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Majors and Minors


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MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS

 

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers courses for students who: (1) plan a career in an area of pure or applied mathematics, including statistics; (2) need mathematics as support for their chosen major; or (3) elect to take mathematics as part of their liberal arts education or to fulfill the area requirement in quantitative reasoning.

The department offers three programs: majors in mathematics and mathematical sciences and a minor in mathematics. The major in mathematical sciences is also offered with a concentration in statistics. Majors in mathematics and mathematical sciences can be taken with honors. In addition, there is an interdepartmental joint major in economics-mathematics.

Colby mathematics majors in recent years have entered graduate school to do advanced work in mathematics, statistics, biostatistics, economics, computer science, biomathematics, and physics. They also have used the major as a solid foundation for careers in teaching, law, banking, insurance, management, the computer industry, and other areas.

All incoming students who intend to enroll in one of the 100-level calculus courses in the fall semester are required to complete the mathematics placement questionnaire prior to registration.

REQUIREMENTS +

Requirements for the Major in Mathematics

Completion of one year of calculus, Mathematics 253, 274, 333, 338, either 434 or 439, plus four additional courses selected from three- or four-credit mathematics courses numbered 300 or above (excluding 484). In exceptional cases, with the permission of the department, another 400-level course may be substituted for 434 or 439.

Although Mathematics 302 and 352 are not specifically required, the department strongly recommends that mathematics majors complete both courses.

Requirements for the Major in Mathematical Sciences

Completion of one year of calculus, Mathematics 253, 274, 302, Computer Science 151; one course (to establish an overall theme for the major) selected from Mathematics 311, 332, 372, 381, Computer Science 231; four three- or four-credit courses selected from mathematics courses numbered 200 or above (excluding Mathematics 484). With written permission of the advisor, one (or, in exceptional cases, two) of these courses may be replaced by a course with significant mathematical content from another department.

Requirements for the Major in Mathematical Sciences with a Concentration in Statistics

Completion of one year of calculus, Mathematics 212 or 231, 253, 274, 302, 381, 382, Computer Science 151; one course selected from Mathematics 281, 321, and 374; one three- or four-credit course selected from mathematics courses numbered 300 or above (excluding Mathematics 484). Students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in statistics are advised to take Mathematics 338.

Requirements for the Honors Program in Mathematics or Mathematical Sciences

An honors program is available for students majoring in mathematics and mathematical sciences who have a grade point average of at least 3.25 in all mathematics courses numbered 200 or higher and who complete an additional, preapproved program of independent study in the major (Mathematics 484) culminating in both a written paper and a colloquium presentation. Students who successfully complete the requirements and who receive recommendation of the department will graduate “With Honors in Mathematics” or “With Honors in Mathematical Sciences.”

Requirements for the Minor in Mathematics

Six three- or four-credit mathematics courses, including completion of at least one semester of calculus, Mathematics 253, and at least one course at the 300 level or above.

The point scale for retention of the majors and minor applies to all courses in the majors/minors. No requirement for the majors or minor may be taken satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

 
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Faculty

Chair, Associate Professor Jan Holly
Professors Fernando Gouvêa, Leo Livshits, and Benjamin Mathes; Associate Professors Jan Holly, Liam O’Brien, and George Welch; Assistant Professors Otto Bretscher, Andreas Malmendier, James Scott, and Scott Taylor; Visiting Assistant Professor Mark Rhodes; Faculty Fellow Scott Lambert

 

Colby College reserves the right in its sole judgement to make changes of any nature in its program, calendar, academic schedule, fees, deposits, or any other matters in this catalogue.