UAH’s Department of Mathematical Sciences is dedicated to education, scholarship, and service in the mathematical sciences. We offer programs of study leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics and to the doctor of philosophy degree in applied mathematics. Mathematics… is indispensable as an intellectual technique. In many subjects, to think at all is to think like a mathematician. Mathematical Sciences (MA) Catalog Materials Undergraduate program description BS or BA in MA Undergraduate minor in MA Graduate program description MA in MA MS in MA PhD in MA Read more about careers in Mathematical Sciences! Coming Fall 2018 MA 490-01 - Category Theory | Tuesday & Thursday, 1:00 - 2:00 P.M. (Note: Skip this paragraph if you're not a math geek; skip to the last paragraph if you're in a hurry) Is there a set (denote it I) such that, for any other set (say, S), there exists a unique (total) function f : I → S? (Yes! One!) Is there a set (denote it T) such that, for any other set S, there exists a unique function f : S →! T? (Infinitely many!) What if, instead of sets and functions, the previous questions were about groups and homomorphisms? Would the answers to the first two questions change? (Spoiler: Yep, there's one group (and only one (up to isomorphism)) that satisfies these properties, and it satisfies both!) Category Theory is the study of math from a bird's-eye view; that is, instead of focusing on the details of specific structures (sets/functions, sets with algebraic structures/homomorphisms, sets with a notion of nearness/continuous functions, any given group, etc.), in Category Theory one is interested in these concepts more generally, focusing on the common algebraic structure and patterns that arise in these structures, the mappings between these structures, the mappings between those mappings, and so on. However, despite Category Theory having its origins in pure math (and being about as abstract as one can get), today many researchers outside of pure math are interested in the subject, as it has found applications in computer science, biology, physics, systems science, and more. In this course, we will focus on the math side of things (full disclosure: students will write proofs and construct examples/counterexamples) and take some excursions into the computer science applications (functional programming, automata, and maybe databases if time allows). More specifically, in this course we will cover universal properties, categories, categorical constructs, abstract structures, duality, functors, natural transformations, adjoints, and monads, with the applications sprinkled in and additional topics as time allows. If that doesn't look like a fun set of topics, then I don't know what does. TL;DR Version: Have you ever thought, "I wish math was more abstract"? Then this is the class for you! If you've never thought that, but are fine with abstract things, then this might be the class for you, but you'll never know unless you take it. If, instead, you've thought, "This math instructor keeps doing proofs and teaching theory! What a jerk!" then... I'm surprised you're still reading this, but I applaud your dedication to reading, and will stop typing words now so that you can get back to whatever it was you were doing. Prerequisites:strong> MA 244 and one of MA 330 or MA 442 If you have any questions, please send them to patricj@uah.edu. Part-Time Lecturers for Mathematics Application Deadline: Hired on a course-by-course basis The University of Alabama in Huntsville invites applications for part-time, non-tenure-track instructors of introductory courses in Mathematical Sciences. Requirements: Applicants must possess a graduate degree in mathematics, business, engineering or a closely related field; completed a minimum of 18 graduate-level credit hours in mathematics, analytics, statistics, or other quantitative field; previous teaching experience desirable but not required. Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate introductory courses in Mathematics. Must be available to teach during the day (classes may be offered between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday). Reappointment is dependent on need and a satisfactory review. Review of completed applications is ongoing. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Application Procedure: Applications for this position should include: (1) letter of interest, (2) current résumé, (3) official transcripts, and (4) three letters of reference, including contact name, address, phone number, and email address. Applications and inquiries should be directed to: Attn: Ms. Tami Lang Department of Mathematical Sciences The University of Alabama in Huntsville 301 Sparkman Drive, SST 258A Huntsville, AL 35899 The University of Alabama in Huntsville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer/minorities/females/veterans/disabled. Math Fun Q: Why do mathematicians like parks? A: You can't cross a vector and a scalar. Q: What happened to the plant in math class? A: It grew square roots. UAH Math Club News Did you know that you do not have to be a mathematics major or minor to join the Math Club? Anyone can join!! The Math Club seeks to spread knowledge of and interest in mathematics through projects and community outreach. Their goal is to gain understanding of different mathematical applications through guest lectures and mathematical conferences. With this knowledge, the Club wishes to spark interest in mathematics and STEM careers in local schools by visiting and describing different uses of math in STEM and by hosting a high school mathematics tournament. The Math Club raised enough money last year to support a child this year for the Secret Meals For Hungry Children Programsponsored by the Alabama Credit Union. The Math Club is looking forward to an exciting 2017-2018 academic year and again will be diligent with their fund raising efforts for group this year. The Secret Meals feeds well over 1,100 disadvantaged schoolchildren. 100% of each donation goes entirely to the purchase of Secret Meals food packs, so every dollar of support makes a difference. A donation of $140 will feed one child weekly for an entire school year. For more information, please contact the Math Department at (256) 824-6470. Contact Us The University of Alabama in Huntsville Shelby Center for Science and Technology, Room 258A 301 Sparkman Drive Huntsville, AL 35899 Email: mathchair@uah.edu 256.824.6470