The Mathematical Sciences Program is designed to provide broad training in basic mathematics together with some specialization in an area of application of mathematics. Each student must select one of the eight Program Options as a special area. Because of the somewhat more specific requirements of the Program options, careful planning and frequent consultation with your advisor are essential to ensure timely completion of the program.
- Discrete and Algorithmic Methods checklist
- Numerical and Applied Analysis checklist
- Operations Research and Modeling checklist
- Probabilistic Methods checklist
- Control Systems checklist
- Mathematical Economics checklist
- Mathematical Physics checklist
- Mathematical Biology checklist
I. Prerequisites
The prerequisite to the major in Mathematical Sciences is one of the sequences 205 & 217, 215 & 217, 285 & 217, or 295 & 296. AP Physics 139/239 is an accepted transfer credit to be applied as prerequisites. In addition, students must acquire a working knowledge of a high-level computer language (e.g. Fortran, C, or C++) at a level equivalent to the completion of EECS 183. Students are encouraged to take EECS 280 & 281 as well. Bio 171 & 172 are required for the Biology option. For those not pursuing either a Physics concentration or a Physics minor, Physics 140-141, and 240-241 are required for the Numerical and Applied Analysis and Mathematical Physics options and strongly recommended for the other options.
Some of the options have additional requirements, as noted below.
The major program must include at least nine courses: four basic courses (II.), three courses from one of the Program Options (III.), and two additional courses as described below (IV.). At least two of the five (optional and additional) courses must be MATH courses.
II. Basic Courses
The basic courses consist of one from each of the following four groups completed with a grade of at least C-:
- Differential Equations: Math 286 or 316
- Discrete Mathematics/Modern Algebra: Math 312, 412, 465 or 493
- Analysis:Math 351, 354, 450, 451, or 454
- Probability:Math 425 or 525
More advanced students, such as those who have completed Math 396, may substitute higher-level courses with the approval of an advisor. All students are strongly encouraged to include in their program one of the more theoretical courses: Math 412, 451, 493, 494, or 525.
III. Program Options
A Mathematical Sciences major must choose one of the eight options below and complete at least three of the courses listed under that option or courses for which the courses are prerequisite. This requirement is designed to provide focus and depth to the program and can only be waived by an advisor in favor of a program that provides this depth in some equivalent way. An acceptable program must include some of the more difficult courses. Advice should be sought from an advisor before selecting an option. As an initial guide, we give a brief description of the options for Discrete and Algorithmic Methods, Numerical and Applied Analysis, Operations Reserach and Modeling, Probablistic Methods, Mathematcical Economics, Control Systems, Mathematical Physics, and Mathematical Biology below.
IV. Advanced Courses
To complete the major program, each student should elect two additional advanced courses in Mathematics or a related area. Every student must include, either here or elsewhere in his/her program; a cognate course numbered 300 or above taught outside the department that emphasizes the application of significant mathematical tools (at least at the level of Math 215) in another discipline. In all cases , approval from an advisor is required. This is a very flexible requirement to accommodate special interests and may be satisfied by a broad range of courses in other departments (generally numbered 300 or above) or by mathematics courses numbered 400 or above.
At least two of the five courses counted towards Program Options and Advanced Courses must be MATH courses.
