SELECTING COURSES IN THE MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Numbering: The numbering of upper level courses in the mathematics department differs somewhat from other departments.

Scheduling: The department intends to offer all of the courses listed in this handbook at least once every two years, assuming sufficient enrollment. The following courses are usually offered according to the schedule below:

Choosing courses: Every student must take one course in Algebra (Math 121 or Math 200) and one course in Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis (Math 139 or Math 203). An essential part of both of these courses is proving mathematical theorems. Students with little exposure to proofs should probably take the 100 level version of these courses, and possibly prefacing them with Math 120. Students who are comfortable with abstract ideas, and especially those students who are comtemplating graduate work in mathematics, should consider taking the 200 level courses.

The remaining courses may be chosen from both pure and applied areas of mathematics. A student should develop a program based on his/her own interests and needs in consultation with an advisor in the mathematics department. Advisors are assigned for first majors in mathematics. Second majors and students considering a major, but who have yet to declare, can see the Director of Undergraduate Studies for advice.

Probability and Statistics courses: The standard sequence in probability and statistics is Math 135-136. Math 135 covers the basics of probability and Math 136 covers statistics building on the material in Math 135. Those desiring a further course in probability should select Math 240. A further course in statistics is Math 241.

The Institute of Statistics and Decision Sciences (ISDS) offers a number of courses in statistics at various levels for people of varied mathematics backgrounds. As a rule, such courses cannot be counted for math major credit unless they are cross-listed in the mathematics department. The Director of Undergraduate Studies may approve certain statistics courses numbered above 200 for math major credit. Normally this will be done only for courses which have a prerequisite of Math 136 or its equivalent.