Mathematics Major
Required for the major in Mathematics: MATH 0122, MATH 0200, MATH 0223, MATH 0302, MATH 0323, four electives at the 200 level or above, and MATH 0704 which is the senior seminar and thesis.
The courses are described informally on the Math Courses page, but here is the general idea. After surviving the calculus sequence, you'll get your first look at the beauty and power of abstraction in linear algebra (MATH 0200). Abstract Algebra (MATH 0302) and Real Analysis (MATH 0323) are both theoretical in nature and involve a great amount of proof writing. Why are these required? There are many reasons. Building a mathematical theory from a system of axioms is a truly impressive intellectual exercise and a fundamental part of the history of mathematics. You will sharpen your deductive skills, and your ability to read, dissect and write coherent arguments (proofs) will enrich your experience in every other course you take (including those in other departments.) Finally, many abstract concepts, such as groups, vector spaces, and convergence, originated from the study of some applied problem. Even in applied courses you will need to form precise definitions, then state and prove theorems.
Required for the Mathematics Sciences Option in the Mathematics Major: (Ten courses total)
I. Core courses: MATH 0122, MATH 0200, and MATH 0223;
II. Electives. Six courses from categories A and B. At least four of the six courses must have the MATH designation, and at least two must be from category B.
A. Courses in applied specialization: CSCI 0101, MATH 0225, MATH 0310, MATH 0315, MATH 0318, ECON 0380, PHYS 0212, CSCI 0201, CSCI 0463;
B. Advanced Electives: MATH 0302, MATH 0311, MATH 0323, MATH 0325, MATH 0410, CSCI 0302, ECON 0390, ECON 0411, MATH 0500 (with prerequisite: at least one course from categories A or B);
III. Senior thesis: MATH 0704 in the senior year.
Mathematics |
Mathematical Sciences |
- MATH 122 (Calculus II)
- MATH 200 (Linear Algebra)
- MATH 223 (Multivariable Calculus)
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- MATH 122 (Calculus II)
- MATH 200 (Linear Algebra)
- MATH 223 (Multivariable Calculus)
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4 electives from list below
plus two required theory courses Electives MATH Electives numbered > 200
CSCI 301 (Theory of Computation)
CSCI 302 (Algorithms & Complexity) Required Theory Courses MATH 302 (Abstract Algebra)
MATH 323 (Real Analysis)
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6 electives from A & B, at least 2 from B and at least 4 with MATH designation A. Electives in Applied Area
CSCI 102 (Math Foundations of Comp)
MATH 225 (Lin Alg & Diff Eqtns)
MATH 310 (Probability)
MATH 315 (Math Models in Soc/Life Sci)
MATH 318 (Operations Research)
ECON 380 (Game Theory)
PHYS 212 (Appl Math for Phys Sci)
CSCI 201 (Data Structures)
CSCI 463 (Crytpology) B. Advanced Electives
MATH 311 (Statistics)
MATH 410 (Stochastic Processes)
MATH 302 (Abstract Algebra)
MATH 323 (Real Analysis)
MATH 325 (Complex Analysis)
ECON 390 (Game Theory II)
ECON 411 (Applied Econometrics)
CSCI 302 (Algorithms & Complexity)
MATH 500 (prereq: at least one A and B) |
| MATH 704 (Senior Thesis Seminar) |
MATH 704 (Senior Thesis Seminar) |
What you do at this point depends on your own interests, and you are strongly encouraged to sit down with a faculty member and think about how to coordinate your elective choices with your educational and career goals.
Honors
To be eligible for departmental honors, students must complete two additional elective courses. For the mathematical sciences option, an honors program must include one of MATH 302 or 303, and an elective sequence such as MATH 310-311 or MATH 310-410.
Minoring in Mathematics
Required for the Minor in Mathematics: MATH 0121, MATH 0122, MATH 0200, and three courses at the 200 level or above.
One way of fulfilling these requirements is to do an "applied minor": A very natural way to fulfill the elective requirements would be to take either the Probability and Statistics sequence one year, or perhaps the Operations Research and Modeling sequence. Either of these sequences offer a generous introduction to how mathematics is currently used in other fields.
Joint Majors
Mathematics is frequently elected as a joint or double major with other disciplines. The mathematics component of a joint major requires the following courses: MATH 0122, MATH 0200, MATH 0223, one course from MATH 0302 or MATH 0323, three MATH electives at the 200 level or higher, and MATH 0704. The senior thesis project (MATH 0704) must combine mathematics with the other discipline and be approved by both departments.
See the Economics Department catalog listing for specific recommendations regarding a joint Economics/Mathematics major.