Mathematics

The Major Core

A set of core courses is required of each mathematics major:

• MATH055 HM - Discrete Mathematics
• MATH062 HM - Introduction to Probability and Statistics
• MATH082 HM - Differential Equations
• MATH131 HM - Mathematical Analysis I
• MATH171 HM - Abstract Algebra I
• MATH180 HM - Introduction to Partial Differential Equations

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  These courses cover a range of fundamental fields of mathematics and position the student to pursue any one of a variety of elective programs to finish the degree. It is expected that the Major Core will be completed before the senior year.

Computational Mathematics

One course in computational mathematics is required of all mathematics majors, selected from the following list:

• CSCI081 HM - Computability and Logic
• CSCI142 HM - Complexity Theory
• MATH164 HM - Scientific Computing
• MATH165 HM - Numerical Analysis
• MATH168 HM - Algorithms

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  Computational techniques are essential to many fields of modern mathematics and to most mathematical applications in business and industry.

Clinic or Thesis

Two semesters of Mathematics Clinic or two semesters of Senior Thesis are required and taken in the senior year:

• MATH193 HM - Mathematics Clinic (taken twice)

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  or

   

• MATH197 HM - Senior Thesis in Mathematics (taken twice)

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  Clinic and thesis are important capstone experiences for each mathematics major: they represent sustained efforts to engage with a  complex problem from industry or mathematical research. Clinic teams are formed in the fall according to the requirements of the projects and student preferences. Students who do Clinic must work on the same Clinic project both semesters.

Mathematics Forum and Mathematics Colloquium

All mathematics majors must take:

• One semester of Mathematics Forum:

• MATH198 HM - Undergraduate Mathematics Forum (generally in the junior year)

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  and

   

• One semester of Mathematics Colloquium:

• MATH199 HM - Mathematics Colloquium (generally in the junior year)

The Elective Program

To complete the degree, three elective mathematics courses totaling at least seven credits are required. All electives must be numbered over 100 (some off-campus math courses numbered in the 100s that replicate HMC Core course content may not be counted toward the elective requirement). 

The elective program will be designed by the student in consultation with their advisor. Courses outside of mathematics may be counted toward the elective program if approved by petition to the department. Courses that are cross-listed between computer science and mathematics, such as Complexity Theory, which appears as both MATH167 HM  and CSCI142 HM , can be taken under either course number.

To assist students in designing their elective program, the department has prepared a variety of sample programs. These sample programs list courses that support a wide range of career goals in academics, business, or industry. About half of our graduates immediately join the workforce and about half enter graduate school. Several sample elective programs are listed below. In each of these samples, the first two courses are strongly recommended; at least one additional course is to be selected in order to complete the elective program. We emphasize that sample elective programs are advisory. Students may follow a sample program or design one of their own.