Mathematics and Statistics (BSc Program)

Lee Keener, Professor Emeritus

Dan Ryan, Associate Professor and Chair
Jennifer Hyndman, Professor
Kevin Keen, Professor
Pranesh Kumar, Professor
Mohammad El Smaily, Associate Professor
Alia Hamieh, Associate Professor
Andy Wan, Associate Professor
Edward Dobrowolski, Assistant Professor
Stanley Xiao, Assistant Professor
Brian Schaan, Lecturer
Erin Beveridge, Senior Lab Instructor

Website: www.unbc.ca/math-statistics

Major in Mathematics (BSc)
Major in Mathematics (BSc Honours)
​​​​Joint Major in Chemistry and Mathematics (BSc)
Joint Major in Computer Science and Mathematics (BSc)
​​​Joint Major in Mathematics and Physics (BSc)
Joint Major in Economics and Mathematics (BSc)
Minor in Mathematics
Minor in Statistics

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics provides undergraduate and postgraduate instruction and training in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics. A Bachelor of Science degree is available in Mathematics, as well as joint BSc degrees in Mathematics and Physics, Economics and Mathematics, Chemistry and Mathematics, and Computer Science and Mathematics. 

In addition, there is a minor in Mathematics and a minor in Statistics. A graduate degree (MSc—Mathematics) is also supported by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Students interested in graduate studies are advised to consult the UNBC Graduate Calendar for further information.
 
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers Mathematics and Statistics service courses to students in the biological sciences, health sciences, management, economics, social sciences, and other areas.
 
Some sections of introductory calculus are enhanced through the use of computer software which provides exceptional computational power and high-quality graphical display. Introductory statistics courses teach the use of statistical analysis software to analyze data.
 
An important feature of the Mathematics degree program is the early emphasis on the development of abstract reasoning and the relation of the abstract to the concrete. The degree requirements have been chosen so as to provide students with a broad background in Mathematics while still leaving them room to pursue individual interests. For more information please visit our website at www.unbc.ca/math-statistics.


Major in Mathematics

A major in Mathematics requires 17 MATH or STAT courses (51 credit hours), at least 30 credit hours of which must be upper-division courses: and, of those upper-division credit hours, at least 12 must be taken at the 400 level. 

STAT 240-3 (Basic Statistics) may not be used for credit towards any Mathematics major, minor, or joint major.

MATH 150-3 (Finite Mathematics for Business and Economics) may not be used for credit towards any Mathematics major or joint major.

The minimum requirement for completion of a Bachelor of Science with a major in Mathematics is 120 credit hours.


Program Requirements

Note: Unless otherwise stated, students enrolling in any MATH or STAT courses with prerequisites are required to have completed all prerequisite courses for that course with a C- (60%) or better, or have permission to enroll from the Department Chair. If the prerequisite course is a BC high school course, the minimum required grade is a C (60%).

Literacy Requirement

One of the following:
ENGL 170-3 Writing and Communication Skills
ENGL 270-3 Expository Writing

Lower-Division Requirement

100 Level
CPSC 100-4 Computer Programming I
CPSC 141-3 Discrete Computational Mathematics
MATH 100-3 Calculus I
MATH 101-3 Calculus II
200 Level
MATH 202-3 Multivariable Calculus I
MATH 204-3 Multivariable Calculus II
MATH 220-3 Linear Algebra
MATH 224-3 Foundations of Modern Mathematics
MATH 230-3 Ordinary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems
Recommended
CPSC 101-4 Computer Programming II
CPSC 242-3 Mathematical Topics for Computer Science
General Science Requirement

Two of the following:
BIOL 103-3 Introductory Biology I
     and BIOL 123-1 Introductory Biology I Laboratory
BIOL 104-3 Introductory Biology II
     and BIOL 124-1 Introductory Biology II Laboratory
CHEM 100-3 General Chemistry I
     and CHEM 120-1 General Chemistry Lab I
CHEM 101-3 General Chemistry II
     and CHEM 121-1 General Chemistry Lab II
PHYS 100-4 Introduction to Physics I
     or PHYS 110-4* Introductory Physics I: Mechanics
PHYS 111-4* Introductory Physics II: Waves and Electricity
*Note:  PHYS 110-4 (Introductory Physics I: Mechanics) and PHYS 111-4 ( Introductory Physics II: Waves and Electricity) are strongly recommended for all majors.

Upper-Division Requirement

300 Level
MATH 301-3 Introduction to Complex Analysis
MATH 302-3 Introductory Mathematical Analysis
MATH 320-3 Survey of Algebra
MATH 336-3 Intermediate Differential Equations
     or MATH 335-3 Introduction to Numerical Methods
STAT 371-3 Probability and Statistics for Scientists and Engineers
STAT 372-3 Mathematical Statistics

300 or 400 Level
MATH 326-3 Advanced Linear Algebra
     or MATH 405-3
Topology
400 Level

Twelve additional credit hours in Mathematics or Statistics at the 400 level.

