Overview
About
the Mathematics Program
The Mathematics program aims to serve the
diverse needs of students in the physical sciences, social sciences,
and liberal arts as well as mathematics. Study and problem-solving in
mathematics at all levels provide a paradigm of critical thinking:
identifying and questioning premises, inferring patterns from
evidence, deducing conclusions from hypotheses, and expressing ideas
clearly. Other disciplines rely on mathematics to provide technical
tools for precise reasoning and communication. Upon graduation, some
mathematics majors go on to graduate or professional school while
others begin careers in teaching, business, industry, or government.
The major can be structured to provide a solid foundation in the
mathematical sciences-pure and applied mathematics, statistics, and
operations research-and fields close to mathematics like computer
science, actuarial science, and engineering. A major or minor in
mathematics can also provide an excellent technical and theoretical
complement to a major or minor in other fields.
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Computer Science at
Occidental
The Mathematics Department offers a
selection of courses in computer science and computer programming.
Besides, Occidental and California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
share a unique exchange program which makes it possible for our
students to supplement their study by taking courses at Caltech. Other
courses relevant to computer science include Mathematics 210, 350,
370, 380, and 450.
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Facilities at
Occidental
All Mathematics
courses taken at Occidental College are held in the Fowler Academic
Building, located in the center of campus. Our department is on the
third floor. All Calculus
courses include a computer laboratory component to give students the
opportunity to experience, test, and personally discover mathematical
ideas. Our computer classrooms allow this innovative use
of computers to extend to other courses, including Multivariate
Calculus, Linear Systems, Statistical Data Analysis, and Differential
Equations.
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Major in
Mathematics
MAJOR: The minimum
requirements for the major outlined below permit students great
flexibility in designing a course of study to meet their own
intellectual and career goals. Fundamental courses: Calculus 1, 2,
Mathematics 210, and either the 214, 224 or the 212, 214 sequence.
Advanced courses: 24 units of Mathematics or Computer Science courses
numbered 310 or above (excluding Mathematics 400). The grade point
average in these courses must exceed 2.0. Colloquium requirement:
Mathematics 300 and 400. Breadth requirement:
Computer Science 211 or Mathematics 150 or Mathematics 160 coupled
with a 2-unit CS course.
The Mathematics Department has prepared guidelines
for majors considering future study or careers in pure and applied
mathematics, education, actuarial science, and computer
science.
WRITING REQUIREMENT: Students
majoring in Mathematics will satisfy the final component of Occidental
College's college-wide writing requirement by submitting a portfolio
of three revised papers to the department by the end of the junior
year and successfully completing the senior thesis (or appropriate
course work). Students should familiarize themselves with the
departmental requirement at the time of declaring the major. See the
Writing Program and consult the department chair for additional
information.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION:
This examination has two parts. The first part measures competence in
the fundamental courses. It may be taken in any semester after these
courses have been completed. The second part of this examination
consists of an independent project culminating in a written report and
public presentation during the senior year. Further information is
available from the department.
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Minor in
Mathematics
The requirements for a minor are the
following:
Fundamental courses: Calculus 1, 2, and 12 units
chosen from Mathematics 210, 150, 214, and either 212 or
224.
Advanced courses: 12 units chosen from Mathematics or
Computer Science courses numbered 310 or above (excluding Mathematics
400).
The grade point average of all mathematics
courses taken must be at least 2.0. Students considering a minor in
mathematics are encouraged to consult a faculty adviser to design a
program appropriate to their interests.
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Honors
Students who wish to be considered for
honors in mathematics should complete at least the five fundamental
courses in their first two years with a grade point average greater
than 3.0. Honors students must complete three approved upper division
courses beyond those required for the major. These courses should be
chosen to prepare the student for the senior honors project. Honors
students enroll in Mathematics 499 to prepare this project, which may
be substituted for Mathematics 300 in satisfying the major
requirements. Consult the Mathematics Department and see the Honors
Program for additional details.
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Gradute
Study at Occidental
A Master of Arts in Teaching is available in
mathematics. Consult the section on Graduate Study, the Education
Department, and the Graduate Office for overall requirements. The
minimum mathematics requirement is 16 units of coursework approved by
the Mathematics Department.
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