Minoring in Math

Information provided by Heather Ramsey

As the Information Age evolves into the age of Big Data, the need for advanced mathematical skills has become universal. Employers in all areas now have higher expectations for their new hires and seek candidates who are not only trained in their respective fields, but who also have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Earning a minor in mathematics will give you the edge needed to be competitive in today's job market and will set you apart from other graduates within your discipline. It will open more career doors for you, and it may also lead to a higher salary.

General Requirements for Fall 2017 Catalog and Newer

Total hours: 16 or 17

Notes and Exceptions:

Recommended Math Minor for Majors in Biological Sciences

All students in the Department of Biology are required to take Math 147 and 148.

Math 147 covers traditional Calculus I topics with an emphasis on biological applications, in addition to discrete time models for population growth, sequences and recursions, and stability of equilibria of difference equations.

Math 148 covers integration techniques and applications, the Taylor polynomial, solving separable differential equations, topics in linear algebra, and equilibria and stability for systems of difference and differential equations. This course has a strong focus on applications in biology, including population growth models such as exponential, logistic, the Leslie matrix, the Lotka-Volterra model for interspecific competition, and the Lotka-Volterra predator-prey model.

To complement and extend upon the material learned in Math 148, it is recommended that biology majors take the following courses (in the order shown):

Note: Math 308 and 304 can be taken concurrently.