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Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics Major

Regulations amended, effective Jan. 1, 2024.

The Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics Major is designed to help students develop a relatively wide range of applied mathematical skills which have direct applications in fields such as scientific and medical research, computer science, finance, engineering, and other math-related disciplines.

This major fosters innovative thinking toward solving scientific, environmental, and sociological issues using mathematical methods, and aims to provide deeper understanding and alternative perspectives on problems in math-related interdisciplinary fields. Its ultimate goal is to lay a foundation of research skills for undergraduate students to apply in real-world situations and contribute to the betterment of society.

Planning your program

Online program plans assist students in selecting the courses needed to fulfill their program requirements.

AU has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.

Minors

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science with major, can also declare a minor. Minors are available in:

  • Architecture Minor
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Minor
  • Biology Minor
  • Business Administration Minor
  • Computing Minor
  • Finance Management Minor
  • Game Design and Development Minor
  • Game Programming Minor
  • Geoscience Minor
  • Human Science Minor
  • Information Systems Minor
  • Information Systems Management Minor
  • Learning Technology Minor
  • Physical Sciences Minor
  • Psychology Minor
  • Web Development Minor

Program requirements

Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.

Students are strongly encouraged to register in ENGL 255 early in their program. Students will be exempted* from the English Writing Skills Requirement (ENGL 255) who have met one of the following criteria:

  • have a grade of B- (70 per cent) or better in an Athabasca University English course above the preparatory (100) level;
    or
  • received credit for an English course in which a grade of B- or better was achieved.

*Note: the exemption must be replaced with a 3-credit course in any discipline at the junior/senior (200 to 400) level.

Students who hold a recognized first degree and who wish to obtain an AU undergraduate degree in a different subject area, will be enrolled under the second undergraduate degree regulations. These students may transfer in up to 50 per cent (60 credits) into the four-year degree program, based on course work in the first degree that is applicable. Preparatory (100 level) credits cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of a second undergraduate degree.

For student in the BSc program wishing to combine two majors, all requirements of both majors must be fulfilled. The choice of major may restrict course selection or require the completion of more than 120 credits. Those considering a double major should consult an AU program advisor for assistance.

The BSc Major in Applied Mathematics can be combined with these majors to fulfill a double major:

  • Bachelor of Science, Computing and Information Systems Major
  • Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences Major

Program structure

The following Program Structure section applies to all Bachelor of Science degrees with Major. Additional Requirements to the Major are found below and may override the general regulations.


program structure
Total credits in the program 120
Residency requirement. A minimum of 30 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University 30
Graduation with Distinction or Great Distinction. At least 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University in order to be considered. 24

Minimum credits required

minimum credits required
Senior (300 or 400) level 72
Science credits 72
In the major (if selected) 45
In the major through Athabasca University 15
In the minor (if selected) 24
In the minor through Athabasca University 9
Senior Science credits (300 and 400 level) 45
Senior Science credits at 400 level 15
Social Science credits 6

Maximum credits allowed

maximum credits allowed
In any one Science discipline 75
Senior project credits (495/496) 12
At the preparatory (100) level 6
Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits 30

Core course requirements

core course requirements
MATH 215 – Introduction to Statistics
(3)
or
MATH 216 – Computer-oriented Approach to Statistics
MATH 265 – Introduction to Calculus I* (3)
 *(When selecting the CIS major or a computing-related minor, MATH 265 may be replaced with MATH 270.)
COMP 200 – Introduction to Computing and Information Systems** (3)
or
COMP 210 – Introduction to Information Systems and Computer Applications
 **(COMP 200 is required for students selecting the CIS major or a computing-related minor.)
SCIE 326 – Scientific Reasoning (3)
SCIE 480 – Research Methods in Science
(3)
or
COMP 494 – Research Methods***
 ***COMP 494 is required for students in the CIS major.
PHIL 333 – Professional Ethics (3)
or
PHIL 371 – Ethics, Science, Technology, and the Environment
ENGL 255 – Introductory Composition (see English writing skills requirement) (3)

Applied Mathematics – specific requirements

In addition to the BSc program general requirements, a Major in Applied Mathematics involves the completion of 45 credits of core and elective courses.

The Applied Mathematics Major cannot be combined with the Applied Mathematics Minor.

Core courses

(36 credits)

core courses
MATH 270 – Linear Algebra I (3)
MATH 266 – Introduction to Calculus II (3)
MATH 271 – Linear Algebra II (3)
MATH 309 – Discrete Mathematics (3)
MATH 315 – Methods in Applied Statistics (3)
MATH 365 – Multivariable Calculus (3)
MATH 366 – Complex Variables I (3)
MATH 370 – Applied Real Analysis (3)
MATH 376 – Ordinary Differential Equations (3)
MATH 476 – Partial Differential Equations (3)
MATH 480 – Mathematic Modeling I (3)
MATH 495 – Mathematics Projects I (3)

Elective courses

(9 credits)

Students complete a minimum of 9 credits selected from the Mathematics (MATH) discipline. A minimum of 6 credits must be at a senior (300 or higher) level.

Additional program regulations

  1. Athabasca University may grant transfer credit for individual Computer Science courses that were completed more than 5 years ago if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment from the supervisor/employer/human resources. The letter should be written on company letterhead, and the content must include the supervisor's signature, the position title, date of hire, and a breakdown of the duties that highlight the relevancy of the education. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied. Visit the Transfer Credit Services section of the Calendar for more information regarding transfer credit towards the BSc program.
  2. Students holding a computing-related diploma from an approved college or technical institute that is more than 5 years old may be admitted to the BSc PD program if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment from the supervisor/employer/human resources. The letter should be written on company letterhead, and the content must include the supervisor's signature, the position title, date of hire, and breakdown of the duties that highlight the relevancy of the education. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied.
  3. If the following courses are over 10 years old: BIOL 325, BIOL 341, BIOL 401, BIOL 480, CHEM 301, and NUTR 406; Athabasca University may grant transfer credit if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment from the supervisor/employer/human resources. The letter should be written on company letterhead, and the content must include the supervisor's signature, the position title, date of hire, and a breakdown of the duties that highlight the relevancy of the education. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied.
  4. An individual course can only be used to fulfill one requirement in the program. For example, no course can be used to complete the specific requirements of both the major and the minor. Also, a course that fulfills the BSc program general requirements cannot be used to satisfy the specific requirements of either the major or the minor.
  5. Preparatory (100 level) courses cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of the Post Diploma program.
Information effective Jan. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2024.

Updated July 25, 2024 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)

https://www.athabascau.ca/calendar/ 12a799240a2a5543024b5666e963780a