Mathematics Department
Department Chair, Bradley S. Whitaker
Faculty
John T. Noonan, PhD
Denise S. Parks, BA
Deborah S. Smith, MS
Bradley S. Whitaker, EdD
Mathematics Program Objectives
The courses and curriculum of the mathematics program are designed to achieve the following student outcomes:
- demonstrate a problem-solving approach to investigate and understand mathematical content;
- use mathematics to describe patterns, relations and functions, and to model and solve problems;
- formulate and solve problems from mathematical and everyday situations, thus connecting mathematics to other disciplines and real-world problems;
- demonstrate a mastery of fundamental mathematical and quantitative skills;
- make and evaluate mathematical conjectures and arguments, and validate mathematical thinking;
- communicate mathematical ideas in oral and written form using everyday language, mathematical language, and mathematical symbols;
- demonstrate an understanding of axiomatic systems in the branches of mathematics and the inter-relationships within mathematics;
- evidence an appreciation of the historical development in mathematics that includes the contributions of groups and cultures; and
- evidence the knowledge and skills necessary for entry level positions in mathematical professions, for teaching mathematics, and for graduate study in mathematics.
Note: Students are required to take MAT-0083 Basic Algebra if their ACT mathematics subscore is below 17, their SAT mathematics subscore is below 500, or their ALEKS Mathematics Placement Exam score is below 30. Also, students are required to take MAT-0093 Algebra if their ACT mathematics subscore is 17 or 18, their SAT mathematics subscore is 500-520, or their ALEKS score is 30-45. Credit hours for these courses do not count toward graduation.