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Course Catalog 2005-2006 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Mathematics
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Major
A major in mathematics consists of 34 hours, including Mathematics 220, 231, and 232.
In addition, students select one of the following two concentrations: Concentration in Applied Mathematics
Students selecting this concentration must take either Mathematics 113 or Mathematics 114, and at least 12 hours of advanced mathematics courses numbered 300 and above. This must include either Mathematics 301 or 327 and three courses from among 331, 335, 336, 337, 338, 360 and 362. Concentration in Pure Mathematics
Students selecting this concentration must take at
least 12 hours of advanced mathematics courses numbered 300 and above, including both
Mathematics 301 and 327, and at least one of the following two-course sequences: Mathematics
301/302, 301/356, 301/358, 327/328 or 327/329.
The department frequently offers a 300-level seminar in addition to its regular offerings.
Students should check with the instructor to find out whether the seminar can be used to fulfill
the requirements for one of the above concentrations. Important Note
Students planning to pursue graduate work in mathematics, or a closely related field, need to complete more than the minimum requirements for the mathematics major. Such students should plan their major carefully with the advice of a member of the Mathematics Department.
It is strongly urged that students specializing in mathematics also obtain substantial background in some field that uses mathematics. In particular, students majoring in mathematics are encouraged to gain some experience with computing. To that end, credit for one computer science course (one would also count toward a Computer Science major) may be counted toward the 34 hour requirement for the major in mathematics. Private readings are also available, with the consent of an instructor, in any area of mathematics appropriate for a student’s major. Finally, interdisciplinary majors involving a coherent program of work in mathematics and a related field can be arranged through the College Individual Majors Committee to suit special student interests and needs. Minor
A minor in mathematics consists of at least 15 hours of coursework, including any three of Mathematics 220, 231, 232, and 234, and at least six hours of courses numbered 300 and above. Honors
At the end of their junior year, students with outstanding records are invited to participate in the Mathematics Honors Program. For their senior year, honors students normally elect three hours of independent study each semester. This special study, which is supervised by a faculty advisor who works closely with the student, results in an Honors paper. Honors students also take a comprehensive written examination at the end of Winter Term and, at the end of the academic year, an oral examination on the material in their Honors paper. These examinations are conducted by an outside examiner. More detailed information on the Honors Program is available from the department secretary. Winter Term
Most members of the Mathematics Department will be participating in Winter Term 2006 and are available to sponsor projects.
Mathematical interests in the department include abstract algebra, algebraic geometry, combinatorics, cryptography, dynamical systems, mathematics and computation, differential equations, differential geometry, history of mathematics, mathematics education, non-Euclidean geometry, number theory, operations research, probability, real and complex analysis, topology, and statistics.
Avocational interests of Department members which could form the basis for a Winter Term project include electronic composition and synthesis of music, games of strategy, and juggling. For further information regarding these possibilities, inquire in the Mathematics Department office. John D. Baum Memorial Prize in Mathematics
Established by the Mathematics Department,
this $100 prize is awarded annually to the Oberlin College student who has achieved the highest
score on the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition. Rebecca Cary Orr Memorial Prize in Mathematics
Established by the family and friends of
Rebecca Cary Orr, this $2000 prize is awarded annually by the Mathematics Department on the
basis of scholastic achievement and promise for future professional accomplishment. |
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