Mathematics & Physics Department

Exploring the physical world around us is a collaborative study of many principles, theories and forces. Algebra. Analysis. Mechanics. Quantum theory. Thermodynamics. It's all related. But, how?

Our Mathematics & Physics Department will teach you how through an interdisciplinary curriculum that will prepare you to make a positive impact on the world around us.

In a collaborative approach to the sciences, you will gain a solid foundation in mathematical methods and techniques along with the logical and analytical thinking skills to understand nature and the forces that impact life on Earth.

You will develop logical and analytical thinking skills. You will solve real-world problems.

You will learn to use your scientific skills as a force for good, advancing leadership, service and civic responsibility.

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Mathematics (BA/BS)

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Mathematics/Adolescence Education (BA,BS/MST)

A group of students sit in front of a computer for their computer science class.

Mathematics/Computer Science (BS/MS)

A group of students gather around a professor for a physics class.

Physics (Minor)

A student works on her minor in data science in Iona College.

Data Science (Minor)

Program Overview with Dr. Briscoe

With skills that are applicable to many other areas of inquiry, Mathematics and Physics give you the tools to better understand and analyze the world around you.

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The Mathematics and Physics Department supports the mission of Iona University and its School of Arts & Science through its commitment to academic excellence, dedicated teaching and scholarship in the tradition of American Catholic Higher Education and the Christian Brothers. The department values the beauty, logic, and rigor seen in the theoretical nature of the discipline as well as the practicality and power exhibited in its applications. It is a department of teacher-scholars that draws upon the rich multicultural heritage of the discipline and the innovative approaches made possible by modern technology. Thus, the faculty of the department is able to provide students with a liberal arts-based education that is both traditional and contemporary, in order that they may become critical thinkers cognizant of the virtues of truthfulness, creativity, intellectual inquiry, and lifelong learning.

The Mathematics and Physics Department values knowledge, understanding, innovative thought, and the pursuit of wisdom. To these ends, the faculty of the department strives to provide the services necessary to enable students to become:

aware of the mathematics that exists in the world that surrounds them;
skilled at expressing ideas using mathematical language, algorithms, and technological tools;
skilled at understanding and writing proofs;
able to adapt mathematical modes of reasoning to evaluate complex situations and structure a solution or model based on their analysis;
ethical and skilled decision-makers and problem-solvers who use their scientific skills for leadership, service, and civic responsibility;
independent thinkers, informed and enriched by education in the liberal arts and science;
lifelong learners skilled in and adaptable to new information and technologies; and
individuals who integrate their scientific skills within the spiritual, intellectual, civic, emotional and physical dimensions of their live.

The Department supports the mission of Iona University by developing and teaching courses, by conducting research, and by participating in activities of the Iona and larger communities. The department teaches courses for students majoring in mathematics, physics and the other natural sciences, for students pursuing degrees in the arts and business areas, and for students in other programs such as education students in programs leading to certification in teaching. Each full time faculty member is involved in a related research project. The department serves the Iona and larger communities by participation in college activities and college committees and by representing Iona in the larger community.

Mathematics Majors

Students graduating Iona University with a Mathematics major will be able to:

demonstrate the ability to identify articles that draw conclusions based on mathematical results and reasoning.
demonstrate the ability to transition between the written English word and its equivalent mathematical notation.
successfully apply mathematical techniques/definitions when solving problems.
use technology when appropriate.
explore mathematical algorithms used as tools for solving problems and drawing conclusions.
prove statements using appropriate methods such as direct proof, method of contradiction, and mathematical induction.
recognize and correct incorrect or incomplete proofs.
model real-world situations using appropriate analytic/graphical/numeric methods.
recognize the need to test conclusions and models drawn from real-world data.
recognize and correct inappropriate solution methods/models.

Approved by Department: October 15, 2010

Physics Minors

The learning outcomes are as follows:to bring students to an understanding of the nature of scientific knowledge and the appropriate application of scientific concepts, principles, laws and theories; specifically, to obtain an overall knowledge of the basics of physics in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, heat and thermodynamics, optics, atomic and nuclear physics, and quantum physics.
to enable students to utilize the processes of science in solving problems, making decisions, and furthering their understanding of nature and technology;
to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the joint enterprises of science and technology and their interrelationships with each other and with other aspects of society;
to cultivate within students an awareness and confidence to confront such scientific and technological issues as health, energy and the environment as active and informed participants in society.
to communicate scientific concepts in a clear, logical and informative fashion both orally and in writing, and to advance personal and societal solutions through informed participation.

Assessment

The goals of the core course in Physics (PHY 101/102) are assessed through the regular college-wide assessment instruments of the core and with the comprehensive final exams in both PHY101 and PHY102. The Physics Major Program is assessed by having the senior student take the Major Field Test in Physics as provided by the Educational Testing Service.