Mathematics and Statistics
Department Overview
Mathematics and statistics, as academic disciplines, are fascinating to study in their own right but also have very wide-ranging applications throughout the modern world. Our faculty are all skilled and dedicated teachers as well as active scholars; we strive to make each course we offer engaging and challenging. Our graduates go on to a great variety of careers and graduate programs in such areas as theoretical mathematics, applied mathematics, biostatistics and statistics, actuarial science, teaching at various levels, and many more.
Advice for Students Beginning the Study of College Mathematics
Students who plan to study mathematics at Skidmore should take the online Calculus Placement Exam prior to the beginning of classes (www.skidmore.edu/mcs/calcplacement.php). Based on the results of this exam, the department will recommend in which courses of the sequence the student should begin:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MA 110 & MA 111 | Mathematics Toolkit and Calculus I | 4-7 |
| or MA 111 | Calculus I | |
| MA 113 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MA 114 | Sequences and Series | 2 |
| MA 200 | Linear Algebra | 4 |
| MA 211 | Calculus III | 3 |
| MA 215 | Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning and Proof | 4 |
Credit for Advanced Placement
Students receiving a score of 4 or 5 on the Math AB AP exam will receive credit for having taken MA 111 Calculus I. Students receiving a score of 4 or 5 on the Math BC AP exam will receive credit for having taken MA 113 Calculus II and will have the requirement for MA 114 Sequences and Series waived . Students receiving a score of 4 or 5 on the Statistics AP exam will receive credit for having taken MS 104 Introduction to Statistics. (Please note: For students who enter Fall 2024 and beyond, Statistics AP will not be equivalent to MS 104 and students will only receive general elective credit.)
Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics: Julie Douglas
Associate Chair: Becky Trousil
Calculus Placement Coordinator: Becky Trousil
S3M Program Director: Becky Trousil
Professors: Julie Douglas, R. Daniel Hurwitz, Rachel Roe-Dale, Chris Seaton
Associate Professor: Lucy Oremland
Assistant Professors: Patrick Daniels, Kirsten Hogenson, Greg Malen
Senior Teaching Professors: Csilla Szabo, Rebecca Trousil
Lecturers: Megan DiMaio, 1Rachel Seligman, 1Carrie Yecies
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Part-time
Mathematics B.A.
For Students Who Entered Skidmore in Fall 2022 and Beyond
Students majoring in mathematics fulfill the departmental requirements by completing 11 courses. These courses must be in mathematics or a designated course in statistics, computer science, or economics at the 200 level or above, to include:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Students who plan to major in mathematics should complete the pre-requisites below: | ||
| Prerequisite courses 1-3 | ||
| MA 110 & MA 111 | Mathematics Toolkit and Calculus I | 4-7 |
| or MA 111 | Calculus I | |
| MA 113 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MA 114 | Sequences and Series | 2 |
| Required Courses 1-4 | ||
| MA 200 | Linear Algebra | 4 |
| MS 204 | Statistical Methods 5 | 4 |
| MA 211 | Calculus III | 3 |
| MA 213 | Calculus IV | 3 |
| MA 215 | Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning and Proof 6 | 4 |
| MA 303 | Introduction to Analysis | 4 |
| MA 319 | Abstract Algebra I | 4 |
| MA 376 | Senior Seminar in Mathematics | 3 |
| Select two additional courses, at least one of which is at the 300 level 7-8 | 6-8 | |
| CS 106 | Introduction to Computer Science I | 4 |
| or CS 209 | Data Structures and Mathematical Foundations | |
| or CS 226 | Software Design | |
| Total Hours | 49-54 | |
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All students should complete the online Calculus Placement Exam to determine which calculus course is best suited for them. Students who receive a score of 4 or 5 on the Math AB AP exam will receive credit for having taken MA 111 Calculus I, while students who received a score of 4 or 5 on the Math BC AP exam will receive credit for having taken MA 113 Calculus II and will have the requirement for MA 114 Sequence and Series waived.
