Interdisciplinary and unrivalled: New KPU Degree in Mathematics

Mon, Aug 19, 2013
KPU students (from left) Christian Fopp, Parisa Rafat and Andrew Linnitt study in instructor Lin Hammill’s integral calculus class.

For immediate release

August 20, 2013

Interdisciplinary and unrivalled: New KPU Degree in Mathematics

Metro Vancouver, BC – A polytypic degree for Canada’s polytechnic university.

In the third announcement of the kind this summer, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is proud to share that it has had another new program approved by the Ministry of Advanced Education – the Bachelor of Science in Applications of Mathematics.

The program, which will be fully launched in September 2014, will offer students the option for concentration in one of three exciting areas: Biomathematics, computational mathematics or mathematics education. Students who choose to focus their studies in biomathematics will graduate from Canada’s only undergraduate program of the kind, while the concentration in mathematics education will offer students a multidisciplinary approach to the field that is not found elsewhere.

In addition to a specific area of concentration, the program’s Major, Major Honours and Minor degrees are all built on an academically solid foundation of mathematical skills. With its many options, the B.Sc Applications of Mathematics prepares students for employment in areas ranging from pharmaceuticals and health to banking and finance to education and government. Students will also be well prepared to enter related graduate programs.

“The B.Sc in Applications of Mathematics is an innovative and interdisciplinary program, providing students with an opportunity to engage in individual research or gain industry or community experience through a senior project. It capitalizes on the strengths of Kwantlen Polytechnic University by drawing on expertise from many disciplines,” says Dr. Lin Hammill, an instructor with the Department of Mathematics. “Students will learn to apply mathematical skills in diverse fields, providing a broad range of options for careers or further education.”

“Kwantlen’s core values of exploration, excellence and integrity and community will be embodied in this degree. The community will be enhanced by providing students with significant educational options within the south-of-Fraser region,” says Dean Elizabeth Worobec. “I am very pleased that the Applications of Mathematics program will be joining KPU’s recently approved Physics for Modern Technology degree, and our newer Biology and Health Science Bachelor of Science degrees. This expansion of upper-level course offerings signals growth for the Faculty of Science, as well as for the university.”

In addition to the various degree and concentration choices, further program flexibility is available with part- and full-time study options. While the program will be primarily run out of the Surrey campus, a variety of courses will be offered at KPU Richmond and Langley.

The first, second and third years of the program will be officially launched in the fall of 2014. However, students can currently enrol in some first-, second- and third-year courses this September.

For more information on the new degree and to view the full proposal, visit: kpu.ca/science/mathematics or contact Lin Hammill at lin.hammill@kpu.ca or 604-599-2197.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 18,000 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.

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For more information about KPU, contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
Tel: 604.599.2883
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca