math

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Mathematics Program is to provide an analytic and quantitative base for all of the University's programs and to provide specific preparation for students in the sciences, business, and technology. The primary focus of the Mathematics Department is excellence in the teaching of undergraduate mathematics. All Mathematics faculty are required to teach entry level mathematics courses and to participate in the Mathematics/Computer Science Tutorial Program. The major curriculum categories are: (1) Theoretical Mathematics, (2) Applied Mathematics with emphasis in Scientific, Computer Science, Statistics or Economics Applications, and (3) Teacher Certification in Mathematics at the secondary school level. Graduate mathematics courses have been installed to support the M.S. Degree in Material Science and the M.A.T. Degree in the School of Education. The Mathematics Department is finalizing a proposal to offer a graduate degree in Mathematics.

FOCUS

The primary focus of the Mathematics Department is excellence in the teaching of undergraduate mathematics. All Mathematics faculty are required to teach entry level mathematics courses and to participate in the Mathematics/Computer Science Tutorial Program.

GOALS

The Mathematics Department assists students of all majors in mastering the quantitative skills necessary for success in their various disciplines. The Department prepares students majoring in mathematics for careers in the mathematical sciences from both a theoretical and an applied viewpoint, providing simultaneously preparation for those who wish to pursue graduate study. The Department's specific goals are as summarized as follows:

To assist students of all majors in mastering basic mathematical skills, maximizing their problem-solving skills, and acquiring an appreciation for the critical role of quantitative thinking in modern society;
To aid students in developing the mathematical and computational skills necessary for use in various quantitative fields such as engineering and the natural sciences, business and economics, and the vocational areas;
To prepare students for various career opportunities as mathematicians in the applied sciences;
To prepare secondary level mathematics teachers;
To help students develop the necessary background for further study at the graduate level.

FACILITIES

The Mathematics Department, working cooperatively with the Computer science Department, maintains a fully equipped Testing and Tutorial Center for students enrolled in lower level mathematics courses as well as an Applied Mathematics Laboratory for students in upper level courses. In addition, the Department shares with the Computer Science Department a spacious Microcomputer Laboratory and has access to two DEC VAX class mainframe computers located in the University's Academic Computing Center.

SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS

The Mathematics Department has received funding totaling $800,000 from the National Science Foundation and the Department of Education to improve its curriculum and to run summer programs for public school students. This funding was recently supplemented with $25,000 scholarships which resulted in twelve NSU students being selected as NSF Teaching Scholars.
Five mathematics majors received lucrative summer internships in 1997-98 totaling $16,000 at various laboratories, government agencies, and industrial firms. ( Raytheon Corp.; MIT Lincoln Laboratory, NASA - Langley, VA; NASA - Greenbelt, MD; UNC at Chapel Hill.).
The Department sponsored two four-week summer programs for seventh, eight, and ninth grade students from the Tidewater area (Young Scholars Program and Summer Science Camp). A total of 80 students received enrichment in mathematics and science and enjoyed a number of field trips to science locations in the area.
Two of the Department's May, 1997 graduates were admitted to Harvard University in the area of Biostatistics. Their combined fellowship awards total more than $400,000. Two other graduates received employment offers of more than $40,000 each from private industry.
The Mathematics Department's Symposium was a huge success as students presented the results of a number of outstanding research projects. Distinguished judges from universities in Virginia and North Carolina participated along with an actuarial fellow (African American) from a prominent consulting firm in Northern Virginia.
The Department hosted a High School Mathematics Day for Women in which 300 young women from from local high schools attended.
The Department has two members who completed their doctorates during the academic year.
Five faculty members published research papers during the 1997-98 academic year.
Four faculty members presented research papers at national meetings during the year.
One faculty member was appointed to the Board of Examiners for the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

THE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM

General Department Requirements
All students at Norfolk State University are required to complete the General Education Core in order to qualify for the Bachelor's Degree. Additionally, the Department requires:

All majors must complete the prerequisites or their equivalents prior to enrolling in a more advanced mathematics courses.
Mathematics majors must earn at least a grade of "C" in all mathematics and computer science courses and in certain other courses specified in the curriculum.
Each mathematics major must pass a comprehensive examination covering the content of the core mathematics courses.

Programs of Study

The Department of Mathematics offers the B.S. Degree in Mathematics. The curriculum emphasizes three main areas:

Theoretical Mathematics: The Theoretical Mathematics curriculum offers a liberal foundation in classical and modern mathematics which prepares students for graduate study and/or entry into government or industrial positions. This program is also suited for students who desire to eventually teach at the college level.
Applied Mathematics with either Scientific, Computer Science, Statistics, or Economics Applications: The Scientific Applications sequence provides a strong preparation in mathematics with applications in engineering and the physical sciences. Graduates from this program are qualified as mathematical scientists for opportunities in industry, government, or advanced study. The Computer Science Applications sequence offers a dual program in mathematics and computer science. Graduates of the program enter the scientific computing field as mathematical computer scientists, and they are prepared for graduate study in either area. The Statistics Applications option offers a solid foundation in mathematical statistics which prepares students for further study in statistics and/or direct entry into industry or government positions. Students completing this option are particularly suited for emerging professions in such areas as Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Operations Research, Actuarial Science, etc. The Economics Applications option centers around the business world. The sequence features 30 hours of appropriate business and economics courses. Students completing this curriculum can expect to enter the business/economics world with a highly desirable proficiency in mathematics.
Teacher Certification: This program is designed to prepare students to teach mathematics at the secondary school level. Students may emphasize mathematics or computer science in their curriculum. Each student must complete an application to teacher education at the end of his/her sophomore year and is required to complete a student teaching field experience before graduation. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and the Master of Arts in Urban Education (MASAC) degrees are offered through the School of Education with concentrations in mathematics. The School of Education also offers programs of certification to persons with degrees in any of the previously described sequences.