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"The skills that we develop and learn through the language of math relate to many and varied fields." Prof. Eve Torrence
Department Chair:
Bruce Torrence, PhD
Phone: 804-752-7331
E-mail: btorrenc@rmc.edu
Mathematics
To understand mathematics is to speak the language of the universe. As a math major at R-MC, you'll find a curriculum devoted to helping students develop a capacity for and appreciation of intellectually demanding mathematical thinking through courses in both theoretical and applied mathematics. You'll also be studying towards one of the most versatile of the liberal arts degrees, which can support careers in a wide variety of fields.
A major that adds up: The math major challenges you to master an academically and intellectually rigorous mathematics curriculum while it prepares you for a range of options for your future. You might be interested in a mathematics double major to complement a science major or business major. You might be thinking of continuing your studies by pursuing an advanced degree in the field. Or you might be interested in teaching and will appreciate a curriculum that offers coursework leading to elementary- or secondary-school certification in mathematics.
Independent research: The advantageous student-faculty ratio at Randolph-Macon College supports intellectual curiosity and inquiry by encouraging qualified students to participate in independent study or research projects in close collaboration with their professors. Many students then present the results of their work at R-MC's annual research day. With the support of his professors and National Science Foundation funding, Eddie Tu '11 was able to participate in an 8-week research program in computational complexity and graph theory of mathematics at James Madison University. Reflecting on the experience, Tu noted "It was a challenging program, and I was afforded this amazing opportunity with the help of my Randolph-Macon math professors, who prepared me in my abilities to carry out mathematical research.”
Travel study: Math is everywhere, and so are R-MC mathematics faculty and students, thanks to a strong study- and travel-abroad program. Mathematics professor Adrian Rice leads a regular "History of Mathematics" January-term travel course to England. Math and physics major Jennifer Green '10 blogged about her January-term travel to India.
Beyond R-MC: With an R-MC degree, where do former math majors find themselves? Among recent graduates, Andrew Wills '09 is a graduate student in mathematics at Virginia Tech, Carolyn Esposito '01 is a high school mathematics teacher, and Michelle Kutcher '08 has earned an MS in accounting from the University of Virginia.
| "I was so nervous," she says, "but in the end I realized I shouldn't have worried about anything."
Randolph-Macon College student Ashley Lambers '12 recently graduated as a physics and mathematics major. She chose her majors with the help of her freshman advisor. "Physics Professor William Franz was my advisor, and he gave me great advice on how to choose a major," says Lambers. "He had me make a schedule for the rest of my college career, even though I was only freshman. I kept that schedule with me for the next few years. It kept me on track and helped me realize how much I love physics and math." In addition to playing on the RMC soccer team and being a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Lambers received numerous awards including the Moore-Peace Prize for an Outstanding Junior Mathematics Major, the William Hesse Memorial Award in Physics, and the Wade J. Temple Award in Physics. |