Mathematics is one of the oldest intellectual disciplines. Yet, other disciplines continue to find new and exciting applications. The shape of our universe may turn out to have over ten dimensions and require an understanding of topology to describe. Bioinformatics is a new discipline combining biology, mathematics, and computer science which attempts to capitalize on the mapping of the human genome. Mathematics continues to play a role in cryptography, computer graphics, and operations research as well as in engineering and science.
The BA in Mathematics can prepare students for a variety of careers. The problem solving and communication skills acquired are generally valuable in business and industry. K-12 teachers of mathematics are always in demand. Graduates from our graduate program teach in the local community colleges.
The BS Applied and Computational Mathematics degree focuses on preparing students for more technical careers. Students who specialize in probability and statistics find positions related to actuarial science in the insurance industry and government. NASA-Ames and the aerospace industry have positions requiring backgrounds in applied mathematics and statistics.
A minor in mathematics is valuable to majors in science, engineering, business, and the social sciences as it provides important tools of research and understanding for these subject areas.
Most of our classes are taught by the full time faculty. Professors spend considerable time interacting with students outside of class.
Mathematics majors are assigned to an advisor based on the degree they are pursuing and the student's ID number. The list of advisors is available at the Mathematics Department Office in MacQuarrie Hall 308, along with other informational handouts. Advising and curricular information is also available at the Mathematics Department's website: www.math.sjsu.edu. Transfer students need to complete course equivalency forms with their advisor during the first semester in order to match prior college course work with stated major requirements. All students must meet with their advisors every semester at SJSU to obtain their advisor's signature on advising hold release forms. The advising release form needs to be submitted to the Mathematics Department Office, MH 308, to permit registration for classes the next semester.
The requirements for mathematics majors to graduate with departmental honors are: (1) at least a 3.0 G.P.A. overall, (2) at least a 3.5 G.P.A. in the major, (3) Completion of MATH 180H (Individual Studies for Honors).
The Center for Applied Mathematics, Computation and Statistics (CAMCOS) is a program designed to involve government and industry in providing students with practical experience that will make them more effective employees. After a sponsor provides a problem, a team is formed of students and a faculty supervisor to work on the problem. Students receive three units of credit through enrollment in Math 203 each semester they participate. Projects have been sponsored by Hewlett Packard, Lockheed, GTE, IBM, Intel, EPRI, NASA and other companies and research organizations.
The department maintains a computer laboratory for student use to support course work in the department. Students may use the computer lab either by registering for one unit of lab or by paying a semester fee. There is also a Macintosh lab serving classes for future K-12 teachers of mathematics. It is equipped with 30 Macintosh computers. All computers in the department are networked.
Enrollment for credit in MATH 8, 10, 12, 70, 71, 101, 105, 106, 107A, and 107B will not be allowed for students who have received credit in MATH 19, 30, 31, 30P, 32, unless the particular course in question is required for the student's major, minor or credential requirements.
Many students who wish to enroll in MATH 19, MATH 19A, MATH 30 or MATH 30P are required to take the Mathematics Placement Examination. Information and forms are available in the Mathematics Department Office, MH 308, or online at Precalculus and Calculus on the Mathematics Department website: www.math.sjsu.edu.
A grade of "C-" or better is required for courses being used to meet any requirement in any minor or major offered by the Mathematics Department, including support courses.
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