Mathematics, Department & Faculty

The discipline of mathematics is defined as much by its methodology as it is by its content. Indeed, it is this methodology which unifies the different areas of mathematics. The Department of Mathematics seeks to involve students at all levels in the thoughts and methods of mathematics in a creative, lively way.

University of Dallas Mathematics

The Mathematics Department’s courses, research opportunities, and community are designed to help students experience mathematics and computer science as engaging fields, rich in beauty, with powerful applications to contemporary issues in related subjects. Students develop effective thinking and communication skills in a creative, lively way, as they learn to use language precisely, reason carefully, and solve problems effectively. 

How do we accomplish these goals? By employing a student-centered approach to teaching, where students experience open-ended inquiry to engage the material.  In many classes, rather than lecturing, professors guide students to discover main themes and principles of the subject on their own. By developing mathematical independence in this way, students come away with an unmatched confidence and mastery of their discipline, which is reflected in our graduates having the highest percentage of PhD-bound students completing their PhD in mathematics in the nation.

The courses in the Department are organized around three related areas: the core curriculum, service to other disciplines, and the majors and concentrations in mathematics.

The Core Requirement

Much of mathematics has its roots in science, but the spirit of mathematical inquiry is not bound to any specific area. Mathematics is an important discipline for every educated person.

All students at the university are therefore required to study some mathematics. The goal of the requirement is to strengthen the student’s imaginative and deductive powers through the discipline imposed by rigorous mathematical thinking. The precise use of language and logic characteristic of mathematics is developed in the courses which meet the core requirement.

• There are several classes from which the student may choose, each dealing with profound ideas that play an important part in our culture. These courses can be categorized into three main types.The courses in Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry and Linear Point Set Theory are designed explicitly to engage the student in the precision of mathematical reasoning. There is little or no specific material that must be mastered before taking on these classes, although Linear Point Set Theory requires "mathematical maturity" which can be demonstrated through course work.
• Introduction to Statistics provides a background in statistical reasoning and methodology that is needed for efficient citizenship, as well as for specific use in the fields of Biology, Business, Economics, Psychology and the health professions.
• The main Calculus sequence, Calculus I, II and III, provides an exploration of one of the most useful parts of mathematics. However, these courses do require a broader background in mathematical computation, particularly in algebra and trigonometry. Some students who wish to take one of these courses will have to prepare by taking Precalculus at the college level.

Service to Other Disciplines

Mathematics and the sciences have cross-fertilized each other for centuries. Physics, biology, chemistry and economics all draw on mathematical ideas and techniques. The calculus sequence is the primary avenue for learning these ideas. The knowledge of computation learned in the computer science courses can be applied in other disciplines where the computer can be used as a powerful tool for scientific investigation. Many mathematical concepts grew out of problems in science and the content of a number of upper-level courses reflects this relationship.

Math Placement Exam

Students who enroll in Calculus I at the University of Dallas must either complete a course in Precalculus at the college level or take and pass the department's placement exam.   The placement exam covers material from Algebra, Geometry, and Precalculus.  The exam is offered prior to the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.  Please contact the department chair by email if you need help with registration.