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MA 114 Sequence and Series may be taken concurrently with MA 113 Calculus II and is a prerequisite for MA 303 Introduction to Analysis, a required course for the math major (see below).
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For students who entered Skidmore in Fall 2022 and beyond, MA 114 is a prerequisite for the mathematics major.
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No more than 4 credit hours of S/U can be used toward the major. (**For students who entered Skidmore in Fall 2021 and beyond: The following courses are excluded: MA 215 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning and Proof, MA 303 Introduction to Analysis, MA 319 Abstract Algebra I, MA 376 Senior Seminar in Mathematics, MA 381 Senior Thesis, MA 382 Senior Thesis.)
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Students who have taken MS 104 Introduction to Statistics are not eligible to take MS 204 Statistical Methods (and vice versa). If a student has already taken MS 104 prior to declaring the math major, then the student must take another 3- or 4-credit 200- or 300-level course designated MA or MS. If a student has already taken BI 235, EC 237, PS 202, or SO 226 prior to declaring the math major, then the student will need to request an override to enroll in MS 204, or in lieu of MS 204, the student may take another 3- or 4-credit 200- or 300-level course designated MA or MS.
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In MA 215 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning and Proof, students will acquire writing skills that are necessary to work on advanced material in mathematics and will fulfill the writing requirement in the major.
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Additionally, one of the following courses can count toward the mathematics major: MS 204 Statistical Methods (for students who entered Skidmore before Fall 2022), MS 240 Applied Regression Analysis, MS 251 Topics in Statistics: Bayesian Statistical Modeling or Multivariate Data Analysis, CS 316 Foundations of Machine Learning, EC 361 Advanced Topics In Economics Game Theory, or Mathematical Economics.
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Under exceptional circumstances, and only with the consent of the department, MA 351 Selected Topics in Mathematics, MA 371 Independent Study Math, MA 381 Senior Thesis, MA 382 Senior Thesis, or MS 351 Topics in Statistics may be counted as the additional 300-level course.
Students interested in pursuing graduate work in (theoretical) mathematics should include as many of the following courses as possible in their programs:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MA 302 | Graph Theory | 3 |
| MA 313 | Introduction to Topology | 3 |
| MA 320 | Abstract Algebra II | 3 |
| MA 324 | Complex Analysis | 3 |
Students interested in applied mathematics should include as many of the following courses as possible in their programs:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MA 270 | Differential Equations | 4 |
| MA 316 | Numerical Algorithms | 3 |
| MA 324 | Complex Analysis | 3 |
| MA 331 | Dynamical Systems | 3 |
Students interested in statistics should include as many of the following courses as possible in their programs:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MS 204 | Statistical Methods | 4 |
| MS 240 | Applied Regression Analysis | 4 |
| MA 305 | Introduction to Probability | 4 |
Students interested in mathematics education should include as many of the following courses as possible in their programs:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MS 204 | Statistical Methods | 4 |
| MA 214 | Theory of Numbers | 3 |
| MA 309 | Elements of Modern Geometry | 3 |
| MA 310 | History of Mathematics | 3 |
For Students Who Entered Skidmore in Fall 2019 - Fall 2021
Students majoring in mathematics fulfill the departmental requirements by completing 10 courses. These courses must be in mathematics or a designated course in statistics, computer science, or economics at the 200 level or above, to include:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses 1 | ||
| MA 200 | Linear Algebra | 4 |
| MA 211 | Calculus III | 3 |
| MA 213 | Calculus IV | 3 |
| MA 215 | Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning and Proof 2 | 4 |
| MA 303 | Introduction to Analysis | 4 |
| MA 319 | Abstract Algebra I | 4 |
| MA 376 | Senior Seminar in Mathematics | 3 |
| Select two additional courses, at least one of which is at the 300 level 3,4 | 6-8 | |
| CS 106 | Introduction to Computer Science I | 4 |
| or CS 206 | Introduction to Computer Science II | |
| Total Hours | 35-37 | |
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No more than 4 credit hours of S/U can be used toward the major. (**For students who entered Skidmore in Fall 2021 and beyond: The following courses are excluded: MA 215 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning and Proof, MA 303 Introduction to Analysis, MA 319 Abstract Algebra I, MA 376 Senior Seminar in Mathematics, MA 381 Senior Thesis, MA 382 Senior Thesis.)
