Students usually find easy access to several campus computer labs, including mainframe, mini, and microcomputers. Students are active in the Math Club, which meets weekly and sponsors various activities and talks.
Endowments honoring Michael Tucker and Harry Kieval enable the mathematics department to award a total of $2500 in scholarships to two or three outstanding math majors each year. The Harry S. Kieval endowment also provides for guest lecturers twice each year and for an annual scholarship ($300 per student) for one or two students transferring to Humboldt State University with the intention of majoring in mathematics. Potential careers include: systems analyst, teacher, statistics methods analyst, demographer, economic analyst, mathematics consultant, statistician, applied science programmer, financial investment analyst, actuary, and mathematician.
Degrees offered at HSU include:
- Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Mathematics option available in applied mathematics
- Minor in Mathematics
- Minor in Applied Mathematics
- College Faculty Preparation Program: Mathematics
In addition to the suite of classes typical for undergraduate mathematics study, several are of interest for continuing study in mathematical modeling. Some are:
- MATH 313. Ordinary Differential Equations (4) FS. Systems and series solution methods; applications. Numerical and analytical techniques. Prereqs: MATH 210 and 241.
- MATH 314. Partial Differential Equations (3) S. Fourier series; partial differential equations, boundary-value problems, applications. Prereq: MATH 313. Recommended: MATH 311.
- MATH 361. Introduction to Mathematical Modeling (4) S. Modeling techniques. Examples from biological, environmental, and physical sciences; continuous, discrete, stochastic, and computer simulation models. Prereqs: a year of calculus; a course in computer programming. Recommended: a course in linear algebra. Three hours lecture, two hours lab per week.
- STAT 323. Probability & Mathematical Statistics I (4) F. Probability axioms; probability distributions of discrete/continuous random variables; concepts of marginal and conditional probability. Mathematical expectation; moments and generating functions. Data analysis. Emphasis: mathematical theory. Prereqs: MATH 205 (or 210) and 241 (C).
For information concerning undergraduate study at HSU, please contact:
Department Chair
Diane Johnson
Department of Mathematics
Library 58
(707) 826-3143
The mathematical modeling option offers a range of mathematical techniques and applications. Students spend their second year on specific topics involving advanced modeling techniques in solving an environmental problem. Career possibilities include: mathematical modeler, systems analyst, resources analyst, and teacher.
Degrees offered by HSU include:
- Master of Science degree in Environmental Systems options in environmental resources engineering, geology, international development technology, & mathematical modeling.
This program is administered by the coordinator of the Environmental Systems graduate program of the College of Natural Resources and Sciences.
- Earn an approved bachelor's degree for the selected option.
- Satisfy the general admission requirements.
- Earn satisfactory test scores from the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination.
- File a statement of objectives with reasons for pursuing a master's degree with a particular option.
- Complete an environmental systems program of courses arranged with a graduate advisor and approved by the faculty graduate committee. The program must include the core courses below plus an environmental systems option. Background deficiencies may be satisfied by taking approved undergraduate courses.
- Complete all core course requirements:
- SCI 501. Graduate Orientation (1). Environmental systems: develop personal program; plan research, thesis. May not count toward 30 units required for master's degree. Prereq: grad standing.
- SCI 530. Environmental Systems Data Collection & Analysis (4). Experiment design for analyzing environmental systems. Statistical analysis of data. Design/implement a data collection program. Prereqs: Fortran programming, probability and statistics, grad standing.
- SCI 697. Topics in Environmental Systems (1-3). Rep with different topics. Prereq: SCI 530.
- SCI 698. Graduate Colloquium in Environmental Systems (1-3). Rep.
- Complete one of the following options: Environmental Resources Engineering:
- Geology
- International Development Technology
- Mathematical Modeling
- Write an acceptable thesis/project.
- Prerequisites: an appropriate undergraduate degree which includes a background in the following areas:
- Linear algebra
- Numerical analysis
- Probability and statistics
- Differential equations
- Deficiencies in any of these areas may be satisfied by taking approved undergraduate courses. The applicant should submit GRE test scores in aptitude and an advanced area.
- Required courses: all core requirements given above plus option requirements:
- MATH 521. Applied Stochastic Processes (3) S. Markov processes, Kolmogorov forward and backward equations, queuing theory, birth and death processes, diffusion processes, renewal theory; Brownian motion. Prereqs: MATH 313 or 344 or STAT 323.
- MATH 561. Dynamic Systems (4) F. Linear and nonlinear systems of difference equations and differential equations as applied to mathematical models of real dynamic phenomena; bifurcation theory. Prereqs: MATH 313, 344.
- MATH 564. Applied Optimization (4) S. Topics may include: linear and dynamic programming; Euler's equation; fixed and variable endpoint problems; principles and applications of the calculus of variations, concepts of control theory; optimal control, including the maximum principle; applications. Prereq: MATH 561 or IA.
- MATH 580. Selected Topics in Mathematics (1-4). Rep. Prereq: IA.
- MATH 595. Mathematical Modeling Practicum (3) F.Practical experience constructing and analyzing mathematical models. Prereq: concurrent enrollment in MATH 561, 564, or IA.
- Approved upper division courses and graduate courses to bring total units to 30, producing in-depth knowledge of an area of study in environmental systems or natural resources.
For further information concerning graduate study at HSU, please contact:
Coordinator
Rollie Lamberson
Department of Mathematics
Library 48
(707) 826-4926
Graduate Secretary
College of Natural Resources & Sciences
Forestry 101
(707) 826-3256
