THE DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science promotes the methods and benefits of rigorous, objective mathematical thought, theoretical computer science and algorithmic and logical understanding, both for their intrinsic beauty and for their applications to other disciplines. These principles are incorporated into the larger University program of educating the whole person in the Jesuit tradition. Our aims are focused not only on our students, but also on our professional communities and the community at large.
Goals and Objectives
of Courses Taught (Link to chart relating courses
to specific goals and objectives):
Goal #1: Connect the study of mathematics and computer science to other disciplines.
Objective:
a) Students will obtain skills and logical perspectives in our introductory (core) courses that prepare them for subsequent courses inside and outside our department. Specifically, students will develop proficiency with the techniques of mathematics and/or computer science, the ability to evaluate logical arguments, and the ability to apply mathematical methodologies to solving real world problems.
Goal #2: For students who choose to pursue a degree in Mathematics: Appreciate and develop facility with mathematical structures.
Objectives:
a) Students must be able to understand and write rigorous arguments (i.e., proofs) for theorems.
b) Students must show mastery in the three basic areas of mathematics: analysis, algebra, and topology /geometry on a basic level in lower division courses and at an advanced level in upper division courses.
Goal #3: For students who choose to pursue a degree in Computer Science: Understand the foundations of Computer Science and appreciate some of its theoretical and applied uses.
Objectives:
a) Students will develop a strong foundation in programming, software development and data manipulation and become familiar with theoretical aspects of computer science.
b) Students will acquire a strong facility for developing, analyzing, and applying algorithms.
Goal #4: Work to produce a thriving undergraduate program.
Objectives:
a) Work to increase both the quality and quantity of our majors.
b) Maintain and enhance an intellectually and socially vibrant student-faculty community.
c) Prepare students for any of the various career paths they may choose including graduate school and teaching. This includes advising and continual consideration of course offerings and changes to our majors’ requirements.
d) Be an active presence in university service, which helps us connect our students to the larger university life.
Goal #5: The department will disseminate mathematics and computer science to the community.
Objective:
a) Members of the department will sponsor talks and work to maintain strong relationships with the university community, local high schools, and the general public. They will take a leading role in sponsoring mathematical contests within the university as well as on the local and national levels. They will also continue to be active in national professional societies.
Goal #6: The department will encourage high quality research and scholarship from its faculty and, when appropriate, its students.
Objective:
a) The department will work to create an environment in which research can flourish, in part by providing financial assistance and by working to remove obstacles that are not central to its core goals, thereby giving faculty the resources and time necessary to pursue scholarship.