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In MA 215 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning and Proof, students will acquire writing skills that are necessary to work on advanced material in mathematics and will fulfill the writing requirement in the major.
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Under exceptional circumstances, and only with the consent of the department, MA 351 Selected Topics in Mathematics, MA 371 Independent Study Math, MA 381 Senior Thesis, MA 382 Senior Thesis, or MS 351 Topics in Statistics may be counted as the additional 300-level course.
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Additionally, one of the following courses can count toward the mathematics major: MS 204 Statistical Methods (for students who entered Skidmore before Fall 2022), MS 240 Applied Regression Analysis, MS 251C Bayesian Statistical Modeling, MS 251C Multivariate Data Analysis, CS 316 Foundations of Machine Learning, EC 361 Advanced Topics In Economics Game Theory, or Mathematical Economics.
Students interested in pursuing graduate work in (theoretical) mathematics should include as many of the following courses as possible in their programs:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MA 302 | Graph Theory | 3 |
| MA 313 | Introduction to Topology | 3 |
| MA 320 | Abstract Algebra II | 3 |
| MA 324 | Complex Analysis | 3 |
Students interested in applied mathematics should include as many of the following courses as possible in their programs:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MA 270 | Differential Equations | 4 |
| MA 316 | Numerical Algorithms | 3 |
| MA 324 | Complex Analysis | 3 |
| MA 331 | Dynamical Systems | 3 |
Students interested in statistics should include as many of the following courses as possible in their programs:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MS 204 | Statistical Methods | 4 |
| MS 240 | Applied Regression Analysis | 4 |
| MA 305 | Introduction to Probability | 4 |
Students interested in mathematics education should include as many of the following courses as possible in their programs:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MS 204 | Statistical Methods | 4 |
| MA 214 | Theory of Numbers | 3 |
| MA 309 | Elements of Modern Geometry | 3 |
| MA 310 | History of Mathematics | 3 |
Mathematics Minor
Students minoring in mathematics fulfill the departmental requirements by completing:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses 1,2 | ||
| MA 113 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MA 200 | Linear Algebra (or the equivalent) | 4 |
| MA 215 | Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning and Proof | 4 |
| MA 303 | Introduction to Analysis | 4 |
| or MA 319 | Abstract Algebra I | |
| Select two more 3- or 4-credit courses in mathematics at the 200 or 300 level 3 | 6-8 | |
| Total Hours | 22-24 | |
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No more than 8 credit hours of S/U may be used toward the minor.
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For students entering Skidmore in Fall 2021 and beyond: No more than 4 credit hours of S/U may be used toward the minor. The following courses must be taken for a letter grade: MA 215 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning and Proof, MA 303 Introduction to Analysis, MA 319 Abstract Algebra I, MA 376 Senior Seminar in Mathematics, MA 381 Senior Thesis, MA 382 Senior Thesis.
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Additionally, one of the following courses can count toward the mathematics minor: MS 204 Statistical Methods, MS 240 Applied Regression Analysis, MS 251 Topics in Statistics: Bayesian Statistical Modeling, or Multivariate Data Analysis, CS 316 Foundations of Machine Learning, EC 361 Advanced Topics In Economics Game Theory, or Mathematical Economics.
