The University Catalog contains information relevant to all UNC Charlotte undergraduate students. This handbook is designed to supplement the Catalog and to provide you with information specifically related to a major in Mathematics. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with both sources of information.

In addition to listing the requirements to obtain a bachelor's degree in mathematics, this handbook contains information intended to help you understand the resources available to you and to facilitate your choice of upper division electives. Choice of upper division electives will be easier if you have a goal in mind. In order to help you understand the range of career options available to mathematics majors we recommend that you take MATH 3688 in the sophomore year. A short list of possible course options based on career groupings can be found on p. 17-18. Additional information can be obtained from the Undergraduate Coordinator and the University Career Center.

INTRODUCTION AND REQUIREMENTS

The need for a strong undergraduate Mathematics background has long been an integral part of fields such as engineering, physics, and chemistry. Now many other areas, including business and the life sciences are feeling the effects of technological innovation. Mathematics is a language, a science, an art form and a tool of tremendous power. The Department of Mathematics seeks to introduce students to this vast area of knowledge and to assist its students to develop (1) understanding of the concepts and structure of mathematics; (2) the ability to reason deductively and inductively; and (3) facility with the applications of mathematics.

The Department offers courses which provide a broad background in the mathematical sciences. By carefully choosing their upper-division electives, students graduating with a bachelor's degree in mathematics should find themselves well prepared for a career in business, industry, teaching, or for graduate work in mathematics. Students preparing for careers in business or industry should consider participating in our Cooperative Education Program (see p. 20).

Degree Requirements

Mathematics majors at UNC Charlotte may pursue either the B.A. or B. S. degree track. Both programs require the following courses:

ITCS 1214: Introduction to Computer Science

MATH 1241, 1242, 2241, 2242: A sequence of Calculus courses

MATH 2171: Differential Equations

MATH 2164: Linear Algebra

MATH 3163: Introduction to Modern Algebra.

MATH 3688: Mathematics Awareness Seminar

MATH 3689 or MATH 3791: Senior Project Seminar or Senior Honors Tutorial

Students in the B.A. degree program must select at least four additional courses at the upper level (numbered 3000 or above).

Students in the B.S. program must select at least six additional courses at the upper level including MATH 3141, 3142 (two semesters of Advanced Calculus), one course among MATH 3123[1] , 4163, 4164, 4181, and 5143 (see the Catalog for course titles).

Both programs require completion of an official University Minor or 18 hours of non-mathematics Related Work . (For a complete description of this requirement see Related Work below.)

Both programs require the student to fulfill certain minimum GPA requirements (see p. 8, last paragraph) and all University requirements including a minimum of 120 semester hours of undergraduate coursework and the completion of the University's goals for general education. (See the Catalog.)

The B.S. degree program requires a minimum of 11 hours of science courses .

As you can see, the B.S. degree requires more upper division mathematics courses than the B.A. degree. Which degree you decide to pursue and which upper-division electives you choose depends on your interests and your career goals.

Reasons to select the B.S. degree track include

interest in graduate work in mathematics. In many mathematics-related careers, graduate work is becoming increasingly important. At UNC Charlotte, we offer master's degrees in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Mathematics Education, and a doctoral degree in Applied Mathematics

a desire to keep career options as flexible as possible

Reasons to select the B.A. degree track include

a heavy undergraduate course load due to a second major, pursuit of the concentration in Actuarial Sciences[2] or pursuit of Secondary Education Licensure[3] .

