Mathematics and Statistics Courses

Students planning to take just one or two courses in mathematics and statistics will find it useful to read our Placement Advice and speak with a member of the department. Students who do not intend to major or minor in math, but are interested in learning some math or statistics beyond calculus are welcome in our introductory electives, as well as in our core courses in linear algebra and multivariable calculus. Those who wish to continue their study of mathematics should consider taking intermediate electives or our core courses in algebra and analysis. For detailed information about courses offered this academic year, please consult our schedules of Fall Courses and Spring Courses.

Courses without prerequisites: Math 103 (Introduction to Probability and Statistics) and Math 113 (Calculus I).

Half-semester calculus courses: Math 114 (Introductory Integral Calculus), 115 (Calculus Applications: Series and Complex Numbers), and 116 (Calculus Applications: Probability Distributions).

These are not listed among the requirements for the major or minor, but are prerequisites for other courses in mathematics and statistics. For example, Math 116 is a prerequisite for Econ 204.

Introductory electives:

• Math 202 (Introduction to Number Theory)
• Math 203 (Statistical Methods and Their Applications)
• Math 204 (Differential Equations)
• Math 231 (Discrete Mathematics)

These courses are designed for both non-majors and majors, They provide students an excellent opportunity to explore interests outside the core sequence before or after taking linear algebra and multivariable calculus. Math 231 is taught at Bryn Mawr.

Core courses in linear algebra and multivariable calculus: Math 215 (Linear Algebra) and either Math 121 (Calculus III) or 216 (Advanced Calculus).

These courses are for non-majors and majors. They are required for the major, minor, and concentration in mathematical economics.

Intermediate electives:

• Math 205 (Topics in Geometry)
• Math 210 (Linear Optimization and Game Theory)
• Math 220 (Elementary Complex Analysis)
• Math 218 (Probability)
• Math 222 (Introduction to Scientific Computing)
• Math/CS 235 (Information and Coding Theory)

These courses are designed for both majors and non-majors, and provide majors an excellent opportunity to explore interests outside the core sequence. Unlike introductory electives, they have prerequisites of either linear algebra or multivariable calculus. Math 235 is taught by the computer science department.

Core courses in algebra and analysis: Math 317-318 (Analysis) and Math 333-334 (Algebra)

These courses are the "cornerstone" of the major, introducing many important ideas in which modern mathematics is based, and also sharpening students' skills in mathematical discourse (i.e. careful statements of definitions, theorems, proofs). The first semester of both is required for the minor.

Advanced electives:

• Math 335-336 (Topology)
• Math/CS 340 (Analysis of algorithms)
• Math/CS 345 (Theory of computation)
• Math 390 (Adv. Topics in Algebra, such as Introduction to Algebraic Geometry)
• Math 391 (Adv. Topics in Geometry and Topology, such as Topology of Smooth Manifolds)
• Math 392 (Adv. Topics in Analysis, such as Analytic Number Theory)
• Math 394 (Adv. Topics in Discrete Math and Computer Science, such as Cryptology)
• Math 395 (Adv. Topics in Combinatorics, such as Strange Phenomena in Combinatorics and Probability)
• Math 396 (Adv. Topics in Probability and Statistics, such as Mathematical Statistics)
• Math 397 (Adv. Topics in Applied Mathematics, such as Partial Differential Equations)

Courses at this level are very important for students planning to go to graduate school in mathematics or related fields. Math 335-336 (Topology) is offered every other year, and Math/CS 340 and 345 are offered in alternate years.

Other courses:

Math 399 (Senior Seminar)

A required seminar that meets the first half of the fall and the second half of the spring to provide advice and support for seniors in preparing the senior paper and oral presentation. Seniors typically also enroll in Math 399 during the second half of the fall and the first half of the spring to work closely with their faculty mentors.

Math 460 (Teaching Assistantship in Mathematics)

A half-credit course in which students work closely with a faculty member in a 100-level or 200-level course. The student assistant offers various kinds of classroom support including problem sessions, review, tutoring, and laboratory assistance. Such experiences are valuable for students considering teaching as a career. Open to junior and senior majors by invitation, and may be taken at most twice. Does not count towards the major.