MATH - Mathematics course descriptions
Faculty
Wendy Weber (chair), Russell Goodman, Thomas Linton, Mark Mills
Mathematics, one of the keystones of the liberal arts, combines the study of patterns and abstract structures with the art of problem-solving. The ability to reason with quantitative information and solve intricate problems is, and will continue to be, a highly-valued skill. No less important is the ability to communicate technical material. The mathematics faculty is committed to developing these skills in all students.
All majors will study contemporary and classic branches of mathematics. In addition, faculty encourage students to gain breadth in the major by taking both theoretical and applied courses. Other course requirements are flexible, allowing students to obtain teacher certification, gain practical experience in an internship, or go overseas on one of Central College’s abroad programs. Whether in teaching, in graduate school, or in the workplace, graduates with a liberal arts major in mathematics have the tools they need for success.
We offer three distinct majors: mathematics, mathematics with data science emphasis, and mathematics with secondary education emphasis.
Majors are encouraged to study abroad. Mathematics/secondary education emphasis majors are encouraged to consider Budapest Semesters in Mathematics Education. For many students, the spring semester of their sophomore year is an ideal time for an abroad experience. Students should consult mathematics faculty while planning to go abroad.
For information on earning credit by proficiency in mathematics, please see the Credit by Proficiency section of this catalog.
The department believes that it is essential that majors in mathematics are able to speak, read, write, and listen within the discipline. As such, many courses throughout the major include activities that evaluate students’ ability to communicate. The final evaluation of a student’s communication skills occurs in MATH 386 Mathematics Seminar. In this course, students develop and hone their reading, research, writing, and speaking skills through exploration of mathematical topics.
Students interested in combining business and mathematics may want to consider the actuarial science major, but a mathematics major may not also declare a major in actuarial science. Students seeking a mathematics teaching endorsement should consult the education department. Students choosing the data science emphasis in mathematics may not declare a computer science major with a data science emphasis.
The Analytical and Physical Science Department will not recommend for teacher licensure students whose grade point average within their mathematics and computer science courses is below 2.5. The department has advised the Education Department that such students should be denied admission to or be dropped from the teacher education program until their grade point average within the mathematics and computer science courses has been brought up to at least 2.5.
The Analytical and Physical Science Department will not recommend for teacher licensure students whose grade point average within their mathematics and computer science courses is below 2.5. The department has advised the Education Department that such students should be denied admission to or be dropped from the teacher education program until their grade point average within the mathematics and computer science courses has been brought up to at least 2.5.
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Pella, Iowa 50219
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