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, Minor in
Mathematics and Computer Science
Please see the
College Catalog for
information on obtaining a major or minor in mathematics and for
information on the courses we offer in Mathematics and Computer Science
(see also the
College Catalog).
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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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