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Mathematics Theory and Computation B.S.

Information and Policies

Introduction

The Mathematics Theory and Computation B.S. provides an excellent scientific background from which to pursue a variety of career opportunities. UC Santa Cruz graduates with degrees in mathematics hold teaching posts at all levels, as well as positions in law, government, civil service, insurance, software development, business, banking, actuarial science, forensics, and other professions where skills in logic, numerical analysis, and computing are required. In particular, students of mathematics are trained in the art of problem-solving, an essential skill in all professions.

Academic Advising for the Program

The undergraduate adviser may be contacted via email at mathadvising@ucsc.edu. The adviser provides information about requirements, prerequisites, policies and procedures, learning support, scholarships, and special opportunities for undergraduate research. In addition, the adviser assists with the drafting of study plans, as well as certifying degrees and minors. Students are urged to stay informed and involved with their major, as well as to seek advice should problems arise.

The Mathematics Department website is a critical resource for students. Here you will find a link to the undergraduate program; the materials at that link constitute the undergraduate handbook. Students should visit this first to seek answers to their questions, because it hosts a wealth of information. Each student in the major is encouraged to regularly review the materials posted to stay current with requirements, course curriculum, and departmental policy. Transfer students should consult the Transfer Information and Policy section. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes summarize the most important knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes that students are expected to develop over the course of their studies. The program learning outcomes clearly communicate the faculty’s expectations to students, provide a framework for faculty evaluation of the curriculum based on empirical data, and help improve and measure the impact of implemented changes. 

Mathematics Undergraduate Student Learning Objectives 

The mathematics program promotes mathematical skills and knowledge for their intrinsic beauty, effectiveness in developing proficiency in analytical reasoning, and utility in modeling and solving real-world problems. To responsibly live within and participate in the transformation of a rapidly changing, complex, and interdependent society, toward a sustainable and socially just society, students must develop and unceasingly exercise their analytical abilities. Students who have learned to logically question assertions, recognize patterns, and can distinguish the essential from the irrelevant aspects of problems can think deeply and precisely. Students equipped with these skills will be in a position to help solve the “big” problems of our time such as climate change. 

Students majoring in mathematics attain proficiency in: 

Critical thinking. The ability to identify, reflect upon, evaluate, integrate, and apply different types of information and knowledge to form independent judgments including analytical and logical thinking and the habit of drawing conclusions based on quantitative information.

Problem solving. The ability to assess and interpret complex situations, choose among several potentially appropriate mathematical methods of solution, persist in the face of difficulty, and present full and cogent solutions that include appropriate justification for their reasoning. 

Effective communication. The ability to communicate and interact effectively with different audiences, collaborate intellectually and creatively in diverse contexts, and appreciate ambiguity and nuance, while emphasizing the importance of clarity and precision in communication and reasoning. 

Students acquire and enhance these abilities in mathematical contexts, but the acquired habits of rigorous thought and creative problem solving are invaluable in all aspects of life. These skills are acquired through experience in the context of studying specific mathematical topics and exploring problems chosen to challenge students’ abilities, spurring them on to acquire new techniques and to abandon familiar but restrictive habits of thought. The overarching objectives can be realized in terms of more focused, appraisable objectives specific to mathematics described on the Mathematics Department website.

Getting Started in the Major: Frosh

This major is highly course intensive; students who intend to pursue this major must begin taking classes for the major in their first quarter at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Math placement is required for one or more of the foundational courses for this major. For more information, please review the Math Placement website.

It should be emphasized that the nature of mathematics changes dramatically between lower-division and upper-division courses. Students often find that the material becomes far more abstract and theoretical. In addition, the role of computation in assignments diminishes and a greater weight is placed on deductive reasoning and the integral role of mathematical proofs. The Mathematics Department recommends that students interested in a mathematics major enroll in MATH 100 as early as prerequisites allow in order to decide whether they are interested in upper-division mathematics courses.

Major Qualification Policy and Declaration Process

While enrolled in or after finishing the final required qualification courses a student should follow the directions to apply on the Mathematics Department Major Declaration webpage.

Major Qualification

Admission to the Mathematics Theory and Computation B.S. major is contingent on students successfully passing the following introductory courses or their equivalents. (Transfer Students, see Transfer Admission Screening Policy below.)