a desire to graduate as soon as possible

Related Work or an official University Minor. All mathematics majors must take 18 hours of courses outside of the mathematics department (i.e. courses that do not have a MATH, STAT, or OPRS prefix). Related Work does not have to be related to mathematics--the courses must be related to each other and advance your knowledge in another subject area. You are encouraged to sign up for an official University Minor (see the Catalog listing of the specific department for a listing of requirements) to satisfy the Related Work requirement, but you are not required to do so. If you are seeking Secondary Education Licensure, then your education courses will automatically satisfy the Related Work requirement. If you are seeking a BA degree with a Concentration in Actuarial Sciences your related work is specified. See the section on the Conentration in Actuarial Science below. If you do not complete an official University Minor, then you and your adviser must agree on an appropriate course of study. This agreement should be recorded in your advising folder. Because Related Work requires five or six related courses, you must plan ahead and you are encouraged to think about this requirement as early as possible. The Department recognizes that circumstances may change, and that you may, at some time, wish to submit different courses for your Related Work requirement. This is, of course, possible, but if you change your mind late in your undergraduate career, it could cause your graduation date to be delayed.

Honors Program in Mathematics. The purpose of the honors program in mathematics is to stimulate the imagination and deepen the understanding of students by encouraging independent study, and to provide recognition of exceptional achievements in mathematics. Students who complete the requirements of the program graduate with Honors in Mathematics and this achievement is noted on the student's official transcript.

Admission to the Honors Program. Entrance to the Mathematics Department Honors Program is granted by the Mathematics Department based on the following minimum requirements: (1) junior or senior standing; (2) at least 20 hours of mathematics, including MATH 1241, 1242, 2241, 2242, 2171, 2164 and 3163; and (3) a grade point average of not less than 3.0 overall, and in all courses taken from the Mathematics Department.

Students must apply to the Mathematics Department for admission to the honors program and, if admitted, must select a mathematics faculty member who is willing to serve as an honors adviser. The Department recommends students admitted to the program to the University Honors Council for formal admission to honors candidacy. (In order to graduate with honors the University requires that students be admitted to honors candidacy at least two semesters before graduation.)

Honors Program Requirements. The requirements for graduation with honors are: (1) completion of all requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better; (2) a grade point average of 3.0 or better in

all courses taken from the Mathematics Department; and a GPA of 3.2 or better in all mathematics honors courses; (3) completion of at least six hours of Senior Honors Tutorial (MATH 3791) with a grade of A and submission of an honors thesis approved by the Mathematics Department; and (4) recommendation by the Mathematics Department and the University Honors Council that the student graduate with honors.

Either the student or the Department may withdraw the student from the Department Honors Program. If the date for dropping a course has passed when the student leaves the program, the student must complete any courses currently in progress in order to receive passing grades in the courses.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE WITH A CONCENTRATION IN ACTUARIAL SCIENCE

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics with an option in Actuarial Science consists of a minimum of 34 hours of mathematics and statistics courses including MATH 1241, 1242, 2241, 2242, 2164, 2171, 3163, 3688, and 3689. Upper division courses must include MATH 3122, 3123, 3128, and 3129. It is strongly recommended that students also take STAT 3126.

The program also requires ITCS 1214 and at least 18 hours of related work consisting of ACCT 2121, 2122, ECON 1201, 1202, FINN 3120, and 3271. In addition, it is strongly recommended that students take FINN 3220, FINN 3272 or 3273. All students must meet the general education requirement of the University.

Below is a brief outline relating our Actuarial Science program with Casuality Actuarial Society and the Society of Actuaries new education system started in the year 2000 :

Actuarial Exam/ Math Courses

Exam 1/Course 1

Calc I-IV(MATH 1241, 1242, 2241, 2242), Probability and Statistics I&II(STAT 3122,3123), Principles of Risk Management and Insurance(FINN 3271)

Exam 2/Course 2

Microeconomics(ECON 1202), Macroeconomics(ECON 1201), Actuarial Science I (Interest Theory)(MATH 3128), Financial Management(FINN 3120), Financial Analysis(FINN 3220)

Course 3

Actuarial Science I&II(MATH 3128, 3129) , Additional Topics in Probability and Statistics

Course 4

Probability and Statistics I&II(STAT 3122, 3123), Applied Statistical Methods(STSAT 3126), Topics in Credibility Theory and Simulation

REQUIREMENTS FOR SECONDARY EDUCATION LICENSURE

Coursework described in this section is designed for students who intend to become teachers in secondary school (grades 9-12) and seek licensure in mathematics. In addition to completing the requirements for a mathematics major (either B.A. or B.S.), certification requirements include professional studies and coursework for secondary specialization.

