Mathematics B.S.

Information and Policies

Introduction

The Mathematics Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) is designed for students who value the theoretical study of mathematics-- not only for application, but also for its own sake. Theoretical mathematicians focus on the big how and why questions of mathematics, and attempt to find new formulae and methods while utilizing insights from a tradition of thousands of years. The Mathematics B.S. is recommended for those students who seek an education that involves not only foundational computational skills but also rigorous explanations of how mathematics works. A well-rounded education in mathematics requires an introduction to proof class, and a balance of advanced coursework in algebra, analysis, and geometry. Majors who seek graduate study at top institutions often go beyond the required courses to enroll in graduate courses as well.

Program Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes summarize the most important knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes that students are expected to develop over the course of their studies. The program learning outcomes clearly communicate the faculty’s expectations to students, provide a framework for faculty evaluation of the curriculum based on empirical data, and help improve and measure the impact of implemented changes.

Mathematics Undergraduate Student Learning Objectives

The mathematics program promotes mathematical skills and knowledge for their intrinsic beauty, effectiveness in developing proficiency in analytical reasoning, and utility in modeling and solving real-world problems. To responsibly live within and participate in the transformation of a rapidly changing, complex, and interdependent society, toward a sustainable and socially just society, students must develop and unceasingly exercise their analytical abilities. Students who have learned to logically question assertions, recognize patterns, and can distinguish the essential from the irrelevant aspects of problems can think deeply and precisely. Students equipped with these skills will be in a position to help solve the “big” problems of our time such as climate change.

Students majoring in mathematics attain proficiency in:

Critical thinking.  The ability to identify, reflect upon, evaluate, integrate, and apply different types of information and knowledge to form independent judgments including analytical and logical thinking and the habit of drawing conclusions based on quantitative information.

Problem solving.  The ability to assess and interpret complex situations, choose among several potentially appropriate mathematical methods of solution, persist in the face of difficulty, and present full and cogent solutions that include appropriate justification for their reasoning.

Effective communication.  The ability to communicate and interact effectively with different audiences, collaborate intellectually and creatively in diverse contexts, and appreciate ambiguity and nuance, while emphasizing the importance of clarity and precision in communication and reasoning.

Students acquire and enhance these abilities in mathematical contexts, but the acquired habits of rigorous thought and creative problem solving are invaluable in all aspects of life. These skills are acquired through experience in the context of studying specific mathematical topics and exploring problems chosen to challenge students’ abilities, spurring them on to acquire new techniques and to abandon familiar but restrictive habits of thought. The overarching objectives can be realized in terms of more focused, appraisable objectives specific to mathematics described on the Mathematics Department website.

Curriculum Matrix

All of the key objectives are addressed to some extent in all courses. For example, the ability to formulate precise mathematical statements and to reason logically are essential skills that are progressively developed throughout the curriculum. However, some skills are more heavily emphasized and utilized in some courses than in others. Some courses are specifically intended to help students move to a new level of proficiency with a particular portfolio of skills, while others are accessible only to students who have already reached a given level; the latter courses make heavy use of particular skills, and thus enhance and reinforce the student’s mastery of them, but the skills themselves are not the primary focus of such courses. Some connections between the key objectives, main subject-specific areas, and courses are indicated in the tables of lower- and upper-division mathematics courses at the Mathematics Department’s website.

Academic Advising for the Program

The undergraduate adviser may be contacted via email at mathadvising@ucsc.edu. The adviser provides information about requirements, prerequisites, policies and procedures, learning support, scholarships, and special opportunities for undergraduate research. In addition, the adviser assists with the drafting of study plans, as well as certifying degrees and minors. Students are urged to stay informed and involved with their major, as well as to seek advice should problems arise.

The Mathematics Department website is a critical resource for students. Here you will find a link to the undergraduate program; the materials at that link constitute the undergraduate handbook. Students should visit this first to seek answers to their questions, because it hosts a wealth of information. Each student in the major is encouraged to regularly review the materials posted to stay current with requirements, course curriculum, and departmental policy. Transfer students should consult the Transfer Information and Policy section. 

Getting Started in the Major: Frosh

This major is highly course intensive; students who intend to pursue this major must begin taking classes for the major in their first quarter at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Math placement is required for one or more of the foundational courses for this major. For more information, please review the Math Placement website.

It should be emphasized that the nature of mathematics changes dramatically between lower-division and upper-division courses. Students often find that the material becomes far more abstract and theoretical. In addition, the role of computation in assignments diminishes and a greater weight is placed on deductive reasoning and the integral role of mathematical proofs. The Mathematics Department recommends that students interested in a mathematics major enroll in MATH 100 as early as prerequisites allow in order to decide whether they are interested in upper-division mathematics courses.

Transfer Information and Policy

Transfer Admission Screening Policy

The following courses or their equivalents are required prior to transfer, by the end of the spring term for students planning to enter in the fall.

Recommended Course for Transfer Students

In addition, the following course is recommended prior to transfer to ensure timely graduation.

Prospective students are encouraged to prioritize recommended major preparation, and may additionally complete courses that articulate to UC Santa Cruz general education requirements as time allows.

