2014-2015 Catalog 
    
    Oct 06, 2024  
2014-2015 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mathematics Major


Major Requirements


The major in mathematics requires eleven courses, comprised as follows:

  1. Core Courses (4 courses):
  1. Focus Area (7 courses):
    Complete one of the following focus areas.

Pure Mathematics

Applied Mathematics

General Mathematics

  • One course in Algebra (courses numbered 170-179)
  • One course in Geometry/Topology (courses numbered 140-149)
  • One course in Applied Mathematics
  • One course in Computer Science/Discrete Mathematics
  • Three electives in General Mathematics , including one with an upper level prerequisite

Electives


All electives must be approved by the student’s faculty mathematics advisor or the mathematics department chair. Approved courses from other departments at The Claremont Colleges are allowed.

Pure mathematics electives
  • Analysis (courses numbered 130 to 139)
  • Geometry/Topology (courses numbered 140 to 149)
  • Probability/Statistics (courses numbered 150 to 159)
  • Algebra (courses numbered 170 to 179)

Students in the pure mathematics concentration may also choose one applied mathematics course as an elective. Other choices are possible with approval of the department chair or a mathematics advisor.

Applied Mathematics electives

These electives are loosely divided into two groups according to whether they emphasize the discrete or continuous point of view. Applied mathematics students should represent both groups in their choice of electives. A pure mathematics course may also be included among the electives.

Discrete courses include:

Continuous courses include:

Courses which may be used as discrete or continuous are:

General Mathematics electives

Courses with an upper level prerequisite are:

Senior Thesis in Mathematics


The senior thesis is a general education requirement and the capstone experience of a student’s undergraduate education. Students must complete a senior thesis in at least one of their majors under supervision of a faculty reader who teaches within that major, unless granted a special exception.

Students interested in a two-semester thesis project complete a one-half credit or full credit thesis research course in the first semester and the senior thesis in the second semester. The senior thesis and the thesis research course may not be counted as courses in the major.

Special Options for Majors


Dual Major


Dual majors may waive two electives in the requirements for the major listed above.

Honors in Mathematics


To be considered for honors students must meet the College requirements for honors in the major and write a senior thesis in mathematics.

Students with a dual major including mathematics who wish to be considered for honors in mathematics are eligible if they:

  • Complete all requirements for a full major in mathematics and are granted honors, or
  • Qualify and receive honors in both disciplines of their dual major. See Academic Honors at Graduation  for details.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes of the Program in Mathematical Sciences


Learning Goals


The learning goals of the program in mathematical sciences are:

  1. Proficiency in fundamental subjects in mathematics such as Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, and Probability Theory.
  2. Knowledge of a range of mathematical subjects chosen from algebra, analysis geometry, discrete and continuous applied mathematics, operations research, computer science, and statistics.
  3. Development of critical thinking in the construction of mathematical proofs and mathematical models.
  4. Development of problem solving skills and techniques.
  5. Facility in all types of quantitative reasoning.
  6. Understanding of connections between various areas of mathematics.
  7. Development of the ability to effectively communicate mathematical ideas.
  8. Knowledge of the applications and relevance of mathematical ideas to other areas of science and to our civilization.

Student Learning Outcomes


  1. Students will demonstrate proficiency in calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and probability theory.
  2. Students will demonstrate proficiency in one of three areas, pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and general mathematics.
  3. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate mathematical concepts and ideas.
  4. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply effectively appropriate quantitative analysis and methods.

Study Abroad


Mathematics majors who are interested in studying abroad should consult with the chair of the department no later than the beginning of their sophomore year to review course selections. The department strongly recommends the Budapest  Semesters in Mathematics. This is a program in mathematics and computer science especially designed for American and Canadian undergraduates.

General Education Requirement Information


Mathematics requirement: Any course offered by the CMC department of Mathematical Sciences satisfies the general education requirement in mathematics. This includes courses in computer science and statistics. Calculus courses at the other Claremont Colleges numbered 30, 31, and 32 may also be used to fulfill the mathematics requirement. The general education requirement in mathematics cannot be satisfied by summer courses at other institutions or courses taken while the student is in high school. Students may take a pre-calculus course either in Claremont or off-campus for credit towards graduation but pre-calculus courses cannot be used for the general education requirement in mathematics. Several majors, including economics and the sciences, require or recommend completion of one or more advanced mathematics courses.

Mathematics majors: For the general education requirement in the social sciences and the humanities, CMC students majoring in mathematics must take designated courses in three of the fields of the social sciences (economics, government, history, and psychology), and in two of the four fields of the humanities (literature, philosophy, religious studies, and literature in a foreign language). Mathematics majors with a dual or double major in either the humanities or the social sciences will be required to take an additional course in those categories.