2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mathematics and Computer Science


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James Bozeman, Professor
Daniel Daley, Assistant Professor 
Kevin Farrell, Associate Professor
Deborah Hughes, Assistant Professor
Daisy McCoy, Professor 

Mathematics:
B.A. Mathematics

Licensure in Secondary Education
(See Secondary Education) 
Minor: Mathematics
 

Computing:
B.S. Computing
-Business Concentration
-New Media Concentration
-Atmospheric Sciences Concentration 
A.S. in Computing 
 

Program Mission Statement

Mathematics prepares students for a wide range of positions in fields such as teaching, engineering, finance, insurance, investments, social services, government, industry, and higher education. Almost all institutions, agencies, and businesses now require analysts, auditors, computer programmers, consultants, managers, researchers, sales personnel, and statisticians with mathematical training.

Computer Science is one of the most challenging fields facing today’s college students. Advanced computer technology affects all aspects of contemporary life, and there is a growing demand for competently trained, creative professionals who can offer computer expertise. Lyndon State’s commitment to academic excellence focuses on the future, and the computing curriculum reflects this commitment.  Students receive a thorough preparation in algorithms, logical thinking, software design and development, internet and emerging technologies, along with an understanding of computer organization, architecture, and networking.

Lyndon State students benefit from the individual attention of professors as well as the program’s combination of practical and theoretical knowledge. 

Common Program Goals

Although a traditional discipline, the Mathematics Program has been in the forefront in responding to academic changes, particularly with regard to the use of technology. The relatively new Computing Program has also adapted as that field has changed, and changed rapidly.

Mathematics

Our department prepares students for numerous career opportunities. This goal is supplemented by a curriculum that ensures that each of our students graduate with both theoretical and applied knowledge of their field. This is accomplished, in part, by the use of technology, which is integrated throughout the curriculum. Graphing calculators and computer software are employed to help introduce ideas and as an aid in understanding the subject matter. The use of these tools also enables students to learn independently, an important asset in any future career. Finally, another mission of the department is to provide quality service to the other academic units of the College.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students majoring in mathematics

  • will be able to communicate mathematics to others.
  • will be able to apply mathematics to any area of study by modeling and solving problems using mathematical tools and technology and will be able to interpret the results.
  • will be able to evaluate the accuracy and appropriate use of mathematical statements in the media and in statistical reports.
  • will be able to write a convincing proof.
  • will be able to recognize a correct proof.

Program Assessment

The department uses numerous techniques in order to assess that these program goals have been achieved. As the pool of graduates is manageable, we utilize a case study approach through surveys of graduates and subsequent follow up phone interviews with graduates and their employers.

In addition, for the Mathematics program, the department keeps track of graduate school acceptance rates and success rates of graduates on professional exams. Portfolios of secondary teaching candidates and their success rates in achieving licensure are used to ensure that the required outcomes have been met. For the Computing program, other professionals, besides graduates and their employers, provide added feedback in regard to the appropriate direction for curricular changes.

All majors are required to complete a portfolio that reflects successful completion of student outcomes.

Placement

Computerized testing, to determine an appropriate first course in mathematics, is available to the student at no cost. Inquiries should be directed to the department.

Computer Science

The department offers computer science course work leading to a Bachelor’s Degree in Computing with a concentration in Business, a Bachelor’s Degree in Computing with a concentration in New Media, a Bachelor’s Degree in Computing with a concentration in Atmospheric Sciences, and an Associate’s Degree in Computing. Recipients of the A.S. degree might seek employment immediately or they might continue their education. Graduates may seek employment as computer programmers, software engineers, or information technology professionals. The A.S. Degree in Computing can be used to complement a bachelor’s degree in another major at Lyndon State College. Typical majors making this choice are in Business, Mathematics, and Atmospheric Sciences.

Graduates of the Computing program will be able to demonstrate:

  • Skill in working with widely used software applications.
  • The creation of web sites and/or related web applications programs.
  • Application of the approrpiate computing techniques when analyzing complex problems and creating solutions to these problems.
  • Proficiency in a variety of high level programming languages and paradigms, and use of this knowledge to create robust computer software solutions.
  • Knowledge and the ability to successfully participate in all areas of the software development lifecycle.

The college offers a number of computer labs with a variety of platforms and a wide range of software.

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