Department of Mathematics and Physics

Faculty

Coordinator: Dr. Parashu Sharma

 

Mathematics Faculty

Professors: Dr. Parashu Sharma

Associate Professors: Dr. Frederick Semwogerere

Assistant Professors: Dr. Bassidy Dembele, Dr. Leummim Yao, and Mr. Eugene Taylor

Lecturer:  Mr. Roderick Seals

 

Physics Faculty

Professors: Dr. Naidu Seetala

Associate Professors: Dr. Avaine Strong, and Dr. Matthew Ware

Assistant Professors: Mr. Lee Britt

 

Overview

The primary focus of the Department of Mathematics and Physics is to provide excellent instruction at the undergraduate level. The department strives to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for lifelong learning, an understanding of the physical aspects of the universe, and the ability to comprehend advancements in the physical and mathematical sciences.  The mathematics and physics program offers a firm (undergraduate) foundation for careers in materials, pure and applied mathematics, physics, and biomedical science.  It also provides excellent preparation for an actuarial science career to carry out statistical analysis for insurance and financial institutions.

The Mathematics and Physics Department also seeks to prepare students for graduate study and to provide the fundamental knowledge and skills in mathematics and physics that will allow them to successfully complete Ph.D. programs in mathematics, physics, applied mathematics, and closely related fields.  The department also offers mathematics and physical science courses to fulfill the requirements of the University’s general education program.

The department offers the Bachelor of Science (BS) with a major in Mathematics and Physics. This baccalaureate degree program allows students who seek a sound preparation in mathematics and physics to extensively explore the productive interaction between mathematics and physics and to find extraordinary opportunities (e.g., manufacturing, materials, engineering, aviation, nanoscience, insurance industry, financial institutions, government, advanced technologies, and education in critical areas of mathematics & physics). Through classroom work and lab projects, students learn physics and gain skills in mathematical computation, modeling, reasoning and analysis.  Academically rigorous courses are taught by professors with terminal degrees from premier universities who strive to offer, through teaching and research, educational experiences that nurture students intellectually and ethically, and that assist them in reaching their academic goals.

In addition to offer a core in Mathematics and Physics, the department also offers three (3) career-oriented concentrations: Biomedical science, Material Science, and Actuarial Science.

• The biomedical science concentration affords students an opportunity for study of biomedical sciences using a core of courses in biology and chemistry along with mathematics and physics courses.  This concentration is a new national trend. It helps in meeting a nation-wide need of students pursuing MS, Ph.D., or MD/Ph.D. degrees in biomedical sciences. It fulfils the recommendation of the National Institutes of Health that Biology students should have as many courses in quantitative sciences as possible and increase the health related workforce.
• The material science concentration affords the student the opportunity for the study of materials using a core of courses in physics, mathematics, and a select set of courses in chemistry and engineering technology. The Material Science concentration prepares students to be a productive member of the workforce or pursue graduate programs in traditional physics or material science, or more innovative programs like nanotechnology. In addition, it gives Engineering Technology double majors the foundation to be directly admitted to engineering graduate programs.
• The Actuarial science concentration affords the student the opportunity to become actuaries by incorporating additional courses in statistics, mathematics of finance, economics, and finance along with elective courses in accounting, business, mathematics, and computer science. The actuaries are in higher demand from financial institutions such as Insurance companies, banks, Hedge funds, and other financial institutions.  In general, this program prepares students for rewarding careers anywhere where risk is inherent.  

The BS degree in mathematics and physics is awarded to students who successfully complete the outlined program of study, the requirements of the general education program, and meet all other University requirements.

 

Mathematics and Physics Curriculum Plan (Core)

Freshman Year

Mathematics 153 &154	6
Physics 153, 153L	4
Physics 154, 154L	4
Biology 113, 115	4
Chemistry 111, 113	4
English 101 & 102	6
First Year Experience 101 & 102	2
Total Hours	30

 

Sophomore Year 

Mathematics 201	3
Mathematics 221	3
Mathematics 273	3
Physics 219	3
Elective*	3
History 101	3
Humanities	6
Social Sciences	6
General Education Testing 300	0
Total Hours	30

 

Junior Year

Mathematics 301	3
Major Elective*	3
Mathematics 309	3
Physics 219L	1
Physics 304	3
Physics 305 & 306	6
Physics 350	3
Computer Science 110	3
Computer Science 120	3
Computer Science 236	3
Total Hours	31

 

Senior Year 

Mathematics 202	3
Mathematics 403	3
Mathematics 420	2
Mathematics 421	3
Physics 401	2
Physics 403 & 404	6
Physics 410	3
Fine and Performing Arts	3
Major Elective*	3
Total Hours	28
TOTAL	120

*Electives can be chosen from PHYS 222, MATH 306, PHYS 313, MATH 401, BIOL 407, and PHYS 423.
In addition, 200 or higher level computer science courses can be taken as electives with the permission of the Department.

