Department of Mathematics

Why mathematics

Familiarity with mathematics has long been regarded as an indispensable part of every cultured person's intellectual equipment. Mathematics, often called the "Queen of Science", is a basic requirement for studying physics, chemistry, biology and other subjects. At the graduate level students develop logical and scientific thinking, and come to appreciate both the beauty of mathematics and its applications across their studies, which also helps them in their future careers.

Recognising this, the management and staff decided to offer mathematics at the B.Sc. level from 1991.

History of the department

Prof. S. V. Bhatta was appointed in 1991 to teach mathematics for the new degree classes and headed the department until her retirement in August 2004. Prof. G. K. Hegde was appointed as a lecturer in 1991 and Prof. Ashalata Bhat in 1993. Results were 100% in the first year and have remained good since.

Vinod Gaitonde, Shubha Hegde, Sangeetha Patil, Vinayak Naik and Narendra have also taught in the department. Prof. A. R. Priya is the present Head of the Department, and Miss Shambhavi D. Acharya works in the department as a lecturer.

Vision and mission

Vision: To achieve high standards of excellence in generating and propagating knowledge in mathematics.

Mission: Imparting quality mathematics education and inculcating the spirit of research through innovative teaching and research methods.

Subjects taught

• Linear differential equations, sequences and infinite series
• Numerical methods based on finite differences
• Differential equations, partial differential equations and integral transforms
• Laplace transforms, Fourier series and transforms
• Topology and complex analysis
• Vector spaces and linear transformations

Activities

• Laboratory sessions, workshops (including wxMaxima), student projects and seminars; about 800 books in the central library.
• Faculty have organised state-level seminars and undertake project work and research.
• Student seminars on complex analysis, applied mathematics and differential calculus; a student project on applications of mathematics in real life.
• Weekly talks on arithmetic, reasoning and mental ability.
• Taluk-level essay competitions, speed-calculation contests and puzzle solving.