To think mathematically and to understand the role mathematics plays in human enterprise are characteristics of liberally educated people. Mathematics contributes two of the seven original liberal arts. Its inherent beauty, its search for pattern, form and irrefutable truth, and its ability to provide a language through which the natural world can be described are examples of its power. Mathematics, always a practical and useful art, beckons as well as a path toward freedom of thought. The mission of the Mathematics/Computer Science department is to provide an opportunity for all students to gain computational dexterity, to understand the value of mathematics as a human and social endeavor, and to develop the power of mathematical reasoning, while promoting the rigorous reasoning skills that allow students to investigate the interplay between the abstract and the concrete. The mission of the department with respect to computer science is to provide basic instruction in end-user skills for all students and in-depth instruction in theory and applications for both mathematics and computer science majors. One goal of the department with respect to the education department is to enable our students to pass required PRAXIS exams related to mathematics.
The department has two majors: Mathematics and Computer Science. Within each, students may choose between a theoretical emphasis or one which is more applied. Students are encouraged to take advanced courses in both mathematics and computer science. A requirement for both mathematics and computer science majors is the Junior Comprehensive Exam (JCE). The goal of the JCE is to ensure that VWC mathematics and computer science majors can exhibit competency in the following areas: basic differential and integral calculus of a single variable; matrix algebra and the fundamental concepts of vector spaces; and the programming language C++.
The department, in conjunction with the VWC Education Department, has created four-year programs which meet the Virginia Standards of Education 2000 for teaching certification at the primary, middle school and secondary levels.
Major(s): Mathematics, Computer Science
Minor(s): Mathematics,
Computer Science