at
least two of 321, 331, 332, 333, two units of 370; Computer Science
105, 106, 202, 400; and three courses (9 units) at the 300 or 400 level
in math or computer science.
m at h e m at I C s (47 U n I t s)
This emphasis allows the student flexibility in the selection of upper-division
courses. A faculty advisor will aid the student in making
these choices. The student planning to pursue mathematics in
graduate school would find this particularly appropriate. This emphasis
must complete: Math 105, 106, 112, 205, 291, 305, 315, two units
of 370; Computer Science 105; and six courses (18 units) in math at
the 300 or 400 level.
m at h e m at I C s s e Co n da ry te aC h I n G (6 3 U n I t s)
Students who wish to prepare to teach mathematics at the highschool
level should select this emphasis. These students work toward
a preliminary single-subject credential and should consult the
Education Department. This emphasis must complete: Math 105,
106, 112, 205, 291, 305, 315, 331, 332, 341, two units of 370, 415, two
courses (6 units) at the 300 or 400 level; Computer Science 105, and
Education 301, 330, 341, 425, and 435.
All concentrations must include 24 upper division units.
note: The general education requirement for a foreign language
for those following a mathematical sciences major may be
met by two years of high school language or the first four
units of a college language. The science / mathematics
requirement may be met by three units of science.
Minor
A Mathematical Sciences Minor is offered with the completion of 23
units, six of which must be upper division. Students must consult
with a department adviser. The basic curriculum for a minor is 106,
112, 205, 291, two courses (6 units) at the 300 or 400 level and Computer
Science 105.
Courses (MATH)
math 101 Precalculus mathematics ......................................................3
Sets, the real number system, relations, functions, graphs,
algebraic processes, inequalities, trigonometric functions,
exponential and logarithmic functions, introduction to se-
quences. Prerequisite: three years of high school mathematics
or consent. Cannot be counted toward the major. Spring.
math 102 Topics in mathematics ........................................................1-2
Topics in mathematics selected from general education math-
ematics classes. Arranged in conjunction with the individual
needs of the student. Prerequisite: consent.
math 103 Calculus for management sciences .................................3
Fundamental principles of differential and integral calculus.
Applications chosen mainly from the management sciences.
Prerequisite: passing proficiency exam administered by
Mathematics Department or receiving a “C” or better grade in
Intermediate Algebra the prior year. Fall, spring.
2005 – 2007 C ATA LO G Undergraduate Programs 119