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Applied Mathematics Minor

Do you get excited about solving real-world puzzles and challenges that require math? Do you have a knack for numbers and equations? Are you looking for a minor that can supplement nearly any major you pursue? Then it’s time to consider earning your minor in applied mathematics at Dordt. Many industries—from computer science to business to engineering—require strong math skills. If you like to crunch numbers, find patterns, and analyze data, minor in applied mathematics at Dordt.

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Program Overview

The Dordt applied mathematics minor will prepare you to use math to analyze and solve real-world problems. You’ll also learn to see how mathematical theories show the unity and interconnectedness of the world God has made. You’ll learn actively from dynamic professors, both through classroom instruction as well as hands-on experiences and activities.

Our mathematics faculty is committed to finding the best ways to connect with students and teach them effectively. This willingness to adapt creates a learning experience and environment unlike any other. As an applied mathematics minor, you’ll have opportunities to participate in math-focused social events, conferences, and math competitions. All of which give students a chance to grow and develop their skills.

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What You'll Learn

As an applied mathematics minor, you’ll take classes in calculus, algebra, statistics, and problem-solving. You’ll learn how to look at a problem that can be solved through mathematics and work toward a solution to that problem. And you’ll be equipped to share the joy of mathematics to promote a Biblical perspective about its place in God’s creation.

What You Can Do With An Applied Mathematics Minor

When it comes to an applied mathematics minor, you can choose from several career paths that benefit from workers with strong math skills, including:

Clinical Data Manager

A Clinical Data Manager collects and analyzes data from different research projects and ensure that it is accurate information.

Mathematician

Mathematicians typically use their math knowledge to solve mathematical problems.

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analyst analyzes the data and determines ways to improve the business based on that data.

Students who choose the applied mathematics minor will take three required mathematics courses, choose three elective mathematics courses from a selection, an introductory statistics course.

  • Calculus I: A study of the basic concepts and techniques of calculus for students in all disciplines. Topics include limits, differentiation, integration, and applications. This course is intended for students without any previous calculus credit.
  • Calculus II: Continuation of Mathematics 152; a study of transcendental functions, integration techniques, Taylor series approximations, calculus in polar coordinates, vectors, calculus of vector valued functions and applications of calculus. Students with one semester of calculus credit should take this course instead of Mathematics 152.
  • Problem-solving Seminar: Problem-solving is at the heart of doing mathematics. This seminar provides unity to the concepts and approaches learned throughout the mathematics major and minors as it examines various problem-solving techniques. Weekly sessions will be devoted primarily to presenting problem-solving techniques and solving a variety of problems. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Graded on a pass/no-record basis.
  • Multivariable Calculus: A study of differential and integral calculus of functions of several variables, and line and surface integrals.
  • Elementary Linear Algebra: An introductory study of vectors, matrices, linear transformations, vector spaces, determinants, and their applications, with particular emphasis upon solving systems of linear equations.
  • Differential Equations: An introduction to the theory and techniques of solving elementary differential equations and the use of these techniques in applied problems.
  • Numerical Analysis: A study of numerical methods for integration, differentiation, calculus of finite differences, and applications, using the computer.
  • Advanced Linear Algebra: An advanced study of vector spaces including matrices, linear transformations, orthogonality, the singular value decomposition, and applications.
  • Complex Analysis: A study of the complex number system, functions of complex numbers, integration, differentiation, power series, residues and poles, and conformal mappings.
  • Introductory Statistics: An introductory course in statistical techniques and methods and their application to a variety of fields. Topics include data analysis, design of experiments, and statistical inference including confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Exposure to statistical software and a substantive student project are also part of this course.
  • Accelerated Introductory Statistics: This course covers the same content and learning objectives as Statistics 131 but in half the time. This course, along with Statistics 202 and Statistics 203, also serves as preparation for Actuarial Exam SRM. Additionally this course, along with Statistics 202, Statistics 203, Statistics 220 and Statistics 352, serves as preparation for Actuarial Exam MAS I. Offered first half of spring semester.

See the course catalog for more information.

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