Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Mathematical Sciences

The primary goals of the Mathematical Sciences curriculum are to offer general training in mathematical reasoning and to develop mastery of mathematical tools needed for a lifelong series of different jobs and continuing education. Much emphasis is placed on the theory of problem-solving and nurturing such abilities as intuition, inductive and deductive reasoning, and model building.

The student is also made aware of the power and elegance of mathematical truth through careful analysis of axiomatic systems and mathematical theories. Throughout the undergraduate program students are encouraged to formulate their own problems and conjectures, thus challenging their own ability to cope with the mathematical literature.

In fostering these goals the Mathematical Sciences curriculum provides grounding in the traditional areas of theoretical mathematics. It also allows student the flexibility of choosing elective courses based on future career or graduate school goals.

In the senior year, students work individually with a faculty member on their self-selected senior project, which culminates in a research paper and a presentation, usually at the Hudson River Undergraduate Mathematics Conference. For interested students, there can be the opportunity to do research with a faculty member before senior year.

The programs lead to a Bachelor of Science degree in the Mathematical Sciences, including if pursuing the teacher preparation-secondary school major, or a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics, if pursuing the teacher preparation-elementary major. The programs have been patterned to follow the recommendations of the Committee on Undergraduate Programming in Mathematics of the Mathematical Association of America.