Mathematics


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 Ohio University Front Door  Graduate Catalog - Undergraduate Catalog -


Mathematics Courses

The Department of Mathematics offers the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy. At the master's level, programs are available in applied mathematics, computer science, mathematics for secondary school teachers, and pure mathematics. At the doctoral level, you may specialize in algebra, analysis, topology, or applied mathematics. The principal feature of graduate study in mathematics is the possibility of designing a study plan to meet your individual needs and interests.

To be admitted to graduate study, you should have an undergraduate average of at least a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale). If you plan to pursue the study of pure or applied mathematics, your undergraduate program should have included advanced calculus and junior- or senior-level courses in abstract and linear algebra. Students pursuing the computer science option should have completed at least a full course sequence in calculus and differential equations and computer science courses in C++, assembly language, computer organization, discrete structures, and data structures. Students specializing

in secondary education should have completed the calculus sequence and courses in geometry and algebra. If you are admitted with deficiencies, you will be expected to make up the deficiencies during the first year.

The Master of Science degree may be taken with or without a thesis - no examination is required. Under the nonthesis option for pure and applied mathematics majors, the minimum amount of coursework is 45 quarter hours, half of which should be earned in course sequences numbered 600 or higher. If most or all of your work is on the 500 level, the graduate committee may require more than 45 hours, but not more than 60. (The usual requirement is 55 hours.) The coursework should include at least two mathematics sequences, e.g., algebra, analysis, topology.

To pursue the computer science option, you must complete a minimum of 56 graduate hours distributed in a manner to assure a sound program of study. Full-time students normally complete the program in four quarters, while graduate associates may take two years.

Specific minimum requirements for the computer science option are 12 hours of mathematics sequence (see below), 4 hours of mathematics in addition to a sequence, 30 hours of computer science including one concentration described below, and 10 hours of electives in computer science or mathematics or a research project.

The acceptable mathematics sequences for this degree program are MATH 511, 513A, B Linear and Abstract Algebra; MATH 544, 545, 546 Numerical Methods; MATH 550A,B,C Mathematical Statistics; MATH 560A, B, C Advanced Calculus; MATH 613A, B, C Abstract Algebra; MATH 660A, B, C Real Analysis.

The areas of concentration in computer science are CS 504, 506, 510 Theoretical Computer Science; CS 511, 512, 613 Concurrent and Parallel Processing; CS 542, 544, 558 Operating System and Communications; CS 562, 564, 568 Information Retrieval and Databases; CS 580, 582, 583 Artificial Intelligence; CS 657A,B,C, 612 Software Engineering and Real Time Systems.

With the assistance of your faculty advisor, you must submit a plan of study approved by the graduate chair by the end of your first quarter. Any changes to this study plan must be approved by your faculty advisor and the graduate chair at least one quarter before you apply for graduation.

The Department of Mathematics, together with the College of Education, offers a joint program for secondary school teachers. The master's degree may be taken in either the College of Education or the Department of Mathematics. Expect at least half of your credits to be earned in mathematics. Topics studied are geometry, algebra, number theory, and analysis.

A minimum of 50 hours is required.

No specific courses are required for the Ph.D., but each student must pass a comprehensive examination and write an acceptable dissertation.

The dissertation is expected to be a scholarly work demonstrating your ability to understand, organize, improve, and present mathematical ideas of outstanding importance, depth, or interest. It should be worthy of publication.

The Department of Mathematics encourages its students to develop the ability to read mathematics in those languages which predominate the literature of the discipline. Students in post-master's courses are expected to understand mathematics written in one or more of the following languages: French, German, or Russian.

All graduate-level computer science courses except 521, 522, and 599 may be used to satisfy requirements for a graduate degree in mathematics.

You may apply for admission for any quarter. To apply for financial aid for the following academic year, you must submit application materials by March 1, although late applications will be con-sidered if vacancies exist.


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 Ohio University Front Door  Graduate Catalog - Undergraduate Catalog -


University Publications and Computer Services revised this file (http://www.ohiou.edu/~gcat/97-99/areas/math.htm) June 1, 1998.

Please e-mail comments or suggestions to "gcat@www.ohiou.edu."