Bachelor of Arts in Humanities

Mathematics

Overview

The mathematics program is designed to give the undergraduate a broad background in modern mathematics and its applications. The upper-division mathematics courses represent a core leading to further work in mathematics or mathematically related areas or careers in mathematics education. Applications and mathematical models may be pursued in areas such as systems theory, statistics, and geometry. These are widely used in computer science, business, and the physical, life, and social sciences.

The concentration in Mathematics is designed to give students a broad background in modern mathematics and its applications, preparing students for successful careers in areas requiring a strong foundation in mathematics, or for success at the graduate level, either in mathematics or a related discipline. Additionally, this program, deeply rooted in the liberal arts tradition brought forth by the studies in Humanities, is designed to produce well-rounded graduates, having the ability to bridge technical skills with communication skills as well as ethical discourses and analysis.

This program also supports the Secondary Education – Mathematics and Middle Education – Mathematics degrees, as well as attract students with an interest within the field of pure and/or applied mathematics.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a concentration in Mathematics from UH West O‘ahu will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge and skills:

  • A general understanding of the different areas of mathematics and its applications, and how they interrelate, and the importance of mathematics in a scientifically-oriented society.
  • Classical theorem-proving skills, which include the ability to reason quantitatively and to apply the rigor necessary to construct proofs, proofs by contradiction, and proofs by induction.
  • A refined understanding of the problem-solving process, formulate definitions, give examples and counterexamples, and make inferences and generalizations.
  • Experience conducting research and reading, writing, and articulating mathematically-related material without supervision.
  • A working knowledge of technology appropriate to the field.
  • The skills necessary to solve problems using a variety of techniques, including algebraic, numerical, and spatial reasoning through visualization.

Faculty Contact

Dr. Michael Furuto
Associate Professor
(808) 689-2358
mfuruto@hawaii.edu

Dr. Esther Widiasih
Associate Professor
(808) 689-2388
widiasih@hawaii.edu

Dr. Kamuela Yong
Associate Professor
(808) 689-2498
kamuelay@hawaii.edu

Dr. Veny Liu
Associate Professor
(808) 689-2383
venyliu@hawaiʻi.edu