Students seeking Secondary Licensure in Mathematics must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program (see below) . Upon acceptance into this program they will be assigned an Education adviser in addition to their Mathematics adviser. (They continue to be Mathematics majors.) The professional studies coursework has recently been revised to meet changing state and national licensure accreditation requirements. The list below is appropriate for students entering the Teacher Education Program in Fall 1995 or later.

In order to obtain Secondary Education Licensure, upper division mathematics courses must include

MATH 3181 (Fundamental Concepts of Geometry) and

MATH 4109 (History of Mathematical Thought).

In addition, students interested in Licensure must take :

MAED 3103 Using Technology to Teach Secondary School Mathematics

MAED 3105 Geometry in the Secondary School Mathematics Curriculum

MAED 3252 Teaching Mathematics to Secondary School Learners

The following courses taught by the College of Education are also required:

EDUC 2100* Introduction to Education and Diversity in Schools

SPED 2100* An Introduction to Students with Special Needs

SECD 2140 The Adolescent Learner

SECD 3141 Secondary Schools

MDSK 3150 Research and Analysis of Teaching Middle and Secondary School Learners

MDSK 3151 Instructional Design and the Use of Technology.

HLED 3152 Health and Safety Issues in Middle and Secondary Schools

SECD 3142 Issues in Secondary Education

SPED 3290 Modifying Instruction for Learners with Diverse Needs

READ3255 Integrating Reading and Writing Across Content Areas (W)

SECD 3442 Student Teaching/Seminar: 9-12 Secondary Mathematics.

Courses marked with an asterisk above are required prior to admission to the teacher education program. A student must be accepted as a student teacher (see below) before taking SECD 3442 (Student Teaching). All other University requirements (general, professional education, and mathematics) must be completed before enrolling in this course. Consequently, this course is taken during the last semester at UNC Charlotte and constitutes a full load during that semester.

Admission to the Teacher Education Program. Students should obtain an application for formal admission to the teacher education program in the Office of Student Academic Services (Colvard 3022) before the end of the sophomore year (or as soon as possible after the sophomore year). To be admitted to the professional education program the student must meet the following criteria:

1. An overall GPA of 2.5 and a minimum of 60 credit hours;

2. A grade of C or better in EDUC 2100 and SPED 2100;

3. Approval signatures from both Mathematics and Education advisers;

4. Acceptable scores on Praxis I, a state required standardized test on reading, writing, and mathematics.

Retention in the Teacher Education Program. Retention in the teacher education program is contingent upon the student's maintenance of the following criteria:

1. An overall GPA of 2.5 or better and a GPA of 2.75 or better in professional education courses and in the area of teaching specialization (i.e. Mathematics);

2. A grade of C or better in all professional education courses and the area of teaching specialization (i.e. Mathematics).

Admission to Student Teaching. Students should obtain an application for student teaching from the Office of Field Experiences and Student Teaching (Colvard 3050) Application deadlines occur during the semester before you plan to student teach: by appointment only, September 1-15 for student teaching during the following spring and February 1-15 for student teaching the following fall. Following are criteria for admission to student teaching. A student must have:

1. The recommendation of his/her advisers;

2. Completion of all other course work in a student’s program of study;

3. An overall GPA of 2.5 or better and a GPA of 2.75 or better in professional education courses and in the area of teaching specialization (i.e. Mathematics);

4. Senior status with grades of C or above in all courses required for licensure.

Teaching Specialization GPA. In order to compute your teaching specialization GPA (minimum 2.75 for admission to student teaching) the Mathematics Department calculates an average which includes all MATH/STAT/OPRS courses, ITCS 1214 and MAED 3103, 3105, 3252.

Applying for Secondary Education Licensure. During your student teaching semester, the College of Education will counsel you as to how to apply for secondary education licensure.

