Courses
Requirements for the Major in Mathematics
Number of Units
Eight units of mathematics are required, exclusive of SIP and CS Cognate.
Typically up to two units from outside courses (AP, transfer, dual enrollment,
or study abroad) may count towards the major or minor in mathematics.
Students who wish to apply additional external units toward the major must
consult with the department.
Mathematics Colloquium Credit
In addition to the requirements stated above, mathematics majors are
required to attend at least 10 approved mathematics colloquia and write three mathematical reflection papers. See the mathematics department for details.
Required Cognate
One computer science course.
Required Courses
MATH 112-113 Calculus I and II or MATH 115 Intermediate Calculus
MATH 214 Calculus III
MATH 240 Linear Algebra and Vectors
MATH 320 Real Analysis I or MATH 330 Abstract Algebra I
One two-term sequence beyond calculus (e.g., Real Analysis I and II,
Abstract Algebra I and II, Probability and Mathematical Statistics,
Abstract Algebra I and Linear Algebra II)
Among the courses we offer, MATH 320 and MATH 330 are at the highest level
of abstraction. Before enrolling in one of these courses, students are strongly
encouraged to complete MATH 314 or MATH 316.
For students interested in graduate work in one of the mathematical sciences,
additional work in MATH 280, 310, 314, 316, 320, 330, 420, 430, and 450 is
appropriate. Those with a strong interest in computing should elect the minor
in computer science in addition to MATH 300. For those students interested in
applied work (mathematical biology, mathematical economics, operations
research, etc.), election of MATH 270, 280, 305, 310, 362, 365, 440, and at least
two courses in computer science is appropriate. Other departments offer classes
that use mathematical ideas: BIOL 112, 426, and 436; CHEM 310 and 410; ECON
305 and 412; PHIL 107; PHYS 340, 400, 410, and 420; and PSYC 390.
Requirements for the Minor in Mathematics
There are four options for the minor in mathematics, each of which requires six
units of credit in mathematics. Each of these options requires the “core”
courses: Single variable calculus (MATH 112 and MATH 113 or MATH 115),
Multivariable Calculus (MATH 214), and Linear Algebra (MATH 240). The
other required courses for each option are as follows:
Statistics Option
MATH 362 Probability
MATH 365 Mathematical Statistics
Computational Mathematics Option
MATH 250 Discrete Mathematics or MATH 330 Abstract Algebra I
MATH 300 Automata, Formal Languages, and Computability
Applied Mathematics Option
MATH 280 Differential Equations
MATH 310 Complex and Vector Variables
Pure Mathematics Option
MATH 320 Real Analysis I or MATH 330 Abstract Algebra I
And one other mathematics course from the following list:
MATH 310, MATH 314, MATH 316, MATH 320, MATH 330, MATH 362, or
any 400-level course
MATHEMATICS COURSE OFFERINGS
MATH 112 Calculus I
MATH 113 Calculus II
MATH 214 Calculus III
MATH 240 Linear Algebra and Vectors
MATH 250 Discrete Mathematics
MATH 260 Applied Statistics I
MATH 261 Biostatistics
MATH 270 Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos
MATH 280 Differential Equations and Numerical Methods
MATH 300 Automata, Formal Languages, and Computability
MATH 305 Dynamic Models in Social Sciences
MATH 310 Complex and Vector Variables
MATH 314 Topics in Geometry
MATH 316 Topics in Number Theory
MATH 318 Topics in Topology
MATH 320 Real Analysis I
MATH 330 Abstract Algebra I
MATH 360 Applied Statistics II
MATH 362 Probability
MATH 365 Mathematical Statistics
MATH 420 Real Analysis II
MATH 430 Abstract Algebra II
MATH 450 Topics in Pure and Applied Mathematics
Study Abroad
Students interested in mathematics are especially encouraged to consider the
study abroad program in Budapest. The Budapest program is given in English;
no prior knowledge of Hungarian is needed. It offers a number of mathematics
courses as well as history, language, and literature courses. Mathematics majors
have also studied mathematics in Erlangen, Quito, Perth, Aberdeen, and
Lancaster. Early consultation with the department is strongly urged.
For more detailed information please check the Kalamazoo College Academic Catalogue
Mathematics Course requirements - Kalamazoo College Academic Catalogue