Outcomes Assessment

Mathematics graduates will:

  • Prove theorems and construct counterexamples of reasonable difficulty in analysis, abstract algebra, and other mathematical areas.
  • Use techniques of calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and linear algebra.
  • Effectively communicate mathematical ideas.
  • Model problems mathematically and apply appropriate techniques to analyze them.
  • Apply mathematics outside the classroom.

In addition to meeting the outcomes identified above, mathematics majors gaining certification to teach in grades 5-12 will:

  • Prove theorems and construct counterexamples in geometry.
  • Solve problems and explain solution methods making use of tools from probability, statistics, and circlerete mathematics.
  • Write algorithms and implement technology to model and solve problems.
  • Meet the ISU Teacher Education Standards

ASSESSMENT MEASURES

Prove theorems and construct counterexamples of reasonable difficulty in of analysis, abstract algebra, and other mathematical areas.

Relevant courses:

Math 301, 302, 304, 314, 331, 317, 350, 414, 415, 435, 436, 439

Assessment:

  • Mathematics senior surveys or interviews
  • Mathematics alumni survey
  • Performance on designated test questions in relevant courses.
  • Survey of relevant course instructors
  • Grades in relevant courses

Outcome:

Use techniques of calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra.

Relevant courses:

Math 165, 166, 265, 266, 267, 317

Assessment:

  • Mathematics senior surveys or interviews
  • Mathematics alumni survey
  • Performance on designated test questions in relevant courses.
  • Survey of relevant course instructors
  • Grades in relevant courses

Outcome:

Effectively communicate mathematical ideas.

Relevant courses:

Math 201, 491, 492, English 250, 302, 305, 309, 314.

Assessment:

  • Mathematics senior surveys or interviews
  • Mathematics alumni survey
  • Survey of Math 492 instructors
  • Grades in relevant courses

Outcome:

Model problems mathematically and apply appropriate techniques to analyze them.

Relevant courses:

All math courses.

Assessment:

  • Mathematics senior surveys or interviews
  • Mathematics alumni survey
  • Performance on designated test questions in relevant courses.
  • Survey of instructors
  • Grades in relevant courses

Outcome:

Apply mathematics outside the classroom.

Assessment:

  • Mathematics senior surveys or interviews
  • Mathematics alumni survey
  • Number of majors who obtain employment or research experience in mathematics while undergraduates (e.g., internships or research at a university or national lab)
  • Number of graduates who obtain jobs in industry or government using mathematics