Statistics Minor
The minor in statistics requires completing five 3- or 4-credit courses. These must include two core courses and three elective courses from the list below. Three of the five courses must be designated MA or MS.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses 1 | ||
| Introductory Statistics Core Course | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Introduction to Statistics 2 | ||
| Statistical Methods (strongly recommended) 2 | ||
| Biostatistics | ||
| Statistical Methods | ||
| Statistics and Research Methods I | ||
| Statistics Core Course | ||
| MS 240 | Applied Regression Analysis | 4 |
| Elective Courses 3,4,5 | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9-12 | |
Courses in Statistics and Mathematics: | ||
| Data Visualization | ||
| Topics in Statistics (The following topics count: Bayesian Statistical Modeling, Multivariate Data Analysis, Introduction to Data Science ) 7 | ||
| Introduction to Probability | ||
| Selected Topics in Mathematics (Introduction to Probability) | ||
Approved Outside Elective Courses: | ||
| Applied Data Science 7 | ||
| Selected Topics in Computer Science (Applied Machine Learning) 7 | ||
| Foundations of Machine Learning | ||
| Applied Econometrics | ||
| Advanced Topics In Economics (Applied Macroeconomics Forecasting) | ||
| Data Analysis, Modeling, and Scientific Programming: Earth and Environmental Sciences | ||
| Introduction to GIS | ||
| Advanced Topics in Interdisciplinary Study (Advanced GIS and Modeling) | ||
| Experiments in Political Science | ||
| Research Methods 2: Intermediate Statistics | ||
| Social Research Methods | ||
| Total Hours | 17-20 | |
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No more than 4 credit hours of S/U may be used toward the minor.
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Students who have taken MS 104 Introduction to Statistics are not eligible to take MS 204 Statistical Methods (and vice versa).
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The senior seminar (MA 376 Senior Seminar in Mathematics) may count as an elective toward the minor if the topic is statistical and with the approval of the department.
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With the consent of the department, an independent study or honors project that involves a substantial statistical component may count toward the minor. The course must be designated MS 371 Independent Study, MA 381 Senior Thesis, or MA 382 Senior Thesis.
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Other elective courses from outside the department that include a substantial statistical component may count toward the minor with the consent of the department.
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Students who have taken CS 225 Applied Data Science or CS 276 Selected Topics in Computer Science are not eligible to take MS 251 Introduction to Data Science.
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Only one of the following may count toward the statistics minor: CS 225 Applied Data Science or CS 276 Selected Topics in Computer Science (Topic must be: Applied Machine Learning) or MS 251 Topics in Statistics (Topic must be: Introduction to Data Science).
Honors
Students wishing to qualify for departmental honors in the mathematics major must:
Portfolio Option
- Complete all departmental requirements for the mathematics major and have a GPA of 3.75 or higher for all course work (MA, MS) taken in the department;
- have a GPA of 3.0 for all course work taken at Skidmore;
- file with the Department a declaration of intention to qualify for honors by the end of the official add-drop period during the semester of graduation; and
- Identify a faculty member to serve as the portfolio advisor (the portfolio advisor can but does not have to be the student’s major advisor); and
- submit a portfolio which demonstrates the student’s commitment to the field of mathematical sciences and contributions to the Department. More details on the format of the portfolio can be found in the “Guidelines for Students Submitting a Portfolio."
- Portfolios will be read by the review committee to see if the work is of the exceptional quality that merits honors. The review committee will submit its recommendation to the Department for final adjudication.
Or Thesis Option
- Complete all departmental requirements for the mathematics major and have a GPA of 3.50 or higher for all course work (MA, MS) taken in the department;
- have a GPA of 3.0 for all course work taken at Skidmore;
- file with the Department a declaration of intention to qualify for honors by the end of the official add-drop period during the semester of graduation; and
- submit an honors thesis to be read by a review committee and give an oral presentation of the thesis to the department. More details on the format of the thesis can be found in the “Guidelines for Students Writing a Thesis."
- The final thesis must be submitted no later than 11 days prior to the last day of the semester of graduation; a draft thesis must be submitted to the thesis advisor at least one week prior to the final thesis due date.