SAMPLE SCHEDULES

The following sample schedules are provided to assist you in planning your undergraduate studies. You need not satisfy the general education goals in the order listed. The schedule you choose will depend on your interests, the time when you declared your mathematics major, and the Mathematics Department's rotation schedule . (Note that many upper division mathematics courses are not offered each semester, but are offered on a rotating basis. See the University Catalog or obtain a Rotation Schedule from the Mathematics Department office.) There is one sample schedule for the B.A. degree, the B.S. degree, and for those B.A. students seeking Secondary Education Licensure. (It is possible to obtain Secondary Education Licensure together with a B.S. degree, but this is not illustrated below.) Note that a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit is required to obtain any Bachelor's Degree.

Use p. 13-16 to keep track of your degree requirements. Please note that students applying for either the B.A. or B.S. degree in mathematics must have a grade point average of at least 2.0 in each of the following categories: (1) overall, (2) all MATH, STAT, or OPRS courses taken, and (3) all 2000 level and above MATH, STAT, or OPRS courses taken.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE B.A. DEGREE

(WITHOUT SECONDARY EDUCATION LICENSURE)

This schedule only illustrates one of many possibilities. You need not satisfy the general education goals in the order listed. The schedule you choose will depend on your interests, the time when you declared your mathematics major, and the Mathematics Department's rotation schedule.

Freshman Year

MATH 1241 MATH 1242

ENGL 1101 ENGL 1102

GOAL VI (C or X) ITCS 1214

Language or Elective Language or Elective

Elective Elective

Sophomore Year

MATH 2241 MATH 2242

MATH 2164 MATH 2171

MATH 3688 (zero credit hours) RELATED WORK

RELATED WORK GOAL I : Writing intensive course outside of Mathematics

GOAL IV: Laboratory Science* Goal IV: Laboratory Science*

GOAL V: (L or A) Elective

Junior Year

MATH 3163 (W) MATH 3xxx or 4xxx

MATH 3xxx or 4xxx RELATED WORK

RELATED WORK GOAL III

GOAL IV: Laboratory Science* GOAL V (A or L opposite of Soph. Year)

GOAL VI: (X) Elective

Senior Year

MATH 3xxx or 4xxx MATH 3xxx or 4xxx

RELATED WORK MATH 3689 (O) (one credit hour)

Electives (9 credit hours) RELATED WORK

Electives (6 credit hours)

*If Laboratory Science is not a sequenced pair such as CHEM 1101 and 1102, then, as indicated, three courses (10 credit hours) must be taken.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE B.S. DEGREE

(WITHOUT SECONDARY EDUCATION LICENSURE)

This schedule only illustrates one of many possibilties. You need not satisfy the general education goals in the order listed. The schedule you choose will depend on your interests, the time when you declared your mathematics major, and the Mathematics Department's rotation schedule.

Freshman Year

MATH 1241 MATH 1242

ENGL 1101 ENGL 1102

GOAL VI (C or X) ITCS 1214

Language or Elective Language or Elective

Elective Elective

Sophomore Year

MATH 2241 MATH 2242

MATH 2164 MATH 2171

MATH 3688 (zero credit hours) RELATED WORK

RELATED WORK GOAL I : Writing intensive course outside of Mathematics

GOAL IV: Laboratory Science* Goal IV: Laboratory Science*

GOAL V: (L or A) Elective

Junior Year

MATH 3141 MATH 3142

MATH 3163 (W) RELATED WORK

RELATED WORK GOAL III

GOAL IV: Laboratory Science* GOAL V (A or L--opposite of Soph. Year)

GOAL VI: (X) Elective

Senior Year

MATH 3xxx , 4xxx or 5xxx** MATH 3xxx, 4xxx or 5xxx**

MATH 3xxx or 4xxx MATH 3xxx or 4xxx

RELATED WORK MATH 3689 (O)(one credit hour)

Electives (6 credit hours) RELATED WORK

Elective

*Note that the B.S. degree in Mathematics requires a minimum of 11 hours of science courses.

