Introduction

Click Here to Go to Math Department Website

The Department of Mathematical Sciences at PSU offers a two-course sequence during the Orientation Year designed to prepare students for university level science and mathematics courses. This sequence covers the basics of college algebra and trigonometry with an introduction to functions and matrices. University level courses are offered in subjects such as Calculus (Differential and Integral), Linear Algebra, Statistics, Finite Maths Discrete Maths and Numerical Analysis.

The courses offered in the Department give students the opportunity to experience a variety of topics in mathematics.

The primary objectives of the Department are to provide students with a comprehensive scientific and mathematical background; the adaptability and flexibility they will need in order to evolve with continuing changes in the world; and the ability to deal effectively with specific changes in their professional disciplines. The Department is committed to preparing students to succeed as workers, citizens and leaders. Each student is exposed to the mathematics needed to fulfil his career and educational goals and to be productive citizens in today’s technological society.

In the Department we realize two important realities firstly that mathematics can be learned by most students and secondly, the cost of failure is often higher than the cost of success.

 The Department continuously assesses its students during the academic year to help them achieve their maximum potential. This continuous assessment, in the form of almost daily quizzes, contributes to at least 15% of the final exam mark and is a good reflection of the performance of the student throughout the semester.

The Department provides many channels for weaker students to seek help at an early stage. Instructors provide office hours specifically designed for students who need help with a particular aspect of the course. In addition a Mathematics Tutorial Room is staffed by members of the faculty for over 30 hours every week and provides help for any student from any course on a ‘walk-in’ basis.

 As new mathematics is continually created, so mathematics courses must be continually renewed. We have developed our mathematics curriculum by introducing a new textbook for the Orientation Year that reflects the excitement of contemporary mathematical practice. The new textbook is characterized by real-life examples, technology applications and clear explanations. We believe the new text will also refresh the excellent teaching methods and practices already in place in the Department

 Since the mathematics used in the scientific and business world is fully integrated with calculators and computers, the mathematics taught at PSU must reflect this reality. We have therefore reformulated our policy on the use of technology by introducing calculators in every appropriate context, in both courses of the Orientation Year sequence.

Student Aims and Objectives

 - Develop the ability to communicate Mathematics with appropriate symbols and language.

 - Acquire knowledge of mathematics commensurate with career goals.

- Develop logical reasoning and creative intuition.

- Develop problem-solving skills, especially patience and persistence.

- Use mathematics as a basis for scientific thinking and acting.

- Students learn a broad variety of mathematics skills and applications.

- General and specialised computing skills to support mathematical learning and understanding.

- Students develop into competent users of professional statistical packages, high level programming languages, and have good general IT skills.

- Appreciate the usefulness, power and beauty of Mathematics and recognize its relationship with other disciplines and with everyday life.

- General study skills.

Departmental Aims and objectives

- Provide the opportunity for high-quality education to meet specialized professional needs in other courses, which the students major in.

- Contribute to the improvement of the teaching and learning of Mathematics at all levels throughout the Department.

- Promote an understanding of the fundamental role of the Mathematical Sciences in society.

- Emphasize logical reasoning and critical thinking skills in all our courses.

- Offer courses that individually and collectively enable students to appreciate both the theoretical and problem-solving aspects of the mathematics ethos.

- Create a teaching and learning environment which supports all students in reaching their full potential.

- Develop, maintain and stimulate students’ curiosity, interest and enjoyment in mathematics.

 - Offer a programme of help outside classroom hours that strengthens students and stimulates each pupil to achieve his maximum potential in the study of mathematics.

- Enable students to develop confidence in, and mastery, of the mathematics they are learning.

- Encourage students to enjoy mathematics and appreciate the challenge and power that it can offer. - Produce students who have transferable intellectual and personal skills.

- Encourage students to develop personal qualities such as perseverance, initiative, self-confidence and independence.