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2024-2025 Academic Catalog
Mathematics B.A.
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Mathematics
Member of the Division of Science
Chair(s):
Marc Chamberland
Faculty:
Study of the mathematical sciences develops logical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and creative problem-solving skills. The curriculum provides a combination of fundamental theory and widely applicable material of interest to all students of the liberal arts. The curriculum further prepares students for graduate study in fields like mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, and economics as well as in interdisciplinary programs. Majors have pursued careers in many areas, including law, environmental conservation, biostatistics, software engineering, actuarial analysis, teaching, and research.
Depending on their background and interests, students may enter the study of mathematics at different points. First-year students are strongly encouraged to consult the placement guide and to consult with faculty about their initial placement during New Student Orientation (NSO).
Students can follow a number of different paths through the 300-level course offerings, depending on their interest. In addition, opportunities to work on challenging problems are presented in the Putnam Examination and the Mathematical Contest in Modeling, both of which are national mathematics competitions. Many students present talks in the Mathematics and Statistics Student Seminar (MASSS). Visiting lecturers extend the curriculum beyond the classroom, as do opportunities for students to do summer research, whether on campus through the Mentored Advanced Project (MAP) program or an outside Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). In recent years, students have presented posters or given talks about their research at both regional and national conferences, including the Joint Mathematics Meetings.
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Major Requirements: A minimum of 32 credits
Core Requirements: 16 credits
Sequence Requirement: One of the following sequences: 8 credits
Additional Requirements
- 16 of the 32 credits must be at the 300 or 400 level, including those courses listed above.
- Courses numbered 297, 299, 397, 399, 499 (MAPs), plus-2’s and below 123 do not satisfy major requirements.
Additional notes
Up to 8 credits can be earned for any combination of MAT 123 , MAT 124 , or MAT 131 , subject to the following constraints:
1. Upon successful completion (grade C or better) of either MAT 124 or MAT 131 , no further credits may be earned in any of these three courses.
2. If a student completes all three of MAT 123 , MAT 124 , or MAT 131 , the student’s credit is canceled in the first of these courses in which the student earned a grade of D or F. Also, the grade for that course will no longer be counted in computing the student’s G.P.A.
Honors
In addition to meeting the College’s general requirements for honors, graduating seniors must demonstrate additional commitment to the major. Honors are determined by the department on a case-by-case basis. Majors are encouraged to discuss their eligibility for honors with their adviser before the spring semester of their senior year. The department applies the following criteria.
It is required that students demonstrate depth of study in two areas of upper-division mathematics and statistics:
Algebra MAT 321 - MAT 322
Analysis MAT 316 - MAT 317
Probability and Statistics MAT 335 or the cross-listed STA 335 - MAT 336 or the cross-listed STA 336
Applied Statistics STA 309 - STA 310
Applied Mathematics MAT 313 - MAT 314
In addition, graduating seniors must have demonstrated excellence in at least one of the two categories below.
- Completion of high-quality research or an independent project in mathematics or statistics, conducted outside standard coursework.
- Substantial involvement in the departmental community. For example, students can give talks in the Mathematics and Statistics Student Seminar (MASSS), participate in mathematics competitions (especially as part of a team in the Iowa Mathematics Competition or Mathematical Contest in Modeling), demonstrate excellence in tutoring in the Math Lab or mentoring in 200-level courses, show dedication to participation in local mathematical outreach, or serve actively on the Student Educational Policy Committee (SEPC).
Mathematics and Statistics Courses
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