Mathematics at Colby

Mayflower Hill 5830, Waterville ME 04901 Phone 207-859-5831 Fax 207-859-5846

Welcome to the Colby Mathematics Department!

Our research and teaching interests span a broad spectrum of topics in pure and applied mathematics and in statistics. Ranging from courses open to all students of the College to advanced courses for mathematics and mathematical sciences majors, our academic program is rich and varied. The mathematics faculty and students form a close and supportive community as we learn and work together.

All the best mathematical problems are come-ons: there is a gentle irony behind them. The problem-setter usually presents you a very precise task. Solve this! An equation, perhaps: just solve it. But if the problem is really good, a solution of it is nothing more than a letter of introduction to a level of interaction with the material that you hadn't achieved before. Solving the problem gets you to a deeper level of question-asking. The problem itself is an invitation, a goad, to extend your imagination.

Barry Mazur