Mathematics

The Mathematics program at Roger Williams University provides preparation for graduate study and for a variety of careers in industry and government. There is enough flexibility in the program to allow a large choice of electives, and the program, when combined with further study in a second area, can provide an excellent foundation for graduate or professional study in the physical sciences, computer science, engineering or business. Our best students have opportunities for undergraduate research, while others write theses, present at national conferences and co-author journal articles with our faculty.

Several factors distinguish Roger Williams University from the competition. For starters, small class size means more personalized attention from our faculty members. Our Math major is made up of only 10 courses, leaving plenty of room for a double major, or to experience a wide variety of electives. Our students are involved on campus—as math tutors and as members of the Mathematics Honor Society. Unlike at other institutions, our talented students get to co-author math publications with our faculty. In fact, our students are currently working on the Numerical Solution of the Helholtz Equation for the Pseudosohere, and Foundations of General Relativity and some speculations on the Einstein-Grossmann Collaboration. Recently, one of our students was awarded the top prize in the MAA Student Essay in History of Mathematics.

Student Learning Outcomes

Mathematics majors at RWU are expected to have the ability to:

• Prove classical theorems at the appropriate level of rigor
• Reason mathematically
• Read mathematical texts and articles with understanding
• Write answers, proofs, and papers in appropriate mathematical style
• Use appropriate technology successfully
• Analyze problems and choose the correct technique from their repertoire to solvemthem
• Make inferences and generalizations

Majors are expected to have developed an understanding of:

• The different areas of mathematical study and how at least some of them are applied in various fields
• The importance of mathematics in our society
• The problem‐solving process
• The importance of academic integrity
• The uses and limitations of technology

Mathematics /Secondary Mathematics Education majors at RWU are expected to have the
ability to:

• Prove classical theorems at the appropriate level of rigor
• Reason mathematically
• Read mathematical texts and articles with understanding
• Write answers, proofs, and papers in appropriate mathematical style
• Use appropriate technology successfully
• Analyze problems and choose the correct technique from their repertoire to solve them
• Make inferences and generalizations

Majors are expected to have developed an understanding of:

• The different areas of mathematical study and how at least some of them are applied in various fields
• The importance of mathematics in our society
• The problem‐solving process
• The importance of academic integrity
• The uses and limitations of technology
• The mathematical areas necessary for secondary education
• The role that the history of mathematics played in shaping the current subject