UNM Los Alamos

Mathematics

Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is dedicated to providing you with quality instruction and educational opportunities, which will lead to success.

About the Department

In the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, we teach Pre-Algebra, Introductory Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, Elements of Calculus and Introductory Statistics. UNM core curriculum math courses that we teach include Math 121, 129, 150, 162, 163, 180 and Stat 145. Our College Algebra (Math 121), Survey of Mathematics (Math 129), and Introductory Statistics (STAT 145) are also included on the statewide Transfer matrix.

Our faculty are dedicated to teaching and student success. The faculty are very knowledgeable, patient, available, and willing to help our students. They regularly serve on institutional and statewide committees and are involved in the local and regional community. In addition to teaching, the department provides students with out of class learning opportunities including department Help Days and faculty office hours. UNM Los Alamos students receive a quality education that goes beyond the classroom. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions.

Preparation for your future

Mathematics is fundamental to many life skills, especially those where we need to think logically. Logical thinking is often needed in planning, executing and evaluating solutions to all types of problems encountered in life situations. Mathematics, sometimes called the study of patterns, helps us to identify patterns and relationships between items that might at first glance seem unconnected. Math helps us keep score in sports, time, distance, money, cooking, purchasing materials, etc. It also helps us make better choices. For example, “Is the economy sized box of dog treats really a better value than the small box?” “How much highway driving makes a hybrid vehicle a better value?” Math and statistics help us decide whether conclusions of polls are reasonable. Math is extremely important in sciences such as physics and chemistry, but it is also used extensively in social sciences such as psychology and economics. Math also has strong ties to areas of study where you would not expect it such as art and music.

If you are twenty years old now, you may live for another fifty or sixty years; with technology changing so rapidly, no one can predict the skills that people will need at home or at work in those years. Those of us who are math teachers are willing to bet that you will be better prepared for the future by getting a good background in math!


Contact Information

Irina Alvestad
Associate Dean of Instruction
505.661.4696 
irina@unm.edu