Elective and Academic Breadth Requirement
Elective credit hours must be taken as necessary to ensure completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours including any additional credit hours necessary to meet the Academic Breadth requirement of the University (see Academic Regulation on Academic Breadth).


BSc Honours - Mathematics

The Honours in Mathematics recognizes undergraduate students who develop a breadth of knowledge through coursework and research. Students considering graduate work or industrial research gain experience and confidence in working in areas where the outcome is unknown.  

Entry into the Mathematics Honours Program takes place after completion of 60 credit hours and requires a minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.33 over the previous 30 credit hours, and the permission of the Department Chair. Candidates are required to consult with their Student Advisor prior to applying for the program. Attaining the minimum requirement does not guarantee entry to the Honours Program, which is at the discretion of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and depends on the availability of a supervisor. Faculty members are under no obligation to supervise Honours students. To remain in the Honours Program requires the maintenance of a minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.33.

To be awarded the BSc Honours degree students will:
Note: Because faculty are under no obligation to supervise undergraduate theses, students are encouraged to find an Undergraduate Thesis supervisor well in advance of completing 90 credit hours.


Joint Major in Chemistry and Mathematics


Joint Major in Computer Science and Mathematics


Joint Major in Mathematics and Physics

The minimum requirement for completion of a Bachelor of Science with a Joint Major in Mathematics and Physics is 125 credit hours.

MATH 150-3 (Finite Mathematics for Business and Economics) may not be used for credit towards any Mathematics major or joint major.


Program Requirements

Lower-Division Requirement
CPSC 100-4 Computer Programming I
MATH 100-3 Calculus I
MATH 101-3 Calculus II
MATH 202-3 Multivariable Calculus I
MATH 204-3 Multivariable Calculus II
MATH 220-3 Linear Algebra
MATH 230-3 Ordinary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems
PHYS 110-4 Introductory Physics I: Mechanics
PHYS 111-4 Introductory Physics II: Waves and Electricity
PHYS 200-3 Thermal Physics
PHYS 202-4 Electromagnetism and Optics
PHYS 205-3 Modern Physics I
PHYS 206-4 Modern Physics II
Upper-Division Requirement
MATH 301-3 Introduction to Complex Analysis
MATH 320-3 Survey of Algebra
Advanced Linear Algebra
MATH 335-3 Introduction to Numerical Methods
Intermediate Differential Equations
PHYS 300-3 Classical Mechanics
PHYS 302-3 Quantum Mechanics I
PHYS 310-3 Classical Electromagnetism I
PHYS 400-3 Quantum Mechanics II
PHYS 407-3 Statistical Mechanics
PHYS 410-3 Classical Electromagnetism II
Probability and Statistics for Scientists and Engineers 
Subject Upper-Division Requirements: 9 additional upper-division credit hours are required from MATH or STAT courses, of which at least 6 must be at the 400 level. An additional 6 upper-division credit hours of PHYS courses are required, of which at least 3 credit hours must be at the 400 level.

Elective and Academic Breadth Requirement

Elective credit hours must be taken as necessary to ensure completion of a minimum of 125 credit hours including any additional credit hours necessary to meet the Academic Breadth requirement of the University (see Academic Regulation on Academic Breadth). 


Joint Major in Economics and Mathematics


Minor in Mathematics

The minor in Mathematics requires students to take 27 credit hours, 12 of which must be upper-division credit hours. 

There is no limit to the number of courses that may be used to fulfill program requirements for a major (or another minor) and also a minor in Mathematics. 

Requirements

100 Level
CPSC 141-3 Discrete Computational Mathematics
MATH 100-3 Calculus I
MATH 101-3 Calculus II

200 Level
MATH 202-3 Multivariable Calculus I
MATH 220-3 Linear Algebra
Twelve additional credit hours in Mathematics or Statistics at the 300 or 400 level.


Minor in Statistics

The Minor in Statistics requires students to take 24 credit hours, 18 of which must be upper-division credit hours.

There is no limit to the number of courses that may be used to fulfill program requirements for a major or another minor with a Minor in Statistics.

Requirements

Lower-Division Requirement
 
MATH 100-3 Calculus I
MATH 101-3 Calculus II

Upper-Division Requirement
STAT 371-3 Probability and Statistics for Scientists and Engineers
STAT 372-3 Mathematical Statistics
Four of the following:
Ecological Analyses
Introduction to Econometrics
Geophysical Data Analysis
Intermediate GIS
Advanced GIS
Remote Sensing
Advanced Remote Sensing
Principles of Epidemiology
STAT 471-3 Linear Models
STAT 472-3 Survey Sampling Design and Analysis
STAT 473-3 Experimental Design and Analysis
STAT 475-3 Methods for Multivariate Data
Note: Students are required to complete any additional prerequisite courses.

Recommended

STAT 240-3 Basic Statistics

Updated: February 1, 2024