University of Nebraska Kearney

Mathematics and Statistics Assessment Mission 

Students who successfully complete undergraduate degrees offered by the Department of mathematics and Statistics at the University of Nebraska at Kearney should be able to demonstrate an understanding and ability to apply the concepts and processes of mathematics and statistics in a variety of careers in government and business, in secondary school teaching, in graduate study, and with proper planning, in a variety of professional programs. In addition, graduates will develop an understanding of the importance and scope of professional ethics and play active and ethical roles as participants and leaders in industry, education, graduate schools and society. 

Student Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate an understanding of and be able to apply the processes of Mathematics and statistics including being able to:
   1. Use problem-solving approaches to investigate and understand mathematical content.
   2. Formulate and solve problems from mathematics and statistics and everyday situations.
   3. Communicate mathematical and statistical ideas orally and in writing using everyday language, mathematical and statistical language, symbols, and graphs.
   4. Make mathematical and statistical conjectures, evaluate arguments and validate mathematical and statistical thinking.
   5. Examine relationships within mathematics and statistics.
   6. Connect mathematics and statistics to other disciplines and real-world situations.
   7. Use technology in exploration, computation, graphing, and problem solving.
   8. Use instructional strategies based on current research as well as national, state, and local standards relating to mathematics and statistics instruction.
    
2. Demonstrate an understanding of and be able to apply the concepts and principles of mathematics and statistics , including being able to:
   1. Apply concepts of number, number theory, and number systems.
   2. Apply numerical computation and estimation techniques and extend them to algebraic expressions.
   3. Use geometric concepts and relationships to describe and model mathematical ideas and real-world constructs.
   4. Use both descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze data, make predictions, and make decisions.
   5. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of theoretical and and simulated probability and apply them to real-world situations.
   6. Use algebra to describe patterns, relations, and functions and to model and solve problems.
   7. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of limit, continuity, differentiation, and integration, and the techniques and applications of calculus.
   8. Recognize the roles of axiomatic systems and proofs in different branches of mathematics, such as algebra and geometry.
   9. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and applications of discrete mathematics such as graph theory, matrices, recurrence relations, linear programming, difference equations, and combinatorics.
   10. Use mathematical modeling to solve problems from other fields such as natural sciences, social sciences, business, and engineering.
   11. Demonstrate an understanding of and be able to apply the major Concepts of geometry.
   12. Demonstrate an understanding of and be able to apply the major concepts of linear algebra.
   13. Demonstrate an understanding of and be able to apply the major concepts of abstract algebra.
   14. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development in mathematics that includes the contributions of underrepresented groups and diverse cultures.
    
3. Demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of and be able to teach the concepts, skills, and processes of mathematics and statistics as defined in the Nebraska Content Standards for grades K - 12.