Getting Started in the Major: Transfer Students

While enrolled in or after finishing the final required qualification courses, a student should follow the directions to apply to declare the major on the Mathematics Department Major Declaration webpage.

To obtain equivalency for MATH 23A, transfer students will have taken a course that may also be equivalent to MATH 23B. Students are encouraged to contact the undergraduate adviser to determine if this applies to their situation.

Major Qualification Policy and Declaration Process

While enrolled in or after finishing the final required qualification courses a student should follow the directions to apply on the Mathematics Department Major Declaration webpage.

Major Qualification

Admission to the Mathematics B.S. major is contingent on students successfully passing the following introductory courses or their equivalents: (see below). Transfer Students: see Transfer Admission Screening Requirements.

Choose one of the following courses:

Plus one of the following courses:

Plus all of the following courses:

Students should submit a petition to declare as soon as they complete the major qualification courses or reach their declaration deadline quarter (whichever comes first). Students who receive two grades of NP, C-, D+, D, D-, or F in the introductory courses are not eligible to declare in the major or minor. Students who are not eligible to declare may appeal. The advising office will subsequently notify the student, and the college of the decision, no later than 15 business days after the submission of the appeal.

Students petitioning when the campus declaration deadline is imminent will either be approved, denied, or provided with conditions that will be resolved within at most one more enrolled quarter, even if they have not completed major qualification courses.

Appeal Process

If a student completes major qualification courses but does not meet the major qualification criteria, and appeals, the department may accept or reject the appeal or place conditions on the student that will be resolved within at most one more enrolled quarter. To submit an appeal see the department website for Appealing the Major. The Mathematics Department will reply to appeals within 15 days of submission. 

How to Declare a Major

Students should submit a petition to declare as soon as they complete the major qualification requirements or reach their declaration deadline quarter (whichever comes first). 

Students petitioning when the campus declaration deadline is imminent (i.e., in their sixth quarter, for students admitted as frosh), will either be approved, denied, or provided with conditions (e.g., completion of some courses with certain grades) that will be resolved within at most one more enrolled quarter, even if they have not completed major qualification courses. 

The Petition for Major/Minor declaration form can be accessed by going to MyUCSC and navigating to the Student Homepage and selecting the Undergraduate Student eForms tile > Petition for Major/Minor. 

Letter Grade Policy

There are no restrictions on grading options for Mathematics Department courses. Please see UC Santa Cruz policies on grading options.

Course Substitution Policy

The Mathematics Department undergraduate vice chair approves requests for course substitutions. See the department website for details on requesting an exception to policy or course substitution.

Honors

Honors in the Mathematics Department are awarded to graduating students whose academic performance in the major demonstrates excellence at a GPA of 3.5 or above. Highest Honors are determined by a cumulative review of student performance in mathematics courses. They are awarded to students who excel in challenging courses and in their capstone projects.

Education Abroad Program (EAP)

Studying abroad is encouraged and most practical in fall quarter. It is possible to take classes abroad that will satisfy math major requirements. Intention of using an abroad course as a math requirement must be approved prior to taking the course. Students may submit a syllabus for the course abroad with an exception to policy request through the Mathematics Department homepage.

Requirements and Planners

The Mathematics B.S. major is intended for students who desire a comprehensive understanding of mathematics, including those considering graduate studies in the physical sciences.

Course Requirements

Lower-Division Courses

Choose one of the following courses:

Plus one of the following courses:

Plus all of the following courses:

Upper-Division Courses

All of the following courses:

Plus one of the following courses:

Plus one of the following courses:

Plus one of the following courses:

Electives

The remaining three courses are selected by the student from among any mathematics course numbered above 100 (excluding MATH 188 and MATH 189) and Applied Mathematics (AM) or Statistics (STAT) 100 or above. Only one of the three courses can be from the AM or STAT series.

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy that major’s upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. The DC requirement in the mathematics B.S. is satisfied by

Plus one of the following courses:

Comprehensive Requirement

The comprehensive exit requirement in mathematics is satisfied by one of the following courses:

Planners

The tables below are for informational purposes and do not reflect all university, general education, and credit requirements. See Undergraduate Graduation Requirements for more information.

Mathematics B.S.: Sample Freshmen Academic Plan Starting in MATH 19A

* WRIT 2 should be taken in or before spring quarter of the second year.

This sample course plan satisfies the MF general education requirement. Students must satisfy all other general education requirements.

Mathematics B.S.: Sample Freshmen Academic Plan Starting in MATH 3

* WRIT 2 should be taken in or before spring quarter of the second year.

This sample course plan satisfies the MF general education requirement. Students must satisfy all other general education requirements.

Mathematics B.S.: Sample Freshmen Academic Plan Starting in MATH 2

* WRIT 2 should be taken in or before spring quarter of the second year.

This sample course plan satisfies the MF general education requirement. Students must satisfy all other general education requirements.

Mathematics B.S.: Sample Transfer Academic Plan

For students who have completed MATH 19A, MATH 19B, MATH 21, and MATH 23A equivalents.