Go to information for Mathematics, Engineering & Computer Science/Cybersecurity .
Department Contact:
Chair: Rachel Wagner, rwagner@francis.edu, 814-471-1215
Coordinator: Ying Li
The program in mathematics embodies both views of mathematics: one, as the study of abstract structures and hence independent of the physical world; the other, as the cornerstone of all scientific inquiry. This program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a concentration in Applied Mathematics.
Applied mathematics is a broad field that has grown to include a wide variety of subjects - statistics, biomathematics, cryptography, scientific computation, mathematical modeling, economics, financial mathematics, operations research and engineering. It provides a foundation in the mathematical techniques used in these subjects and trains the student to use these skills in real world problems.
Applied mathematicians and computational scientists work for federal and state governments, the military, financial services, scientific research and development services, and consulting services specializing in management, science, and technology. Software publishers, insurance companies, aerospace, pharmaceutical, and other manufacturing companies also employ applied mathematicians and computational scientists. Many also work in academia, teaching the next generation and developing innovations through their own research.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Have the ability to make vague ideas precise by representing them in mathematical notation, when appropriate;
- Have an ability to apply techniques for solving problems expressed in mathematical notation;
- Have the ability to model physical and other phenomena with some to all of the following methods: approximation and optimization techniques, linear programming, numerical/computational methods;
- Have an ability to problem-solve and exercise modeling skills.
Capstone Requirement
Students in the Mathematics, B.S., Applied Mathematics Concentration program are required to pass the ETS Mathematics major field exam and complete a senior research project. The requirements can be met by successfully completing MATH 492 Mathematics Seminar (1 credit).
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