- The review committee will evaluate the thesis to determine if it is of the exceptional quality that merits honors; the committee’s recommendation will be submitted to the department for final adjudication.
Pi Mu Epsilon, New York Alpha Theta Chapter
Incorporated in 1914, Pi Mu Epsilon is a national honorary society whose purpose is the promotion of scholarly activity in mathematics. Undergraduate students are qualified for membership if they meet one of the following criteria:
- upperclassmen who have completed at least two years of college mathematics, including calculus, with at least a B average and who are in the top third of their class in general college work;
- sophomores, majoring in or intending to major in mathematics, who have completed at least three semesters of college mathematics, including one year of calculus, with a straight-A record and who are in the top quarter of their class in general college work;
- senior mathematics majors may also qualify with a 3.0 or better overall GOA and a 3.5 or better GPA for all MA and MS courses at the 200 and 300 levels.
Course Listing
All MA and MC courses (except MA 100 Quantitative Reasoning) have the satisfaction of QR1 as a prerequisite.
A practical study of the skills and tools needed to work with quantitative information from the real world. Students will learn and explore mathematical concepts such as arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, descriptive statistics and basic probability, estimation, unit analysis, absolute and relative change, and linear and exponential growth. Students will also represent and interpret numerical data in tabular and graphical forms. Material will be applied to a wide variety of fields.
In many areas of the social and management sciences, mathematics can be used to make predictions, help allocate scarce resources, maximize profits, make policy decisions, and so on. This use of mathematics is called mathematical modeling. In this course we investigate a variety of scenarios which can arise in the "real world" where math modeling can come into play, and we learn about some of the most important techniques of math modeling such as linear programming, probability theory, statistical techniques, integer programming, and Markov chains.
Provides students with an opportunity to study interdisciplinary problems through a quantitative lens. During the course, students will build models, analyze and interpret results using traditional mathematics and computer-based simulations, and present their findings in both written and oral presentations. Students will explore problems from many disciplines including ecology, biology, finance, and epidemiology. Modeling techniques studied in this course include discrete dynamical systems and stochastic models.
An introductory course for liberal arts and education majors or anyone seeking a general, nontechnical overview of mathematics. Topics covered include set theory, review of number systems, geometry concepts, basic concerns of probability and statistics, and introductory number theory.
An introduction to derivatives, integrals, and their applications. Primarily for students who are not adequately prepared for MA 111, this course (together with MA 109) covers the same material as MA 111 but integrates the material requisite to calculus with the calculus itself. Note that MA 108 alone cannot be used as a substitute for MA 111. Successful completion of MA 108 and MA 109 is equivalent to completion of MA 111.
A continuation of MA 108. A study of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and their applications in differential and integral calculus. Successful completion of MA 108 and MA 109 is equivalent to completion of MA 111.
A detailed study of the mathematical tools necessary for success in calculus and statistics courses. Students will build their quantitative reasoning skills, with a particular focus on understanding functions and covarying quantities. These skills include creating, refining, and algebraically manipulating models involving polynomials, rational functions, exponentials, logarithms, and trigonometric functions. Students will relate these models to real-life applications and analyze them from symbolic, graphical, and numerical perspectives.
Derivatives, integrals and their applications. Techniques of differentiation. Integration and differentiation of exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions.
An exploration of integral calculus. Topics include techniques of integration, applications of integration, and improper integrals.
An exploration of integral calculus. Topics include techniques of integration, applications of integration, and improper integrals.
An exploration of infinite sequences and series. Topics include geometric series, convergence tests, Taylor series, and power series.
An examination of how mathematical ideas are embodied in the visual arts, architecture, and design, and how the arts have helped shaped advances in math and computer science. From ancient Greek art to the Renaissance, and from Islamic patterns to contemporary computer-generated art, math has an important place in the world of art, architecture, and design both within museum spaces and all around us. Students will explore these relationships in the context of mathematical concepts such as geometry, proportion, basic statistics, measurements, and common functions by studying original works of art and actively engaging with these mathematical concepts through hands on exercises in Skidmore's Tang Teaching Museum.
