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Mathematics

Studying mathematics develops such skills as critical thinking, oral and written communication, arguing logically and rigorously, thinking abstractly, formulating and solving problems, analyzing data, analyzing mathematical models, quantitative and computer proficiency, and the ability to work in groups. Employers value these skills; consequently, math majors find themselves in demand by employers for careers in a wide spectrum of fields.

About this Major

College: Liberal Arts and Sciences
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Science
Credits for Degree: 120
Academic Learning Compact
Additional Information

Related Mathematics Programs

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.

Overview

The Department of Mathematics offers two undergraduate degree programs in mathematics: The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) is intended for students who wish to pursue graduate study in mathematics as well as for other strong students with a deep interest in mathematics. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) is intended for students who wish to pursue a career in a mathematical field or to teach mathematics at the secondary-school level, but who do not currently contemplate graduate study in mathematics.

Coursework for the Major

Students are required to take eight core courses, providing a broad base in mathematics, and four electives chosen from a list of approved courses. All but two of the core courses are the same for both degrees. Students pursuing the B.A. degree have greater flexibility in their choice of electives, facilitating the possibility of a double-major with another scientific discipline.

A minimum of 39 credits of mathematics and mathematics-approved electives is required for each degree. All coursework for the major must be completed with minimum grades of C, with the exception of MAS 4105 for students in the B.S. specialization, which requires a minimum grade of B.

Required Coursework for Both Degrees

Calculus 2 (MAC 2312 or MAC 2512 or MAC 3473), 4 credits
Calculus 3 (MAC 2313 or MAC 3474), 4 credits
Differential Equations (MAP 2302), 3 credits
Sets and Logic (MHF 3202), 3 credits
Linear Algebra 1 (MAS 4105), 4 credits
Abstract Algebra 1 (MAS 4301), 3 credits

The mathematics major is expected to take the following upper-division core courses at UF: Linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra, Advanced Calculus 1 and 2. These courses are common to all math majors and most clearly define the experience of the mathematics major at UF.

Additional Required Coursework for B.A.

Advanced Calculus for Engineers and Physical Scientists 1 and 2 (MAA 4102 and MAA 4103) or
Advanced Calculus 1 and 2 (MAA 4211 and MAA 4212), 6 credits.
Four electives. 12 credits minimum, from the list below of approved electives; at least one must be a course offered by the Department of Mathematics at the 4000-level or above.

Additional Required Coursework for B.S.

Advanced Calculus 1 and 2 (MAA 4211 and MAA 4212), 6 credits. Students must earn a minimum grade of B in MAS 4105 before taking MAA 4211.
Four electives, 12 credits minimum, from the list below of approved electives; at least three must be courses offered by the Department of Mathematics at the 4000-level or above.

Recommended Coursework for Both Degrees

All math majors are encouraged to meet the college distribution requirement in the physical sciences with the sequence PHY 2048/2049 Physics with Calculus 1 and 2 or the sequence PHY 2060/2061 Enriched Physics with Calculus 1 and 2. Math majors also should take no mathematics course at the 3000 level or below that is not on the lists of core courses or approved electives, except with advisor approval. Students who want to pursue careers in applied mathematics are urged to take STA 4321/4322 and learn a scientific programming language.

Recommended Coursework for B.A.

B.A. students can use their electives choices creatively. By choosing courses in statistics, computer science, physics, and industrial engineering from the list below, math B.A. majors can enhance their career prospects in applied math, data analysis, information technology and operations research.

Math majors who plan to teach secondary-school mathematics should investigate the UFTeach program and they should include MTG 3212 Geometry, MAA 4402 Functions of a Complex Variable and STA 4321 Introduction to Probability among their electives.

Recommended Coursework for B.S.

Students who want to pursue graduate study in a Ph.D. program in mathematics should complete MAS 4301 and MAA 4211/4212 by the end of their junior year. They also should include MAS 5311 Introductory Algebra 1 and MAA 4226 Modern Analysis 1 among their electives, and they are encouraged to take more than four electives.
Graduate tuition fees will apply for MAS 5311.

Approved Electives for Both Degrees (except as noted)