Choose one of the following courses:
MATH 19ACalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

MATH 20AHonors Calculus

5

Plus one of the following courses:
MATH 19BCalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

MATH 20BHonors Calculus

5

Plus all of the following courses:
MATH 21Linear Algebra

5

MATH 23AVector Calculus

5

MATH 100Introduction to Proof and Problem Solving

5

Students should submit a petition to declare as soon as they complete the major qualification courses or reach their declaration deadline quarter (whichever comes first). Students who receive two grades of NP, C-, D+, D, D-, or F in the introductory courses are not eligible to declare in the major or minor. Students who are not eligible to declare may appeal. The advising office will subsequently notify the student, and the college of the decision, no later than 15 business days after the submission of the appeal.

Students petitioning when the campus declaration deadline is imminent will either be approved, denied, or provided with conditions that will be resolved within at most one more enrolled quarter, even if they have not completed major qualification courses.

Appeal Process

If a student completes major qualification courses but does not meet the major qualification criteria, and appeals, the department may accept or reject the appeal or place conditions on the student that will be resolved within at most one more enrolled quarter. To submit an appeal see the department website for Appealing the Major. The Mathematics Department will reply to appeals within 15 days of submission. 

How to Declare a Major

Students should submit a petition to declare as soon as they complete the major qualification requirements or reach their declaration deadline quarter (whichever comes first). 

Students petitioning when the campus declaration deadline is imminent (i.e., in their sixth quarter, for students admitted as frosh), will either be approved, denied, or provided with conditions (e.g., completion of some courses with certain grades) that will be resolved within at most one more enrolled quarter, even if they have not completed major qualification courses. 

The Petition for Major/Minor declaration form can be accessed by going to MyUCSC and navigating to the Student Homepage and selecting the Undergraduate Student eForms tile > Petition for Major/Minor. 

Transfer Information and Policy

Transfer Admission Screening Policy

The following courses or their equivalents are required prior to transfer, by the end of the spring term for students planning to enter in the fall.

MATH 19ACalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

MATH 19BCalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

MATH 21Linear Algebra

5

MATH 23AVector Calculus

5

Students planning to transfer to UC Santa Cruz from a California community college should reference the assist website to determine which courses are equivalent to these required courses.

Recommended Course for Transfer Students

In addition, the following course is recommended prior to transfer to ensure timely graduation.

MATH 24Ordinary Differential Equations

5

Getting Started at UCSC as a Transfer Student

While enrolled in or after finishing the final required qualification courses, a student should follow the directions to apply to declare the major on the Mathematics Department Major Declaration webpage.

To obtain equivalency for MATH 23A, transfer students will have taken a course that may also be equivalent to MATH 23B. Students are encouraged to contact the undergraduate adviser to determine if this applies to their situation.

Letter Grade Policy

There are no restrictions on grading options for Mathematics Department courses. Please see UC Santa Cruz policies on grading options.

Course Substitution Policy

The Mathematics Department undergraduate vice chair approves requests for course substitutions. See the department website for details on requesting an exception to policy or course substitution.

Double Majors and Major/Minor Combinations Policy

Students who are declared in the Computer Science B.S. and wish to double major in Mathematics Theory and Computation B.S. may petition to use computer science and engineering courses toward the upper-division coding requirement and the three required upper-division electives for the mathematics theory and computation B.S. major.

Education Abroad Program (EAP)

Studying abroad is encouraged and most practical in fall quarter. It is possible to take classes abroad that will satisfy math major requirements. Intention of using an abroad course as a math requirement must be approved prior to taking the course. Students may submit a syllabus for the course abroad with an exception to policy request through the Mathematics Department homepage.

Honors

Honors in the Mathematics Department are awarded to graduating students whose academic performance in the major demonstrates excellence at a GPA of 3.5 or above. Highest Honors are determined by a cumulative review of student performance in mathematics courses. They are awarded to students who excel in challenging courses and in their capstone projects.

Requirements and Planners

Course Requirements

The Mathematics Theory and Computation B.S. is intended to prepare students for technical careers in industry or government while providing a solid mathematical background.

