Mathematics in a dynamic university mathematics department–a focus on undergraduate mathematics education

Abstract

In this article we explore aspects of a dynamic university mathematics department and focus on its undergraduate mathematics programmes. We propose that such a department is vital, exhibits a culture that is mutually supportive and that faculty, teaching assistants and their supervisors, administrative staff and students all work towards a set of collective goals. We describe how the contributions and responsibilities of individuals in each of the department's component groups differ and provide illustrations from two mathematics departments that meet some of the criteria set out in this article. We conclude with a list of examples of undergraduate education goals that mathematics departments have committed to in response to their individual situations and thereby revitalized their undergraduate programmes.

Keywords:

• undergraduate mathematics education
• dynamic mathematics department
• technology

Acknowledgements

The author thanks his colleague, Bill Ralph, with whom he had informative discussions and who made many constructive suggestions on an early draft. He also thanks the two reviewers whose comments produced significant improvements to the final version of the article.