Mathematics Programs (BSc)

Chair
Chantal Buteau (Co-Chair)
William Marshall (Co-Chair)

Professors Emeriti
Howard E. Bell, Mei Ling Huang, Ronald A. Kerman, Charles F. Laywine, Eric Muller

Professors
Alexander Odesskii, Chantal Buteau, Henryk Fukś, Hichem Ben-El-Mechaiekh,Jan Vrbik, Omar Kihel, S. Ejaz Ahmed, Stephen Anco, Yuanlin Li, Thomas Wolf, Xiaojian Xu

Associated Professor
William Marshall

Assistant Professors
Tianyu Guan, Basil Nanayakkara, Pouria Ramazi

Adjunct Professors
Thomas A. Jenkyns, Peng Zhang, Dongchen Li

Instructor/Manager of Academic Support
Dorothy Levay

Mathematics Development Programs Co-ordinator
Neil Marshall

General Information

Main Office

905-688-5550, extension 3300
Mackenzie Chown J415
Mathematics & Statistics (brocku.ca)

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers several programs of study, covering traditional and modern areas of mathematics, statistics, and mathematics education.

The BSc Honours in Mathematics and Statistics is a flexible program designed to meet a wide range of interests. There are core courses in calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, probability and statistics, as well as the use of computers to explore and solve mathematical problems. Within this program, students have the option to select a specialized concentration in one of five areas: Applied Mathematics; Pure Mathematics; Mathematics Integrated with Computers and Applications; Mathematics Education; and Statistics. Students also have the opportunity to complete an honours project or thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.

Normally the BSc Honours program requires four years to complete. A unique Accelerated Mathematics Studies stream is available for high-achieving students who want to complete the BSc Honours program in three years by following a personalized and accelerated study-plan. Students in this stream will be able to take accelerated reading courses and optional summer courses in mathematics and statistics.

For students interested in combining academic studies with real-world work experience, the Department offers Co-op programs in Mathematics or Statistics. Completion requires four and one-half years.

Minor programs in either Mathematics or Statistics, as well as a three-year pass program in Mathematics and Statistics are also offered.

The Department has a special interest in Mathematics Education and offers several programs and courses specifically for prospective teachers. These include both Concurrent and Consecutive Education programs, as well as Minors for future teachers.

Because of the diversity of course options available in all programs, students should discuss their particular interests with faculty before selecting elective courses.

Accelerated Mathematics Studies Stream

The Accelerated Mathematics Studies stream is designed for students who have exceptional mathematical abilities and who are interested in completing an accelerated BSc Honours program in three years. Strengths of each student will be assessed and a personalized study plan will be created.

► Enrolment in the stream is limited due to the personalized nature of the program delivery and the individual attention given to students. In addition to the normal application procedures for admission to undergraduate degree studies, students will be assessed on the following criteria:

► required 4U subjects: Advanced Functions (MHF4U) and Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) or equivalent or an equivalent amount of material studied in home schooling courses. Applicants with a minimum 95 percent in these two courses automatically qualify for the admission interview and the entrance examination. For applicants with a minimum 90 percent in the two 4U mathematics courses or their equivalent, permission to proceed with the admission interview and the entrance examination shall depend on the quality of the written personal statement and the portfolio of mathematical activities.

► written personal statement describing the motivations to join the accelerated stream and the personal aptitudes and experiences conducive to success in the program.

► portfolio of mathematical activities completed in addition to high school studies (e.g., participation in mathematics contests, extra-curricular mathematical training programs, independent studies, home schooling, work or related professional development, math camps, math projects at science fairs).

► passing an entrance examination (including written communication skills and mathematical proficiency).

► passing an admission interview (face-to-face or by video conferencing) aimed at assessing if the applicant has adequate knowledge and skills as well as the ability to study independently.

► strongly recommended subject: English (ENG4U) or equivalent.

Evidence of successful engagement in recognized mathematical activities, or completion of advanced mathematical training or any relevant mathematical achievements, together with scores on the entrance placement exam may qualify successful applicants for advanced standing credits. Relevant work-related experience may qualify successful applicants for challenge for credit.

Completion of a minimum of 7.0 overall credits and a minimum 85 percent major average is required for progression into year 2. A minimum of 13.0 overall credits and a minimum 85 percent major average in second year courses is required for progression into year 3.

Mathematics Co-op and Statistics Co-op

Both Co-op programs combine academic and work terms over a period of four and one-half academic years. Students spend at least two years in an academic setting studying core concepts and methodologies in Mathematics and Statistics prior to their first work placement. The study will provide the necessary academic context for the work experience.