Lower-Division Courses

Choose one of the following courses:

MATH 19ACalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

MATH 20AHonors Calculus

5

Plus one of the following courses:
MATH 19BCalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

MATH 20BHonors Calculus

5

Plus all of the following courses:
MATH 21Linear Algebra

5

MATH 23AVector Calculus

5

MATH 23BVector Calculus

5

MATH 24Ordinary Differential Equations

5

Upper-Division Courses

The following course:

MATH 100Introduction to Proof and Problem Solving

5

Coding Requirement

Plus one of the following courses or equivalent:

MATH 152Programming for Mathematics

5

ASTR 119Introduction to Scientific Computing

5

EART 112Geophysical Data Science

5

EART 119AIntroduction to Scientific Programming

5

PHYS 115Computational Physics

5

MATH152 is preferred. ASTR 119, EART 112, EART 119A and PHYS 115 are intended for double major students.

Students who are declared in the Computer Science B.S. and wish to double major in the Mathematics Theory and Computation B.S. may petition to use CSE courses toward the upper-division coding requirement and the three required upper-division electives for the Mathematics Theory and Computation B.S. major.

Analysis Theory Requirement

Plus one of the following courses:

MATH 103AComplex Analysis

5

MATH 105AReal Analysis

5

Algebra Theory Requirement

Plus one of the following courses:

MATH 110Introduction to Number Theory

5

MATH 111AAlgebra

5

MATH 111TAlgebra

5

MATH 117Advanced Linear Algebra

5

Analysis Computation Requirement

Plus one of the following courses:

MATH 145Introductory Chaos Theory

5

MATH 148Numerical Analysis

5

AM 114Introduction to Dynamical Systems

5

AM 147Computational Methods and Applications

5

Students who take more than one course from the Analysis Computation Requirement may use the extra courses toward the three major electives requirement.

Algebra Computation Requirement

Plus one of the following courses:

MATH 115Graph Theory

5

MATH 116Combinatorics

5

MATH 134Cryptography

5

MATH 140Industrial Mathematics

5

MATH 160Mathematical Logic I

5

Students who take more than one course from the Algebra Computation Requirement may use the extra courses toward the three major electives requirement.

Electives

Three elective courses are required. If a student takes more than one course from the Analysis or Algebra Computation requirement lists, the extra course(s) can be counted toward the elective requirements. Other elective options are listed below. Courses from departments other than Mathematics, Statistics or Applied Math will have significant prerequisites and are intended for double major students. 

Students who are declared in the Computer Science B.S. and wish to double major in the Mathematics Theory and Computation B.S. may petition to use CSE courses toward the upper-division coding requirement and the three required upper-division electives for the Mathematics Theory and Computation B.S. major.

MATH 106Systems of Ordinary Differential Equations

5

MATH 107Partial Differential Equations

5

MATH 118Advanced Number Theory

5

MATH 120Coding Theory

5

MATH 124Introduction to Topology

5

STAT 108Linear Regression

5

STAT 131Introduction to Probability Theory

5

STAT 132Classical and Bayesian Inference

5

AM 107
/PHYS 107
Introduction to Fluid Dynamics

5

AM 115Stochastic Modeling in Biology

5

AM 129Foundations of Scientific Computing for Scientists and Engineers

5

AM 148GPU Programming for Scientific Computations

5

ASTR 111Order-of-Magnitude Astrophysics

5

EART 124Modeling Earth's Climate

5

EART 125Statistics and Data Analysis in the Geosciences

5

EART 162Planetary Interiors

5

EART 172
/OCEA 172
Geophysical Fluid Dynamics

5

ECE 103Signals and Systems

5

ECE 130Introduction to Optoelectronics and Photonics

5

ECE 135Electromagnetic Fields and Waves

5

ECE 141Feedback Control Systems

5

ECE 151Communications Systems

5

ECE 153Digital Signal Processing

5

ECON 104Is There Truth in Numbers: The Role of Statistics in Economics

5

ECON 113Introduction to Econometrics

5

ECON 114Advanced Quantitative Methods

6

ECON 124Machine Learning for Economists

5

ECON 166A
/CSE 166A
Game Theory and Applications I

5

ECON 166B
/CSE 166B
Game Theory and Applications II

5

PHYS 116CMathematical Methods in Physics

5

PHYS 139AQuantum Mechanics I

5

PHYS 139BQuantum Mechanics II

5

PHYS 171
/ASTR 171
General Relativity, Black Holes, and Cosmology

5

Comprehensive Requirement

The comprehensive exit requirement in mathematics is satisfied by one of the following courses:

