Undergraduate Goals and Objectives

The Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at University of Colorado Denver offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in mathematics with the opportunity to emphasize in applied mathematics, mathematics education, probability and statistics, or actuarial science. We also offer a minor in mathematics. The bachelor's degree is designed to provide students a contemporary mathematics education through constantly evolving curriculum that will:

  • Empower them to obtain new skills as needed in their employment or future education
  • Provide them with the skills and abilities to facilitate solving real world problems
  • Allow them to be effective oral and written communicators

Student learning objectives

Knowledge Areas. Students must acquire both a conceptual and operational understanding of the following core areas of the undergraduate program:

  • Differential and integral calculus in one and several variables
  • Abstract mathematics as represented by basic logic, set theory and methods of proof
  • Linear algebra
  • One area of specialization (e.g., differential equations, discrete mathematics, statistics, optimization)
  • One area of breadth outside of specialty (e.g., graph theory, probability, statistics, real analysis, geometry, history of mathematics, abstract algebra, computer science) 

Skills. Students must acquire the following skills at an appropriate level:

  • Precision and clarity in the oral and written communication of mathematical ideas
  • Proficiency in the use of technology in mathematics
  • Proficiency in the formulation and construction of proofs
  • Facility in problem solving, modeling, approximation and mathematical exploration, both in groups and independently
  • Appreciation of teamwork 

Attitudes. Through coursework and research, students are expected to cultivate the following attitudes and dispositions:

  • Confidence in one's own mathematical skills and knowledge
  • Desire for continuous and independent learning
  • Appreciation for the dynamic role of mathematics in science, society and history
  • Awareness of career opportunities in mathematics
  • Awareness of the interrelations among areas of mathematics