Mathematics
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Welcome to the Department of Mathematics at the University of Central Arkansas. The Department of Mathematics is committed to excellence in education. The primary mission of the department is to help students obtain a solid foundation of mathematical knowledge and to make skillful use of appropriate technology and apply it to the work force. The department is also committed to scholarly activity and service to enhance the professional and academic growth of students and faculty while at the same time, serving the university and community by consulting with business and industry and delivering supplemental mathematics instruction through seminars, workshops, conferences, and in-service teacher training. |
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There are 16 graduate faculty members with doctoral degrees which include six in applied mathematics, seven in mathematics education and three in pure mathematics. The mathematics and applied mathematics faculty are active in symmetry analysis, PDE, numerical analysis, control theory, mathematics modeling, bio-statistics, queueing theory and functional analysis.The mathematics education faculty are active in the areas of curriculum development and alignment, professional development, performance evaluation and assessment, innovative instructional strategies, instructional technology, and math anxiety. Regardless of their expertise, all faculty are dedicated to student success. We maintain a collegial environment where collaboration within the department and college faculty provides a supportive atmosphere.The University of Central Arkansas (UCA), located in Conway, is only 30 miles from downtown Little Rock. The Department of Mathematics is located in the Mathematics and Computer Science Building (MCS). Academic Focus The focus in the Department of Mathematics is two-fold: Applied Mathematics and Mathematics Education. In our undergraduate program, students learn to apply techniques needed to model and analyze complex problems and at the same time are exposed to the underlying theories. We have a strong undergraduate research program. Each year, a group of faculty and students present their research findings at regional and national mathematical meetings. In addition, technology is integrated in the curriculum in the forms of graphics calculators, computer algebra systems, and computer software. Academic Programs There are currently several tracks for mathematics majors: Mathematics (B.S. & B.A.), Applied Mathematics (B.S.), and UCA STEM Teach Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Mathematics Education. The new STEM Teach Program is a science and mathematics preparation program models the renowned UTeach program which began at the University of Texas in 1997. It replaces our existing BSE Program and integrates students’ program of study to add teacher licensure to the original degree. STEM Teach math graduates have the same opportunity for graduate school or doctoral program as other math majors with the additional option of teaching. Since beginning the applied mathematics option of the B.S. degree in 1998, the number of applied mathematics majors has increased from four to 70. We believe this will continue to rise as we revise the curriculum to fit the needs of industry and business and replace retiring faculty with tenure-track applied mathematicians. The B.S. in applied mathematics offers career opportunities in industry, business, and government where mathematicians are highly valued for their logical thinking and analytical and problem solving skills. The UCA STEMTeach mathematics tracks offer almost immediate employment in teaching due to the shortage of mathematics teachers in secondary education. The M.A. Program in Mathematics Education was developed to increase the mathematical knowledge of secondary school teachers, prepare candidates for teaching in community colleges, and enrich the mathematical background of professionals. The M.S. Applied Mathematics was developed to train students in mathematical modeling, prepare students to serve both business and government agencies or for further graduate studies. Please contact me if you would like additional information about our department or to arrange for a campus visit Dr. Ramesh Garimella, Chair & Professor |
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