Introductory level. Students will work collaboratively on problems posed in various undergraduate mathematics journals and other sources. Solutions to journal problems will be submitted to the journal editors for acknowledgment and possible publication. Problems are taken from all areas of specialty within mathematics.
Introductory level. Students will work collaboratively on problems posed in various undergraduate mathematics journals and other sources. Solutions to journal problems will be submitted to the journal editors for acknowledgment and possible publication. Problems are taken from all areas of specialty within mathematics.
Introductory level. Students will work collaboratively on problems posed in various undergraduate mathematics journals and other sources. Solutions to journal problems will be submitted to the journal editors for acknowledgment and possible publication. Problems are taken from all areas of specialty within mathematics.
Vector spaces, matrices and linear transformations, determinants, solution of linear equations.
Multivariable calculus. Topics include vector functions, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, vector fields, and line integrals.
Elementary probability, discrete and continuous random variables, theory of expectation, analysis of distribution functions.
An exploration of multivariable calculus. Topics include parametric equations, polar coordinates, conic sections, vector functions, partial derivatives, and gradients.
Multivariable calculus. Topics include vector functions, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, vector fields, line integrals, surface integrals, vector calculus, divergence and curl.
Topics in classical and modern number theory including congruences, Diophantine equations, quadratic residues.
An introduction to mathematical proof and concepts of abstract mathematics. This course serves as the gateway to the mathematics major. Students will learn to think critically, creatively, and inquisitively about mathematics. They will gain proficiency in foundational areas of formal mathematics, including elementary logic, methods of proof, set theory, functions, and relations. Particular attention will be paid to building students' skills in reading, writing, and revising mathematical arguments.
Intermediate level. Students will work collaboratively on problems posed in various undergraduate mathematics journals and other sources. Solutions to journal problems will be submitted to the journal editors for acknowledgment and possible publication. Problems are taken from all areas of specialty within mathematics.
Intermediate level. Students will work collaboratively on problems posed in various undergraduate mathematics journals and other sources. Solutions to journal problems will be submitted to the journal editors for acknowledgment and possible publication. Problems are taken from all areas of specialty within mathematics.
Intermediate level. Students will work collaboratively on problems posed in various undergraduate mathematics journals and other sources. Solutions to journal problems will be submitted to the journal editors for acknowledgment and possible publication. Problems are taken from all areas of specialty within mathematics.
Topics that complement the established lower level course offerings in mathematics will be selected. Emphasis will be on the nature of mathematical thought.
An introduction to the theory and applications of differential equations.
Exploration of a research topic in mathematics. The students, in collaboration with a faculty mentor, will participate in a research project in a particular area of mathematics which may be related to the faculty member's research program.
An introduction to the theory and applications of graphs. Topics may include graphs and digraphs, connectivity, trees, Euler and Hamiltonian cycles, and graph embeddings.
Rigorous treatment of foundational issues in analysis. Topics may include set theory, the real number system, sequences, series, limits and continuity, theory of differentiation and integration, and elementary notions of topology.
An introduction to the theory of probability and applications of probability in modeling real world phenomena. The goal of this course is to introduce students to the language, ideas, and tools of probability, the science of uncertainty. Probabilistic concepts, derivations, and problem solving are emphasized. Computational tools will also be used to explore and verify theoretical results. Topics include counting methods, random variables, discrete and continuous distributions, mathematical expectation, functions of random variables, joint distributions, and limit theorems.
Study of various topics in modern geometry, with emphasis on the axiomatic method.
Study of the development of mathematical ideas.
An introduction to differential geometry in a classical setting: the study of n-surfaces, embedded in Euclidean space.