MATH 194Senior Seminar

5

MATH 195Senior Thesis

5

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy that major’s upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. The DC requirement in the mathematics B.S. is satisfied by:

MATH 100Introduction to Proof and Problem Solving

5

Plus one of the following courses:
MATH 194Senior Seminar

5

MATH 195Senior Thesis

5

Planners

Mathematics Theory and Computation B.S Freshmen Students Starting at MATH 19A or MATH 20A

  Fall Winter Spring Summer 
Entering        College 1A
      Summer Edge (optional)
1st Year
(frosh)
MATH 19A or MATH 20A MATH 19B or MATH 20B MATH 23A  
Core/Writing Core/Writing Core/Writing  
GE/ME GE/ME GE/ME  
       
2nd Year
(soph)
MATH 21 MATH 24 Elective 1  
MATH 23B MATH 100    
 GE/ME      
3rd Year
(junior)
Elective 2 MATH 103A or MATH 105A MATH 148 & MATH 148L  
  MATH 152    
       
4th Year
(senior)
MATH 110 or
MATH 111A or MATH 117
MATH 115 or MATH 116 or
MATH 134 or MATH 140 or
MATH 160
MATH 194 or MATH 195  
     Elective 3  

MF GE requirement fulfilled through this plan.

Mathematics Theory and Computation B.S Freshmen Students Starting at MATH 3*

  Fall Winter Spring Summer 
Entering       College 1A
      Summer Edge (optional)
1st Year
(frosh)
MATH 3 MATH 19A or MATH 20A MATH 19B or MATH 20B  
Core/Writing
Core/Writing Core/Writing  
GE/ME
GE/ME  GE/ME
 
2nd Year
(soph)
MATH 23A MATH 21 MATH 100  
GE/ME MATH 23B    
       
3rd Year
(junior)
MATH 24 MATH 103A or 
MATH 105A
MATH 148 &MATH 148L  
Elective 1 MATH 152    
       
4th Year
(senior)
MATH 110 or
MATH 111A or MATH 117
MATH 115 or MATH 116 or
MATH 134 or MATH 140 or
MATH 160
MATH 194 or MATH 195  
Elective 2   Elective 3  

MF GE requirement fulfilled through this plan.

^Revised: 7/24/23

Mathematics Theory and Computation B.S Freshmen Students Starting at MATH 2

Fall Winter Spring Summer 
Entering       College 1A
      Summer Edge (optional)
1st Year
(frosh)
MATH 2 MATH 3 MATH 19A  
Core/Writing
Core/Writing Core/Writing  
GE/ME
GE/ME GE/ME
 
2nd Year
(soph)
MATH 19B MATH 21 MATH23B  
GE/ME MATH 23A MATH 100  
 
3rd Year
(junior)
MATH 24 MATH 103A or
MATH 105A
MATH 148 &MATH 148L  
Elective 1 MATH 152 Elective 2  
 
4th Year
(senior)
MATH 110 or
MATH 111A or MATH 117
MATH 115 or MATH 116 or
MATH 134 or MATH 140 or
MATH 160
MATH 194 or MATH 195  
  Elective 3  

MF GE requirement fulfilled through this plan

Mathematics Theory and Computation B.S Transfer Students with no lower-division needs

Fall Winter Spring Summer
Entering
      KRSG 1T
      Summer Edge (optional)
1st Year
(junior)
MATH 100 MATH 103A or MATH 105A MATH 148 & MATH 148L  
  MATH 152 Elective 1  
 
2nd Year
(senior)
MATH 110 or
MATH 111A or MATH 117
MATH 115 or MATH 116 or
MATH 134 or MATH 140 or
MATH 160
MATH 194 or MATH 195  
Elective 2 Elective 3  
 

Mathematics Theory and Computation B.S Transfer Students who need Math 23B and 24

Fall Winter Spring Summer
Entering
      KRSG 1T
      Summer Edge (optional)
1st Year
(junior)
MATH 23B MATH 24 MATH 148 & MATH 148L  
MATH 100 MATH 152 Elective 1  
 
2nd Year
(senior)
MATH 110 or
MATH 111A or MATH 117
MATH 115 or MATH 116 or
MATH 134 or MATH 140 or
MATH 160
MATH 194 or MATH 195  
Elective 2 MATH 103A or MATH 105A Elective 3