In addition to the current fees for courses in academic study terms, the students in both co-op programs are assessed an administrative fee for each work term (see the Schedule of Fees ).

Eligibility to continue in either co-op program is based on a student’s major and non-major averages. A student with a minimum 70 percent major average and a minimum 60 percent non-major average may continue. A student with a major average lower than 70 percent will not be permitted to continue in either Co-op program. If a student subsequently raises his/her major average to 70 percent, the student may be readmitted only if approved by the Co-op Admissions Committee. For further information, see the Co-op Programs section of the Calendar.

All students in the Co-operative Education programs are required to read, sign and adhere to the terms of the Student Regulations Waiver and Co-op Student Manuals (brocku.ca/co-op/current-students/co-op-student-manuals) as articulated by the Co-op Programs Office. In addition, eligibility to continue in the co-op option is based on the student’s major average and non-major average, and the ability to demonstrate the motivation and potential to pursue a professional career.

Each four-month co-operative education work term must be registered. Once students are registered in a co-op work term, they are expected to fulfill their commitment. If the placement accepted is for more than one four-month work term, students are committed to complete all terms. Students may not withdraw from or terminate a work term without permission from the Director, Co-op Program Office.

Certain courses are required for any degree in Mathematics (see below). Because Mathematics majors need both facility in dealing with mathematical theories and experience in the application of mathematics to real-world problems, each student should discuss his or her particular interests with faculty before selecting elective courses.

Mathematics and Computer Science Co-op Program

The Mathematics and Computer Science Co-op program combines academic and work terms over a period of four and one-half academic years. Students spend one and one-half years in an academic setting studying the fundamentals of Mathematics and Computer Science prior to their first work placement. Successful completion of courses in the core areas of Computer Science and Mathematics provides the necessary academic background for the work experience. In addition to the current fees for courses in academic study terms, Mathematics and Computer Science Co-op students are assessed an administrative fee for each work term (see the Schedule of Fees ).

Eligibility to continue in the Mathematics and Computer Science Co-op program is based on the student’s major and non-major averages. A student with a minimum 70 percent major average and a minimum 60 percent non-major average may continue. A student with a major average lower than 70 percent will not be permitted to continue in the Mathematics and Computer Science Co-op program. If a student subsequently raises his/her major average to 70 percent, the student may be readmitted only if approved by the Co-op Admissions Committee. For further information, see the Co-op Programs section of the Calendar.

All students in the Co-operative Education program are required to read, sign and adhere to the terms of the Student Regulations Waiver and Co-op Student Manuals (brocku.ca/co-op/current-students/co-op-student-manuals) as articulated by the Co-op Programs Office. In addition, eligibility to continue in the co-op option is based on the student’s major average and non-major average, and the ability to demonstrate the motivation and potential to pursue a professional career.

Each four-month co-operative education work term must be registered. Once students are registered in a co-op work term, they are expected to fulfill their commitment. If the placement accepted is for more than one four-month work term, students are committed to complete all terms. Students may not withdraw from or terminate a work term without permission from the Director, Co-op Program Office.

The Mathematics and Computer Science Co-op program designation will be awarded to those students who have honours standing and who have successfully completed a minimum of twelve months of Co-op work experience.

Program Notes

1. All students must take three context credits: one Humanities context credit, one Sciences context credit and one Social Sciences context credit. Two credits must be used to satisfy context credit requirements in Year 1. 
2. While one of MATH 1P40  and MATH 1P66  is required, completion of both is recommended. 
3. For students interested in pursuing graduate studies in mathematics, MATH 2P04 , MATH 3P03 , and either MATH 3P04  or MATH 3P06  are recommended in Years 2 and 3; MATH 4F90  is recommended in Year 4. 
4. Students intending to pursue graduate studies in Applied Mathematics will find it essential to have completed MATH 3P51 , MATH 3P52 , MATH 3P96  and MATH 4F90 . 
5. Students intending to pursue graduate studies in Pure Mathematics will find it essential to have completed at least MATH 3P97  and MATH 4P03 , or MATH 4P11  and MATH 4P13 . 
6. MATH 2P04 , and either MATH 2P75  or MATH 2P92  are recommended in Year 2. MATH 3P03 , MATH 3P08 , MATH 3P12  and MATH 3P60  or MATH 3P75  are recommended in Year 3. MATH 4P71  is recommended in Year 4. 
7. STAT 2P98  does not carry major credit for the BSc (Honours) or (Pass) degree. 
8. In 20 credit degree programs a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; at least three credits must be numbered 3(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.
   
   In 15 credit degree programs a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.
   
   In some circumstances, in order to meet university degree and program requirements, more than 15 or 20 credits may be taken.