**During your senior year you must select at least one course from MATH 3123, 4163, 4164, 4181, and 5143. (You may, if you choose, make this selection during your junior year. Use the rotation schedule when making your choice.)

SAMPLE SCHEDULE B.A. DEGREE

WITH SECONDARY EDUCATION LICENSURE

Note that the list of courses required for certification will be in transition over the next two years. It is essential that you meet with your Education adviser each semester in order to keep abreast of the changes in licensure requirements.

Freshman Year

MATH 1241 MATH 1242

ENGL 1101 ENGL 1102

GOAL V: (A)** ITCS 1214

Language or Elective Language or Elective

Elective Elective

Sophomore Year

MATH 2241 MATH 2242

MATH 3688 (zero credit hours) MATH 2171

EDUC 2100 (GOAL VI: C) MAED 3103

SPED 2100 SECD 2140

GOAL IV: Laboratory Science* GOAL IV: Laboratory Science*

GOAL V: (L)** **Goal III:Values or Elective

Junior Year

MATH 2164

MATH 4109 MATH 3163 (W)

MAED 3105 MATH 3181

SECD 3141 MDSK 3151

MDSK 3150 HLED 3152

Senior Year

MATH 3xxx or 4xxx SECD 3442 (Student Teaching)

MATH 3689 (O)(one credit hour)

MAED 3252

SECD 3142

READ 3255 (W)

SPED 3290

*If Laboratory Science is not a sequenced pair such as CHEM 1101 and 1102, then three courses (10 credit hours) must be taken instead of the two courses indicated.

**We recommend crossing a Literature or Arts course with Goal III (Values) if possible. If not, then you should take a Goal III course during your sophomore year.

CHECKSHEETS

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT B.A. DEGREE CHECKSHEET

Fill in course number, semester and grade after courses are completed

CORE COURSES

COURSE

SEMESTER

GRADE

ITCS 1214

MATH 1241

MATH 1242

MATH 2241

MATH 2242

MATH 2164

MATH 2171

MATH 3163

MATH 3688

MATH 3689 OR 3791

UPPER DIVISION COURSES (12 CREDITS REQUIRED)

COURSE

SEMESTER

GRADE

OTHER MATHEMATICS CREDIT (not required)

COURSE

SEMESTER

GRADE

GPA REQUIREMENTS SATISFIED (see p. 9)?______________________________

RELATED WORK REQUIREMENT COMPLETE? __________________________

(BE SURE THIS IS NOTED IN YOUR ADVISING FOLDER.)

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT B.S. DEGREE CHECKSHEET

Fill in course number, semester and grade after courses are completed

CORE COURSES

COURSE

SEMESTER

GRADE

ITCS 1214

MATH 1241

MATH 1212

MATH 2241

MATH 2242

MATH 2164

MATH 2171

MATH 3163

MATH 3688

MATH 3689 OR 3791

UPPER DIVISION COURSES (18 CREDITS REQUIRED)

COURSE	SEMESTER	GRADE
MATH 3141
MATH 3142
*

*One course must be selected from the list MATH 3123, 4163, 4164, 4181, 5143.

OTHER MATHEMATICS CREDIT (not required)

COURSE	SEMESTER	GRADE

GPA REQUIREMENTS SATISFIED (see p. 9)?______________________________

RELATED WORK REQUIREMENT COMPLETE? __________________________

(BE SURE THIS IS NOTED IN YOUR ADVISING FOLDER.)

