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Wednesday Dec 12, 2007
Financial Mathematics Concentration
A concentration in Financial Mathematics is being proposed for the Applied Math BS. Except for reducing the number of Science courses with a lab, this concentration fits into the AMA program. For more information on this proposal, please visithttp://www.math.ncsu.edu/selfreg/proposals/
Posted at 02:55PM Dec 12, 2007 by Jeffrey Scroggs in Math Undergrad Course and Curriculum Committee |
Tuesday Dec 11, 2007
Applied Math BS Curriculum
Here is an informal proposal for changing the Applied Math BS curriculum. It is a discussion document, not a formal proposal. Michael Shearer.B.S. Applied Mathematics Curriculum: Proposed Changes
Discussion Document. Michael Shearer
Background
The BS in Applied Mathematics was introduced in 1995. A curriculum was formulated based on existing courses, and has remained unchanged ever since. The purpose of this proposal is to suggest changes that will help ensure our students graduating with an Applied Mathematics BS degree have received a thorough training in Applied Mathematics, suitable for graduate work in Applied Mathematics or Multidisciplinary Studies with a major mathematics component. A further motivation is to train students for an increasingly technological work environment in which both traditional and applied mathematics skills and knowledge are valued.
The Applied and Computational Mathematics Option at Virginia Tech. has a structure that could be useful for our BS degree. The Virginia Tech. model has four components: area of applications; scientific computation; technical tools of applied mathematics; mathematical rigor.
Proposal
The BS in Applied Mathematics at NC State University needs a common core of courses in addition to a grounding in traditional mathematics.
Currently, students must take either MA 341 (Applied Differential Equations I) or MA 351 (Introduction to Discrete Mathematical Models). We propose that MA 341 be required of all students in the BS Applied Mathematics program.
The core advanced courses we propose are as follows:
1. Mathematical methods/modeling/asymptotics
This required course at the junior level includes modeling, data analysis, scaling and nondimensionalization, asymptotics. The current class MA 430 would fulfill this, but with a different syllabus from current practice. Since MA 430 and 432 are modeling courses, it might be better to introduce a new course MA 429, and retain MA 430, 432 as complementary modeling options, with students being required to take one or the other.
2. Numerical analysis and scientific computing. The existing course MA 427 should be required, or possibly MA 428 for students more interested in discrete mathematics, combinatorics, applications of algebra.
Applied mathematics electives. Two or more courses should be required from a list of electives such as:
MA 325 Intro to applied math
MA 351 Intro Discrete Math Models (currently alternate to MA 341)
MA 401 (or MA 534) Applied Differential Equations II (PDE)
MA 402 Computational Math, Models, Methods and Analysis
MA 421 Probability
MA 416 Combinatorics
MA 428 Introduction to Numerical Analysis II
MA 430 Mathematical Models in the Physical Sciences (if not required)
MA 432 Mathematical Models in Life and Social Sciences
MA 437 Applications of Algebra
MA 440 Game Theory
and/or graduate-level classes such as MA 573-574, MA 580.
Remarks: MA 351, MA 430 should be examined, and offered on a regular basis. Are these serving the applied mathematics majors appropriately? MA 430 taught by Ron Fulp focuses on Mathematical Physics rather than mathematical methods or models.
Bob White's Intro to Applied Math, MA 325 is positioned as a light introduction to the breadth of applied mathematics, suitable for sophomore students.
MA 402 probably should not be allowed in addition to MA 427, as there is undoubtedly a lot of overlap.
The role of a complex variables course, MA 513, in the Applied Mathematics BS curriculum should be discussed. It is generally taught from an applied perspective, with emphasis on the elegant interlocking of ideas and constructions, and some treatment of applications such as potential fluid flow and electrostatics.
Students interested in physical science or engineering applications should take a PDE course, either MA 401 or MA 534, and would not get credit for MA 501.
Can we cross-list 501 as a 400 level class, and make MA 401 a math majors class? Suitable undergraduate texts are by: Strauss (with a new edition about to appear); Logan; Haberman.
The applied electives should be retained, to encourage students to take classes outside the major.
Posted at 02:43PM Dec 11, 2007 by Michael Shearer in General | Comments[2]
Friday Dec 07, 2007
PAMS Late Schedule Revision Policy
I have posted the new Late Schedule Revision Policy for PAMS athttp://www.math.ncsu.edu/selfreg/undergrad/Forms/LateRevisionPolicyPAMS.pdf
Nothing much has changed -- students still need a documented medical/emotional/fiscal(job) reason to make a change after the deadline.
Posted at 03:10PM Dec 07, 2007 by Jeffrey Scroggs in General |