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
Erin Beveridge, Senior Lab Instructor
Brian Schaan, Lecturer
Dr. Chunyi Gai, Assistant Professor

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 ÂÜÀòÉäÇø 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.

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.

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

(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:

Writing and Communication Skills
Expository Writing

Lower-Division Requirement

100 Level

Computer Programming I
Discrete Computational Mathematics
Calculus I
Calculus II

200 Level

Multivariable Calculus I
Multivariable Calculus II
Linear Algebra
Foundations of Modern Mathematics
Ordinary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems

Recommended

Computer Programming II
Mathematical Topics for Computer Science

General Science Requirement

Two of the following:

Introductory Biology I
     and  Introductory Biology I Laboratory
Introductory Biology II
     and  Introductory Biology II Laboratory
General Chemistry I
     and General Chemistry Lab I
General Chemistry II
     and General Chemistry Lab II
Physics for Life Sciences I
     or * Introductory Physics I: Mechanics
* Introductory Physics II: Waves and Electricity

*Note:  (Introductory Physics I: Mechanics) and ( Introductory Physics II: Waves and Electricity) are strongly recommended for all majors.

Upper-Division Requirement

300 Level

Introduction to Complex Analysis
Introductory Mathematical Analysis
Survey of Algebra
Intermediate Differential Equations
     or Introduction to Numerical Methods
Probability and Statistics for Scientists and Engineers
Mathematical Statistics

300 or 400 Level

Advanced Linear Algebra
     or Topology

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

Electives and Academic Breadth
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:

  • complete 126 credit hours
  • satisfy the requirements for a BSc in Mathematics
  • within the existing 400-level requirements, take:
    • one of  or
    • one of or
    • one of , or , or
  • complete 6 credit hours of or , with the outcome of one undergraduate thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.

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

See Calendar entry under Chemistry.

Joint Major in Computer Science and Mathematics

See Calendar entry under Computer Science.

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.

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

Program Requirements

Lower-Division Requirement

Computer Programming I
Calculus I
Calculus II
Multivariable Calculus I
Multivariable Calculus II
Linear Algebra
Ordinary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems
Introductory Physics I: Mechanics
Introductory Physics II: Waves and Electricity
Thermal Physics
Electromagnetism and Optics
Modern Physics I
Modern Physics II

Upper-Division Requirement

Introduction to Complex Analysis
Survey of Algebra
Advanced Linear Algebra
Introduction to Numerical Methods
Intermediate Differential Equations
Classical Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics I
Classical Electromagnetism I
Quantum Mechanics II
Statistical Mechanics
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.

Electives and Academic Breadth
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

See Calendar entry under Economics.

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

Discrete Computational Mathematics
Calculus I
Calculus II

200 Level

Multivariable Calculus I
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

Calculus I
Calculus II

Upper-Division Requirement

Probability and Statistics for Scientists and Engineers
Mathematical Statistics

Four of the following:

Ecological Analyses
Introduction to Econometrics
Environmental and Geophysical Data Analysis
Intermediate GIS
Introduction to Remote Sensing
Advanced GIS
Advanced Remote Sensing
Principles of Epidemiology
Linear Models
Survey Sampling Design and Analysis
Experimental Design and Analysis
Methods for Multivariate Data

Note: Students are required to complete any additional prerequisite courses.

Recommended

 Basic Statistics


Updated: June 28, 2024