MINIMUM OF 11 HOURS OF SCIENCE COURSES?________________________

MATHEMATICS SECONDARY LICENSURE CHECKSHEET

Mathematics Classes Required For Licensure

(usually taken as part of degree requirements)

COURSE	SEMESTER	GRADE
MATH 3181
MATH 4109

Fill in course number, semester and grade after courses are completed

MATHEMATICS EDUCATION COURSES

COURSE	SEMESTER	GRADE
MAED 3103
MAED 3105
MAED 3252

TEACHER EDUCATION COURSES

COURSE	SEMESTER	GRADE
EDUC 2100
SPED 2100
SECD 2140
SECD 3141
MDSK 3150
MDSK 3151
HLED 3152
SECD 3142
SPED 3290
READ 3255
SECD 3442

UNIVERSITY GENERAL DEGREE REQUIREMENT CHECKSHEET

COMMUNICATION

ENGL 1101 _________(3) ENGL 1102 _________(3)

MATH 3163 (W)________(3) MATH 3689 (O)_________(1)

Writing Intensive Course (NOT MATH, STAT, or OPRS) (W) ________(3)

FOREIGN LANGUAGE : (Required: proficiency through the 1102 level in French, Spanish, and German, or through the 1202 level of any other language. May be met on the basis of placement test.)

Fren/Germ/Span________ 1101 (3) __________ 1102 (3)

Any other Foreign Lang 1101_________(3) 1102 _______(3)

II. PROBLEM SOLVING (automatic with Mathematics major)

III. VALUES (V)

______________ (3)

IV. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (S)

Option A: Three (S) courses including at least one from the life sciences and at least one from the physical sciences. Only one of these classes must have an accompanying lab. (See p. 36 of the Catalog)

 __________(4 with lab) ____________(3) ______________(3)

Option B: An approved two-course sequence of (S) courses (with labs) in one science. (See p. 34 of the Catalog.)

_____________(4) ____________(4)

V. ARTS, LITERATURE AND IDEAS: (6)

Literature and ideas (L) _________(3) Arts and ideas (A) __________(3)

VI. INDIVIDUAL, SOCIETY, AND CULTURE (6)

Cross-cult/Intnl (X) __________(3) Other (C or X) __________(3)

CAREER INFORMATION

Choice of upper division electives will be easier if you have a goal in mind. In order to help you understand the range of career options available to mathematics majors we recommend that you take MATH 3688 in the sophomore year . Students preparing for careers in business or industry should consider participating in our Cooperative Education Program. You are encouraged to discuss your future plans with your adviser, the Undergraduate Coordinator, and other Mathematics faculty.

Below is a short list of possible course options based on career groupings. This information may help you to focus your undergraduate course work and help you choose your upper division electives. Much of the following is derived or quoted from various booklets such as Professional Opportunities in the Mathematical Sciences, Careers in Mathematics, Careers in Statistics, or Careers in Operations Research published by the corresponding professional societies. You may borrow these booklets and other career related material from the Undergraduate Coordinator.

Actuarial Work:

Actuarial Science is an important area of mathematical application. According toJohn Bragg (a past president of the Society of Actuaries), an actuary is a "professional who is expert at the design, financing, and operation of insurance plans of all kinds, and of annuity and welfare plans." Actuaries typically work for insurance companies or do consulting work for corporations, attorneys, or government agencies. Although the supply of actuarial students is catching up with the perennial demand, there are still plenty of opportunities for well prepared students.

See p. 6 for a description of the Actuarial Sciences program. Please contact the undergraduate coordinator for additional information.

Preparation for Mathematics Graduate School:

Students interested in graduate work in mathematics should pursue the B.S. degree. The two course sequence, MATH 3141 and 3142 in Advanced Calculus is particularly important. In this sequence you revisit the material in Calculus I, II, III, and IV now emphasizing conceptual understanding and the construction of proofs. Your coursework will depend on your interests, but should probably include MATH 3146 and more than one course from the list MATH 3123, 4163, 4164, 4181, and 5143.

Please note that the UNC Charlotte Department of Mathematics offers a broad range of graduate programs including a Doctoral Program in Applied Mathematics and Master's Programs in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, and Mathematics Education. Many Teaching Assistantships and some Research Fellowships are available. We encourage you to meet with our Graduate Coordinator.

