Mathematics, B.A.

Requirements for Major in Mathematics

There are four emphases for a mathematics major, as described below. The mathematics curriculum is highly sequential with a rigid and necessary prerequisite structure, and not all courses are offered each year. Students planning an academic program that includes a mathematics major, especially one including teacher certification (Tracks III and IV), are urged to consult with a member of the mathematics faculty early in their Albion career so that a proper sequence of courses may be arranged.

Failure to consider carefully the implications of course enrollment decisions may result in delayed graduation.

Foundation Courses

The department may waive one or more of the foundation course requirements for students with advanced high school mathematics preparation.

MATH 141: Calculus of a Single Variable I (1 Unit)
MATH 143: Calculus of a Single Variable II (1 Unit)
CS 171: Introduction to Computer Science I (1 Unit)
MATH 239: Discrete Structures (1 Unit)
MATH 245: Multivariate Calculus (1 Unit)
MATH 247: Differential Equations and Linear Algebra (1 Unit)

Mathematics Major

The mathematics major leads toward immediate employment, graduate work in the mathematical sciences, or professional study in other fields.

10 Units in Mathematics and Computer Science, Including Six Units of Foundation Courses, plus Four Additional Courses:

MATH 331: Real Analysis (1 Unit)
MATH 335: Abstract Algebra (1 Unit)

Two Additional Units of Mathematics Course Work at the 300-level

Students contemplating graduate study in mathematics should also take as many other 300-level mathematics courses as their schedules will allow, as well as course work in French, German or Russian.

Mathematics Courses:

MATH 299: Colloquium in Mathematics and Computer Science (1/4 Unit)
MATH 399: Colloquium in Mathematics and Computer Science (1/4 Unit)

Students Interested in Pure Mathematics Are Encouraged to Select Elective Courses From:

MATH 309: Mathematical Statistics (1 Unit)
MATH 333: Complex Analysis (1 Unit)
MATH 342: Geometry (1 Unit)
MATH 345: History of Mathematics (1 Unit)
MATH 349: Advanced Linear Algebra (1 Unit)

While Students Interested in Applied Mathematics Should Select Courses From:

MATH 309: Mathematical Statistics (1 Unit)
MATH 311: Regression and Time Series Models (1 Unit)
MATH 316: Numerical Analysis (1 Unit)
MATH 326: Operations Research (1 Unit)
MATH 333: Complex Analysis (1 Unit)
MATH 349: Advanced Linear Algebra (1 Unit)
MATH 360: Mathematical Modeling (1 Unit)
MATH 370: Partial Differential Equations (1 Unit)
MATH 380: Mathematical Physics (1 Unit)

Other Requirements for All Mathematics Majors and Minors and Computer Science Minors

A minimum grade of 2.0 is required in any mathematics course used as a prerequisite for another mathematics course.
While a student may begin with MATH 125 and still complete a major, it is recommended that prospective majors take a similar course in high school if at all possible.
No course to be counted toward a major or minor in mathematics may be taken on a credit/no credit basis, except MATH 299 and MATH 399 , which are only offered as credit/no credit courses.
Students majoring or minoring in mathematics or minoring in computer science are expected to furnish the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science with information about their course work and activities related to the department. The department faculty will use this information when nominating students for awards, scholarships and membership in professional societies, and as the basis for letters of recommendation. Students are encouraged to include this information on their personal World Wide Web pages or to develop a portfolio Web page for their activities related to their major.