Selected topics in topology such as metric spaces, point set topology of Euclidean spaces, introduction to algebraic topology.
An introduction to using computation to obtain approximate solutions to mathematical problems. A variety of algorithms are studied, as are the limitations of using computational methods. Topics include algorithms for solving equations, systems, and differential equations; approximating functions and integrals; curve fitting; round-off errors, and convergence of algorithms.
Survey of algebraic structures; groups, rings, fields, vector spaces, and linear transformations.
Selected topics in advanced algebra.
Selected topics in real analysis.
Analytic functions, complex integration, complex sequences and series, and conformal mapping.
Advanced level. Students will work collaboratively on problems posed in various undergraduate mathematics journals and other sources. Solutions to journal problems will be submitted to the journal editors for acknowledgment and possible publication. Problems are taken from all areas of specialty within mathematics.
Advanced level. Students will work collaboratively on problems posed in various undergraduate mathematics journals and other sources. Solutions to journal problems will be submitted to the journal editors for acknowledgment and possible publication. Problems are taken from all areas of specialty within mathematics.
Advanced level. Students will work collaboratively on problems posed in various undergraduate mathematics journals and other sources. Solutions to journal problems will be submitted to the journal editors for acknowledgment and possible publication. Problems are taken from all areas of specialty within mathematics.
A study of dynamical systems and their application. Topics covered include first-order equations, bifurcation theory, linear systems, phase plane analysis, and chaos. Examples will be considered from problems in medicine and the natural and social science.
Topics that complement the established upper level course offerings in mathematics will be selected. Emphasis will be on the nature of mathematical thought.
Special study in mathematics outside the regular department offerings.
Research, discussion, and presentation of selected topics at an advanced level, to provide a capstone experience for the mathematics major; primarily intended for seniors. Senior Seminar in Mathematics - Research, discussion, and presentation of selected topics at an advanced level, to provide a capstone experience for the mathematics major; primarily intended for seniors.
Optional for mathematics majors. Recommended for those working toward professional careers or graduate study in mathematics, and required for those seeking to satisfy the criteria for departmental honors.
Optional for mathematics majors. Recommended for those working toward professional careers or graduate study in mathematics, and required for those seeking to satisfy the criteria for departmental honors.
Professional experience at an advanced level for juniors and seniors with substantial academic experience in mathematics. With faculty sponsorship and departmental approval, students may extend their educational experience in pure or applied mathematics. This course may not be used to satisfy the requirements of any major or minor in the department.
An introduction to fundamental concepts in statistical reasoning. Students will consider contexts, both historical and modern, in which statistical approaches arose and methodologies developed. Topics considered will include organization and analysis of data, the drawing of inferences from these data, and the careful presentation of these inferences. Examples will be drawn from a variety of disciplines.
An introduction to statistical methods. Students will learn sampling strategies, exploratory data analysis, hypothesis testing, and randomization-based strategies, with examples from a variety of disciplines. This course is designed for majors in STEM fields and/or those with strong quantitative skills.
An introduction to data visualization. Students will learn to use data visualization tools, to objectively critique and redesign graphics, and to produce and describe visualizations using the R/RStudio statistical software. A willingness to code is needed. (Fulfills QR2 requirement).
A continuation of introductory statistics, this course is intended for students in the physical, social, or behavioral sciences. Topics include multiple linear regression, indicator variables, model diagnostics, transformations and selection strategies, logistic and multiple logistic regression, and analysis of variance. Emphasis will be on applying tools to real data as well as the interpretation of results. The class will make extensive use of the R/RStudio statistical software, which is free to download and use.
Topics that complement the established lower level course offerings in statistics will be selected. Emphasis will be on the nature of statistical thought.
Exploration of a research topic in statistics. The students, in collaboration with a faculty mentor, will participate in a research project in a particular area of statistics which may be related to the faculty member’s research program.
Topics that complement the established upper-level course offerings in statistics.
Special study in statistics outside the regular department offerings.