About the Department of Mathematics & Statistics
The curriculum in the Department of
Mathematics and Statistics is organized to provide:
a rigorous program for students who want to major in the field and prepare
themselves for graduate study and/or careers in mathematics and statistics,
or who wish to major in these fields as an excellent intellectual background
for professions such as law, medicine and business;
support for students in disciplines that use very sophisticated
mathematics such as biology, chemistry, computer science, economics,
engineering, and physics;
general literacy for those just beginning
to explore the analytical aspects of their intelligence or for more
advanced students who are taking mathematics simply for the pleasure of it.
Mathematics and statistics have grown
enormously in recent years, developing an increasing number of specialties and
applications. All mathematical endeavor, however, is based upon logical argument,
abstraction, and an analytical approach to problem solving. Ideally, the study of
mathematical sciences develops the ability to reason logically from hypothesis to
conclusion, to analyze and solve quantitative problems, and to express one's
thoughts clearly and precisely. In addition, the Department hopes that studying
mathematics will foster an appreciation for the beauty and power of its methods,
abstract approach, and rigorous structure.