Physics/Engineering:

A traditional activity of the professional mathematician has been the solution of problems arising from physical phenomena. The applied mathematician is instrumental in designing and analyzing models of systems and in testing and evaluating performance. Whether participating in research and development or industrial production, the applied mathematician must interact with engineers, physicists, programmers, and other specialists. Coursework should include MATH 3171, 3146, 3176, exposure to probability/statistics and additional work in computer science.

Secondary Education:

Many undergraduate mathematics majors at UNC Charlotte are interested in teaching secondary school (grades 9-12). In order to obtain this certification, your upper division mathematics courses must include

MATH 3181 (Fundamental Concepts of Geometry) and

MATH 4109 (History of Mathematical Thought).

Please see the section Requirements for Secondary Certification (p. 7) for additional information.

Statistics:

Statisticians deal with numerical information. They do not simply tabulate data, but instead must ask what kinds of data to collect and how much data is necessary for accurate predictions. By supplying accurate and understandable information, the statistician helps managers or policy makers make wise decisions. Statistics is a changing field constantly generating new methods. These methods are applicable to a wide variety of fields including actuarial science, biology, business, economics, engineering, and quality control. Coursework should include STAT 3122, 3123. Advanced students may have the opportunity to gain practical consulting experience. See the Undergraduate Coordinator for possible opportunities.

Scientific Computing:

Many important problems such as fluid flow, performance of airplanes and ship designs, combustion, and the motion of space vehicles and rockets can not be solved in closed form. Approximate solutions to these and other real world problems are often generated using high speed computers. The computational scientist often works as part of a team and must be ready to interact with engineers, physicists and other specialists. Relevant course work in mathematics should include MATH 3171 and 3176. Other useful courses include MATH 5165, 5176, and 5172 plus analysis courses such as 3141, 3142, and 5143.

Operations Research:

Operations researchers apply quantitative methods to decision making. They seek to understand and model complex situations and to use their understanding to predict system behavior and to improve system performance. Much of their work is done using analytical and numerical techniques. Operations researchers inform public officials on topics such as energy policy, defense, and health care. They also address issues such as marketing, finance, inventory planning, and manufacturing. Please see the Undergraduate Coordinator regarding coursework.

MATH AWARENESS SEMINAR (MATH 3688)

This zero credit-hour course is offered only during the fall semester. The purpose of this course is to inform students about internships, cooperative education, graduate programs and career opportunities in mathematics related fields. Typically, we invite teachers, representatives from graduate schools, and mathematicians such as actuaries, statisticians, and applied mathematicians to discuss what their jobs/schools are really like and to advise students about the background necessary for their work. The information provided can help you choose upper-division electives which are relevant to your career/graduate school interests. This course is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

THE UNIVERSITY CAREER CENTER

A wide variety of services are available through the University Career Center located in 150 Atkins Building. The Cooperative Education and Summer Internship Programs provide you with opportunities to gain career experience directly related to your major while you are earning a degree. Numerous Workshops are also available. Other Services include a Career Library, Job Fairs, On-Campus Recruiting, and Mock Interviews. Individual student assistance is provided by appointment.

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

Are you interested in using and enhancing your mathematical knowledge and skills through practical experience? If so, Cooperative Education may be just what you are looking for.

The Cooperative Education program is designed to supplement and enhance academic coursework. A Junior or Senior Mathematics student with a 3.0 GPA may participate in this program in either the parallel or alternate track. The parallel track combines academic study and cooperative experience during the same semester, while the alternate track alternates semesters totally devoted to work with semesters totally devoted to academic study. In either case, these paid work experiences involve a Mathematics related job which complements a student's academic career goals. Sixty percent of all Cooperative Education students later obtain full-time employment with the company that sponsored their cooperative experience.

In recent years, Mathematics majors have participated in Cooperative Education experiences with Microsoft Corporation, IBM, Southern Bell, Teledyne Allvac, Royal Insurance,Wachovia Corporation, Tandem Computers Inc., and others. If you are interested in the Cooperative Education program, please contact the University Career Center, 150 Atkins Building, (704) 687-2231 or the Undergraduate Coordinator.