Orientation Year Program (OYP) - Mathematics Program
Introduction

The Department of Mathematical Sciences at PSU offers a two-course sequence during the Orientation Year designed to prepare students for university level science and mathematics courses.

This sequence covers the basics of college algebra and trigonometry with an introduction to functions and matrices. University level courses are offered in subjects such as Calculus (Differential and Integral), Linear Algebra, Statistics, Finite Moths, Discrete Moths and Numerical Analysis.

The courses offered in the Department give students the opportunity to experience a variety of topics in mathematics.
 
The primary objectives of the Department are to provide students with a comprehensive scientific and mathematical background; the adaptability and flexibility they will need in order to evolve with continuing changes in the world; and the ability to deal effectively with specific changes in their professional disciplines.

The Department is committed to preparing students to succeed as workers, citizens and leaders. Each student is exposed to the mathematics needed to fulfill his career and educational goals and to be productive citizens in today’s technological society.

The Department continuously assesses its students during the academic year to help them achieve their maximum potential. This continuous assessment, in the form of almost daily quizzes, contributes to at least 10% of the final exam mark and is a good reflection of the performance of the student throughout the semester.

We provide many channels for weaker students to seek help at an early stage. Instructors provide office hours  designed for students who need help with a particular aspect of the course. Instructors also provide an extra help class during to week to solve problems or explain difficult topics.

Student Aims and Objectives

• Develop the ability to communicate Mathematics with appropriate symbols and language.

•  Develop logical reasoning and creative intuition.

•  Develop problem-solving skills, especially patience and persistence.

•  Use mathematics as a basis for scientific thinking and acting.

•  General and specialized computing skills to support mathematical learning and understanding.

•  Students develop into competent users of professional statistical packages, high level programming languages, and have good general IT skills.

• Appreciate the usefulness, power and beauty of Mathematics and recognize its relationship with other disciplines and with everyday life.

Departmental Aims and objectives

• Provide the opportunity for high-quality education to meet specialized professional needs in other courses, which the students major in.

• Contribute to the improvement of the teaching and learning of Mathematics at all levels throughout the Department.

• Promote an understanding of the fundamental role of the Mathematical Sciences in society.

• Emphasize logical reasoning and critical thinking skills in all our courses.

• Create a teaching and learning environment which supports all students in reaching their full potential.

• Develop, maintain and stimulate students’ curiosity, interest and enjoyment in mathematics.

• Offer a programmer of help outside classroom hours that strengthens students and stimulates each pupil to achieve his maximum   potential in the study of mathematics.

• Produce students who have transferable intellectual and personal skills.

• Encourage students to develop personal qualities such as perseverance, initiative, self-confidence and independence.