Requirements for the Major

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR

The Department of Mathematics offers both the A.B. degree and the B.S. degree. Students who plan to attend graduate school in mathematics or the sciences should consider working toward the B.S. degree, which requires at least eight courses in mathematics numbered above Mathematics 111. The A.B. degree requires at least six and one-half courses numbered above Mathematics 111. The specific requirements for each degree are listed below.

Mathematics 120S is a half-course recommended for prospective mathematics majors who feel the need to improve skills in logical reasoning and theorem-proving before taking Mathematics 121 and 139. Ideally, Mathematics 120S should be taken before the junior year and concurrently with Mathematics 103 or Mathematics 104. Students working toward the A.B. degree who do not take Mathematics 120S will usually fulfill their major requirements by taking at least seven full courses above Mathematics 111.

The director of undergraduate studies can be consulted for additional information and advice on course selection. The Handbook for Mathematics Majors, published by the department, can be used as a guide for majors in developing a coherent program of study consistent with their professional goals.

For the A.B. Degree

Prerequisites. Mathematics 103 and 104 or the equivalent. (Many upper-level mathematics courses assume programming experience at the level of Computer Science 1. Students without computer experience are encouraged to take Computer Science 4.)

Major Requirements. Six and one-half courses in mathematics numbered above 111 including Mathematics 121 or 200 and Mathematics 139 or 203.

For the B.S. Degree

Major Requirements. Eight courses in mathematics numbered above 111 including: Mathematics 121 or 200; Mathematics 139 or 203; and one of Mathematics 136, 181, 204, 205. Also, Physics 41L, 42L or Physics 51L, 52L or Physics 53L, 54L.

Honors/Distinction

The department offers a program for Latin honors by honors project. See the section on honors in this bulletin and also the Handbook for Majors.