Program Requirements: Mathematics
The Mathematics Major
Department faculty are eager to help students select courses. If a major has not been declared earlier, it must be declared by the end of the sophomore year. Students should choose an academic adviser from the department faculty as early as possible, and in any case by the end of the sophomore year. Entering students enrolled in first-year seminars in programs outside mathematics, computer science or the natural sciences are especially encouraged to make a prompt choice of an unofficial secondary adviser in the Mathematics Department, who will be able to supplement the advice offered by their primary adviser.
Core Courses
These courses are prerequisites for the advanced courses and should be taken as soon aspossible.
- Calculus sequence (MATH120-121-122 or MATH 124-125)
- MATH130 Linear Algebra
- MATH131 Multivariate CalculusMATH 172 Introduction to Modern Analysis
Breadth Courses
- MATH225 Modern Algebra
- Two math electives (MATH105, 114, 115, or any courses beyond MATH125)
Depth Courses
Four additional courses at the 200 level, one a capstone course to be selected with the major adviser (internships and reading courses will meet this requirement only with deparmental approval.)
(Total of 12 or 13 courses, depending on student's choice of calculus sequence. Note: MATH110 Diving into Research cannot be used to satisfy the requirements of the major.)
Suggested Specializations in Mathematics
Pure mathematics is the study of mathematics as an end in itself. Many students are originally attracted to mathematics because of its powerful applications, but a taste for pure mathematics often develops after studying the subject. Students planning to study mathematics in graduate school should consider programs in either pure or applied mathematics. Suggested courses: MATH214 Modern Analysis; MATH216 Complex Analysis; MATH226 Modern Algebra II; and MATH228 Topology.
Applied mathematics is the study of mathematics as applied to the natural or social sciences. The heart of the field is modelling—translating aspects of natural or social phenomena into mathematical objects that can be studied with such mathematical tools as differential equations, linear systems and stochastic processes. Suggested courses: MATH212 Numerical Analysis; MATH214 Modern Analysis; MATH216 Complex Analysis; MATH217-218 Probability and Statistics and Topics in Statistics; and MATH244 Differential Equations.
Actuarial science is the study of finance and insurance. Study in this field requires a grounding in mathematics and statistics and an understanding of economics and business management. Suggested courses: MATH212 Numerical Analysis; MATH217-218 Probability and Statistics and Topics in Statistics; MATH244 Differential Equations; and appropriate courses in economics or business management.
Secondary Education Certificate in Mathematics Education
Certificate requirements include courses in education and in mathematics. Consult the Education Department for information on required courses in education and the most recent state guidelines. The mathematics department recommends the completion of a regular mathematics major, with MATH126 Elementary Number Theory and MATH128 Modern Geometry included as the two elective Breadth Courses.
Mathematical Services
The mathematics department offers courses to help students using mathematics as a tool for studying other areas; see MATH113 Mathematical Problem Solving and MATH217-218 Probability and Statistics, and Topics in Statistics. Outside the department, COPACE offers IDND017 Foundations of Quantitative Thinking.
Calculus
Calculus is an essential tool for every serious student of mathematics or the natural sciences. It also is used in economics and other disciplines. The Department of Mathematics offers two calculus tracks: MATH120-121-122 and MATH124-125
Both tracks are open to first-year students with appropriate scores on the placement test. MATH124 is geared towards students who have had prior experience with (regular and AP) calculus. Strong students in the physical sciences are urged to start with MATH124. The Mathematics Department generally recommends that even students with a high AP score take MATH124. In exceptional circumstances, first-year students may enroll in MATH130.
Mathematics Placement Test
All students who intend to take mathematics courses or who need to satisfy the University’s mathematics proficiency requirement (with the exception of students with advanced-placement credit in calculus) must take the mathematics placement test given during orientation and preregistration. Based on placement test scores, some students will be required to pass IDND017 Foundations of Quantitative Thinking, offered through COPACE before they enroll in a formal-analysis course. Other students, who place at levels ranging from precalculus through MATH124, must begin in a course corresponding to their placement test scores. This course must not be higher or lower than the test score indicates. Students may challenge their placement by taking backup placement tests. (For more information about the University’s mathematical and quantitative-thinking requirements, see page 6.)
Reading Courses
Reading courses on special topics may be arranged with the permission of a member of the departmental faculty who will serve as supervisor. Departmental policy requires that a reading course can only be taken Pass/No Credit. Reading courses may not be substituted for 200-level courses to fulfill departmental requirements