MAA 4226 Introduction to Modern Analysis 1
MAA 4227 Introduction to Modern Analysis 2
MAA 4402 Functions of a Complex Variable
MAD 3107 Discrete Mathematics
MAD 4203 Combinatorics 1
MAD 4204 Combinatorics 2
MAD 4401 Introduction to Numerical Analysis
MAP 4305 Differential Equations for Engineers and Physical Scientists
MAP 4341 Elements of Partial Differential Equations
MAP 4413 Fourier Analysis
MAP 4484 Modeling in Mathematical Biology
MAP 4102 Probability and Stochastic Processes 2
MAS 4107 Linear Algebra 2
MAS 4124 Introduction to Numerical Linear Algebra
MAS 4203 Introduction to Number Theory
MAS 4302 Abstract Algebra 2
MAT 4930 Special Topics in Mathematics (only if approved by undergraduate coordinator)
MHF 4102 Elements of Set Theory
MHF 4203 Foundations of Mathematics
MTG 3212 Geometry
MTG 4302 Elements of Topology 1
MTG 4303 Elements of Topology 2
Any course offered by the mathematics department at the 5000-level or above and any of the following courses offered outside the mathematics department:
- CDA 3101 Introduction to Computer Organization
- COP 3530 Data Structures and Algorithm
- COP 4600 Operating Systems
- ESI 4312 Operations Research 1
- ESI 4313 Operations Research 2
- PHY 3063 Enriched Modern Physics
- PHY 3221 Mechanics 1
- PHY 3323 Electromagnetism 1
- PHY 3513 Thermal Physics 1
- PHY 4222 Mechanics 2
- PHY 4324 Electromagnetism 2
- PHY 4424 Optics 1
- PHY 4523 Statistical Physics
- PHY 4604 Introductory Quantum Mechanics 1
- PHY 4605 Introductory Quantum Mechanics 2
- STA 4210 Regression Analysis
- STA 4211 Design of Experiments
- STA 4321 Introduction to Probability
- STA 4322 Introduction to Statistics Theory
- STA 4853 Introduction to Time Series and Forecasting

Relevant Minors and/or Certificates

Mathematics majors are encouraged to consider taking a minor in computer science, industrial and systems engineering, physics, or statistics. The Department of Statistics offers a minor in actuarial science.

UFTeach Program: There is a severe shortage of qualified high school mathematics teachers in Florida and nationwide. Students interested in becoming part of this high-demand profession should see a major advisor about the UFTeach program. UFTeach students complete the UFTeach minor in mathematics teaching with their B.A. or B.S. in mathematics and have the coursework and preparation for professional teacher certification in Florida when they graduate.

Research

Research and scholarly opportunities are described on the mathematics website under Opportunities for Undergraduates.

Combined Degree Programs

Mathematics majors who complete the requirements for major by the end of the junior year are eligible for the combined degree program. If admitted to the graduate program, the student will take the graduate sequences MAA 5228 and 5229 (Modern Analysis) and MAS 5311 and 5312 (Introduction to Algebra) during the senior year. These 12 credits then will apply toward a master's degree in mathematics as well as toward the undergraduate degree. The student should successfully complete this degree with one additional full-time year of graduate school.

Bachelor of Arts

Critical Tracking Model Semester Plan

Critical Tracking

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.

For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.

Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

Semester 1

Complete MAC 2311
2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 2

Complete MAC 2312
2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 3

Complete MAC 2313
2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 4

Complete MHF 3202 (or MAS 3300 for UFTeach students) with a 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 5

Complete MAS 4105 with a 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
2.0 UF GPA required

Model Semester Plan

Model semesters 1-4 are the same for both degrees.

The semester plans below are sample programs; they may be adjusted to reflect background and goals. Students should consult a department advisor in 358 Little Hall early to plan their programs.

Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.

This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.

Semester 1	Credits
IUF 1000 What is the Good Life GE-H	3
MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 State Core GE-M	4
Biological or Physical Science State Core GE-B or P	3
Social and Behavioral Sciences State Core GE-S	3
Total	13

Semester 2	Credits
MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 GE-M	4
Biological or Physical Science Area not taken in semester 1, GE-B or GE-P	3
Composition State Core GE-C; WR	3
Elective	3
Humanities State Core GE-H	3
Total	16

Semester 3	Credits
MAC 2313 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3 GE-M	4
MHF 3202 Sets and Logic	3
Humanities GE-H	3
Physical Science GE-P	3
Science laboratory GE-P or GE-B	1
Social and Behavioral Sciences GE-S	3
Total	17

Semester 4	Credits
MAP 2302 Elementary Differential Equations GE-M	3
MAS 4105 Linear Algebra 1	4
Composition GE-C; WR	3
Biological Science GE-B	3
Social and Behavioral Sciences GE-S	3
Total	16

Semester 5	Credits
MAS 4301 Abstract Algebra 1	3
Elective 3000 level or higher, not in major	3
Foreign language	4-5
Mathematics elective	3
Total	13-14

Semester 6	Credits
Elective	3
Electives Two, at 3000 level or higher, not in major	6
Foreign language	3-5
Mathematics elective	3
Total	15-17

Semester 7	Credits
MAA 4102 Introduction to Advanced Calculus for Engineers and Physical Scientists 1	3
Elective Or foreign language if 4-3-3 option	3
Electives Two, at 3000 level or higher, not in major	6
Mathematics elective	3
Total	15

Semester 8	Credits
MAA 4103 Introduction to Advanced Calculus for Engineers and Physical Scientists 2	3
Elective	3
Electives Two, at 3000 level or higher, not in major	6
Mathematics elective	3
Total	15

Bachelor of Science