Degree Requirements

Faculty

Professor Lewis D. Ludwig, Chair

Professors Lewis D. Ludwig, Matthew P. Neal, Michael D. Westmoreland; Associate Professor Sarah Rundell; Assistant Professors May Mei, David White, Sarah Wolff; Visiting Instructors Laura Dolph Bosley, Alice Miller, William Robinson; Academic Administrative Assistant, Dee Ghiloni

Departmental Guidelines and Goals

Mathematics is an essential part of a liberal arts education with numerous connections to a variety of disciplines. The study of mathematics is a challenging and exciting activity that sharpens logical reasoning skills and improves problem solving ability. The curriculum is designed so students can apply these skills to analyze both real-world questions and explore sophisticated mathematical theory.

Students interested in the Mathematics major should take Math 123-124 followed by Math 231 and Math 210 by the end of the sophomore year. It is strongly recommended that Mathematics students take CS 109, 110, 111 or 112 by the end of their sophomore year.

Most upper level mathematics electives fall into two categories: Foundation and Applied. Foundation courses focus on teaching abstract reasoning and the reading, creation, and writing of rigorous proofs in the study of the foundational structures of mathematics. Currently these courses are MATH 321, 322, 329, 331, and 332. Applied courses, while not devoid of proofs, include a significant study of how mathematical techniques can be used to model and analyze real world problems. Currently applied courses include Math 334, 335, 337, and 357. Other courses, such as MATH 361-362, MATH 363-364, or MATH 400, include various additional topics.

Denison offers a number of research opportunities, including funding for summer research projects. Interested students should consult a faculty member as early as possible in the fall semester.

Non-major/minor students interested in taking a mathematics course should consider Math 102 or 122.

Mathematics Majors

The CORE courses consist of:

• MATH 124 Multivariable Calculus

• MATH 210 Introduction to Proof Techniques

• MATH 215 Technical Communication

• MATH 231 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations

• MATH 232 Mathematical Modeling

• CS 109, 110, 111, or 112 Discovering Computer Science

The FOUNDATION courses consist of:

• MATH 321 Advanced Analysis

• MATH 322 Topology

• MATH 329 Vector Calculus and Complex Analysis

• MATH 331 Combinatorics

• MATH 332 Abstract Algebra

Students who did not receive a 4 or 5 on the Calculus AB Advanced Placement exam will usually need to take MATH 123 before MATH 124.

Bachelor of Arts The minimum requirement for the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics are the CORE courses and:

1. MATH 321 or MATH 322.

2. A second FOUNDATIONS course from 321, 322, 329, 331, or 332.

3. Two 300 or 400-level math electives (excluding 361-362, 363-364, 451-452).

Bachelor of Science The minimum requirement for the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics are the CORE courses and:

1. MATH 321, 332, and either 322 or 329.

2. Three additional 300 or 400-level math electives (excluding 361-362, 363-364, 451-452).

Mathematics Minor

The minimum requirements for a mathematics minor are MATH 124, 210, 231, 232 and an elective that must be CS 109, 110, 111, 112, or any 200 or 300 level math elective (excluding 361-362 and 363-364).

Computational Science Concentration

Computational Science is the field of study concerned with constructing mathematical models and numerical solution techniques, and using computer algorithms and simulation to analyze and solve scientific, social scientific, and engineering problems. The Computational Science concentration consists of four core courses - MATH 124, 231, CS 173 and one of CS 109, 110, 111, or 112, and an additional course at the 200 level or above. This additional course, which may be in another department, must have a strong and persistent mathematical modeling or computing component and must be approved in advance by the Mathematics and Computer Science Department. In addition, the student must take a two (2) semester sequence of courses in a department other than Mathematics and Computer Science. A written plan for completing the concentration must be approved by the Mathematics and Computer Science Department prior to enrollment in the elective course. In particular, the elective course and cognate requirements above must be chosen in consistence with a valid educational plan for the study of Computational Science (as defined above). Any mathematics major who wishes to complete this concentration must choose a computer science course as an elective course. Any computer science major who wishes to complete this concentration must choose a mathematics course as an elective course. A double mathematics and computer science major is not eligible for this concentration.

Additional Points of Interest

The department of Mathematics and Computer Science strongly encourages students to globalize their education by completing some portion of their undergraduate education abroad. A majority of Denison students spend a semester abroad during their junior year and many more spend a second summer abroad. Denison offers a wide range of opportunities to study off-campus that are highly relevant to the Denison experience.

Going abroad allows students to enhance their knowledge while experiencing another culture and way of life. Students gain valuable international experience that will benefit future career goals and/or graduate school opportunities. Math and Computer Science majors who are fluent in another language will have special advantages in the job market.