Department of Mathematics

BSc in Math

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science Program in Mathematics is a 240 ECTS program and is to be completed in 8 regular semesters. The program is designed to train students in the theory of mathematics and to develop mathematical skills and mastery, used in the modern applications of mathematics in science and engineering. Through specialized courses as part of mathematics elective and technical elective requirements, students will have the opportunity to deepen and broaden their mathematical foundations and skills, which will make them more competitive in the mathematics-related job market and/or will prepare them for graduate studies in the area of pure and applied mathematics or statistics. Flexibility in selecting non-mathematics electives will also allow students to complete a minor in a different discipline.

NU BSc Mathematics Student Outcomes (Program Learning Outcomes)

  1. Identify, formulate, and solve broadly defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science to areas relevant to the discipline.
  2. Formulate or design a system, process, procedure, or program to meet desired needs.
  3. Develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions.
  4. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  5. Understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  6. Function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.
  7. Understand theorems and other mathematical statements; reproduce or elaborate their proofs.

NU BSc Mathematics Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)

Within three to five years after graduation, our graduates from the NU Mathematics Program will aspire to. . .

  1. address and solve both research and real-world problems by applying their theoretical knowledge, critical thinking, and practical skills in mathematical and natural sciences;
  2. become leaders through seeking collaborative opportunities and interacting professionally with a variety of stakeholders;
  3. contribute independently or as a member of a multi-disciplinary organization in industry, academia, or government within Kazakhstan or abroad;
  4. recognize both the potential for and the limitations of scientific processes in solving real-world problems, and respond appropriately to values and conflicts within the profession.

Requirements for the completion of the study:

Students admitted in 2018 & 2019 Students admitted in 2020 or later
  1. Mathematics requirement, at least 102 ECTS, comprising of
  2. Natural Science requirement, at least 34 ECTS, with three compulsory courses:
    • PHYS 161 Physics I for Scientists and Engineers with Laboratory
    • PHYS 162 Physics II for Scientists and Engineers with Laboratory
  3. Technical Electives, at least 18 ECTS:
    • Any PHYS, CHEM, BIOL, ECON courses at 200 level or above except ECON 211, PHYS 201, PHYS 202.
    • Any courses at 200 level or above in SEDS and SMG except courses with subject abbreviation ENG.
    • Math courses can be taken for Technical Electives but students who were admitted in fall 2019 must take at least one course from other majors
  4. Computer Science requirement, at least 16 ECTS, with compulsory courses
    • CSCI 151 Programming for Scientists and Engineers
    • CSCI 152 Performance and Data Structures
  5. Humanity-Social Science requirement:
    • HST 100 History of Kazakhstan
    • 2 Kazakh Language/Literature courses
    • 1 Ethics course
    • SHSS 150
    • COMM 102 (updated as COMM 202) or any 200-level writing course
    • 1 Social Science Elective (SOC, PLS, ANT, ECON)
  6. Other:
    • MATH 350 Research Methods
    • Business Fundamentals and Entrepreneurship course
  1. Mathematics requirement, at least 120 ECTS, comprising of
  2. University Common Core Curriculum:
    • 2 writing courses
    • 2 Kazakh Language courses
    • 1 Ethics course
    • HST 100 History of Kazakhstan
    • MATH 350 Research Methods
    • 1 Social Science course (SOC, PLS, ANT, ECON)
    • 1 Natural Science course (PHYS, CHEM, BIOL, GEOL)
    • MATH 161 Calculus I
    • Any CS or programming course (8 credits)
    • Business Fundamentals and Entrepreneurship
  3. Technical Electives, at least 18 ECTS:
    • Any BIOL, CHEM, ECON, PHYS, SEDS, SMG course. (At least one course must be 300-level or above.)

Starting from Fall 2020, students have to have at least C- for math courses to be counted as a core course or a math elective. This means that

  • Students must earn at least C- in Real Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Numerical Methods, Mathematical Statistics for graduation.
  • If a student gets D+ in a math elective, it cannot be counted as a math elective, but it can be counted as a general elective.

The new policy applies to all students including 4th-year students but the courses which were taken before Fall 2020 are not affected. That is, for example, if a student has already got D in Abstract Algebra before the Fall semester of 2020, it is counted towards graduation.

FAQ

What are the requirements for transferring to mathematics major?
To transfer to mathematics major after the final exams of the spring semester of year 1 but before the final exams of the fall semester of the year 2, a student must have an average GPA of at least 3.0 in Calculus 1 and 2.

What is the passing grade for MATH courses?
– Any mathematics course that is being used as a prerequisite to another mathematics course requires the grades of C or above.
– For courses such as Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra, Numerical Methods, Mathematical Statistics for graduation it is required to get C- or above for graduation unless they are used as a prerequisite.
– If a student gets D+ in a math elective, it cannot be counted as a math elective, but it can be counted as a general elective.

What is the passing grade for a general elective?
-The passing grade for a general elective is D.

 

Sample of the study plan

Descriptions of courses can be found here.

For inquiries, please contact the Director of Undergraduate Program.

For details on the MATH 499 Graduation Project (formerly known as Capstone Project), please follow the link.

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