 

Biomedical Science Concentration

Freshman Year

Mathematics 153 & 154	6
Physics 153, 153L	4
Physics 154, 154L	4
Biology 113, 115	4
Chemistry 111, 113	4
English 101 & 102	6
First Year Experience 101 & 102	2
Total Hours	30

 

Sophomore Year 

Mathematics 201	3
Mathematics 273	3
Physics 219	3
Major Elective*	3
Chemistry 112	3
History 101	3
Humanities	6
Social Sciences	6
General Education Testing 300	0
Total Hours	30

 

Junior Year

Mathematics 309	3
Physics 219L	1
Chemistry 114L	1
Physics 304	3
Physics 305	3
Biology 304	4
Biology 305	4
Chemistry 223, 225	4
Chemistry 224	3
Computer Science 110	3
Total Hours	29

 

Senior Year

Mathematics 403	3
Major Elective*	3
Physics 403	3
Biology 459, 461	4
Biology 463	3
Chemistry 461	3
Fine and Performing Arts	3
Computer Science 120	3
Computer Science 236	3
Major Elective*	3
Total Hours	31
TOTAL	120

 

*Elective can be chosen from MATH 202, PHYS 222, BIOL 312, BIOL 407, MATH 421, and PHYS 423.
In addition, 300 or higher level biology, chemistry, and computer science courses can be taken as electives with the permission of the Department.

 

Material Science Concentration

Freshman Year

Mathematics 153 & 154	6
Physics 153, 153L	4
Physics 154, 154L	4
Biology 113, 115	4
Chemistry 111, 113	4
English 101 & 102	6
First Year Experience 101 & 102	2
Total Hours	30

 

Sophomore Year 

Mathematics 201	3
Mathematics 273	3
Physics 219, 219L	4
Physics 222	3
Chemistry 112, 114	4
Engineering Technology 202, 222	4
History 101	3
Humanities	6
General Education Testing 300	0
Total Hours	30

 

Junior Year 

Mathematics 309	3
Physics 401	2
Physics 304	3
Physics 305 & 306	6
Physics 350	3
Chemistry 223 & 225	4
Computer Science 110	3
Social Sciences	6
Total Hours	30

 

Senior Year 

Mathematics 403	3
Physics 400	3
Physics 403	3
Physics 410	3
Physics 423	3
Fine and Performing Arts	3
Computer Science 120	3
Computer Science 236	3
Major Elective*	6
Total Hours	30
TOTAL	120

 

*Elective can be chosen from MATH 202, ETC 306 (Lecture) & ETC 326 (Lab), PHYS 306, BIOL 407, MATH 421, and PHYS 404.
In addition, 300 or higher level engineering technology, and computer science courses can be taken as electives with the permission of the Department.

 

Actuarial Science Concentration

Freshman Year

Mathematics 153 & 154	6
Physics 153, 153L	4
Physics 154, 154L	4
Biology 113, 115	4
Chemistry 111, 113	4
English 101 & 102	6
First Year Experience 101 & 102	2
Total Hours	30

 

Sophomore Year 

Mathematics 201	3
Mathematics 273	3
Physics 219	3
Major Elective *	3
Economics 201	3
History 101	3
Humanities	6
Social Sciences	3
Fine and Performing Arts	3
Computer Science 110	3
General Education Testing 300	0
Total Hours	30

 

Junior Year 

Mathematics 309	3
Mathematics 274	3
Physics 304	3
Physics 305	3
Mathematics 403	3
Mathematics 374	3
Computer Science 120	3
Computer Science 236	3
Physics 403	3
Economics 202	3
Total Hours	30

 

Senior Year 

Mathematics 376	3
Mathematics 476	3
Finance 301	3
Economics 307	3
Economics 351	3
Economics 352	3
Finance 302	3
Major Elective *	6
Total Hours	27
TOTAL	120

 

*Elective can be chosen from MATH 202, PHYS 222, MATH 421, and PHYS 423.
In addition, 300 or higher level courses from accounting, business, economics, probability & statistics, mathematics, and computer science courses can be taken as electives with the permission of the Department.