The Collegiate Requirement in Mathematics

For students arriving Fall 2005 or later (new curriculum)

There is a Natural and Mathematical Sciences area of knowledge requirement of 4 courses, at least one of which must be a mathematics course. Note that the introductory statistics courses MATH 111 and MATH 113 do not count as mathematics courses, but all other introductory courses offered by the department of Mathematics do count (a complete list of approved courses can be found here). However, these statistics courses DO count as elective courses for the Natural and Mathematical Sciences area of knowledge, so either course can comprise one of the four courses required in that broader area. Candidates for the bachelor of science degree must complete either Mathematics 132 or 142.

For students who arrived prior to Fall 2005 (old curriculum)

The collegiate requirement in mathematics for the bachelor of arts degree may be satisfied by the successful completion of two mathematics courses at the 100-level. Alternatively, this requirement may be met by successfully completing one of: Math 132, 142, or any course numbered above 200. This requirement may also be fully or partially met by receiving advance placement credit from either the AP or IB exams (see table below, or see the department chair). Candidates for the bachelor of science degree must complete either Mathematics 132 or 142.

AP Transfer Credit and Placement

Some Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need to take Calculus? (Math 131 or 141 and their sequels) If you want a BS degree, yes (must complete 132 or 142). If your major is Biology and you are pre-med, it is strongly recommended. If your major is Biology and you are not pre-med, probably not (discuss this with a member of the Biology dept.) If your major is Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or Chemistry, yes (must complete 132 or 142). All other majors, it is not required, but may be useful - talk with your academic advisor or a member of the mathematics dept.

What majors does a Calculus background enhance? All of the sciences, including Environmental Studies. Also, Economics, and Econ/Business. Calculus is not inconsistent with any major, but is possibly a poor choice for students with weak math backgrounds or high math anxiety.

What's the difference between Math 131 and Math 141? Math 131-132 is a "traditional" calculus sequence. It has a computer intensive counterpart: Math 141-142 which employs the powerful software package Mathematica. The courses cover the same material and use the same text. Math 141 and 142 are computer-intensive, and so either can be used to satisfy the College's computer proficiency requirement. Since this software is used in many later mathematics courses, the 141-142 version of calculus is recommended for Mathematics majors and minors.

Do I need to take Mathematical Modeling (Math 107)? If your major is Environmental Studies, yes. All other majors, no. Environmental Studies majors must take Math 107 and BioStatistics (cross-listed as Math 199 and Biol 350). It makes no difference which course is taken first. Exception: Math and science types may opt to take Math 203 instead of Math 107 to complete the Environmental Studies major.

What majors does Mathematical Modeling enhance? All majors. It will provide training that will be especially relevant to students pursuing majors in the physical and social sciences. It is a good choice for students who want to take calculus, but want to first take a course that will sharpen their basic math skills; i.e. there is a strong emphasis on precalculus concepts. It will also complement the statistics course nicely.

Do I need to take Statistics? (Math 111 or 113) If your major is Environmental Studies, no (must complete 199 and 107). If your major is Economics/Business, International Relations, or Sociology, yes (must complete 111 or 113 with a C- or better). All other majors: it is not required, but may be useful - talk to your advisor.

What are the differences between the statistics courses (111 and 113)? The courses cover the same material and use the same text. Math 113 is computer-intensive, and so can be used to satisfy the College's computer proficiency requirement.

What majors does a Statistics background enhance? All of the sciences, including the social sciences. The depts. of Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, and Economics each offer a research methods course for their majors that emphasizes statistical methods (Psyc 300, Soci 333, Psci 301, Econ 312). The statistics course offered by the Mathematics dept is an excellent primer (although only a prerequisite in the case of Econ 312) for these research methods courses.

What is Biostatistics (Math 199, also listed as Biol 350)? Biostatistics is a four semester hour course intended primarily for Junior and Senior-level Biology and Environmental Studies majors. It covers significantly more material than Math 111 and 113. It may be paired with any 100-level math course other than Math 111 or 113 to complete the collegiate mathematics requirement. Students cannot receive academic credit for both Math 111 and Math 199 or Math 113 and Math 199.

Do I need to take Logic? (Math 120) If your major is Philosophy, or if you plan to take the LSAT or GRE exam, logic is strongly recommended. Logic is not required by any major program, but may be useful - talk to your advisor.

What majors does a Logic background enhance? All majors. It is particularly recommeded for students planning to take the GRE or LSAT exams. This is a traditional liberal arts course in symbolic logic that may improve the clarity of your written arguments in all your courses.

Do I need to take Finite Math? (Math 105) No majors require this class.

What majors does a Finite Math background enhance Finite Math is best suited to Economics and Econ/Business majors, due to the emphasis on linear programming. It is also a popular choice for completing the collegiate math requirement.