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Academics > Catalog > 2011-2012 > Courses of Instruction > MATH

Mathematics

A dynamic subject, with connections to many disciplines, mathematics is an integral part of a liberal arts education, and is increasingly vital in understanding science, technology, and society. Entry-level courses introduce students to basic concepts and hint at some of the power and beauty behind these fundamental results. Upper-level courses and the capstone experience provide majors with the opportunity to explore mathematical topics in greater depth and sophistication, and to delight in the fascination of this important discipline.

During new-student orientation the department assists students planning to study mathematics in choosing an appropriate starting course. Based on a student's academic background and skills, the department recommends Mathematics 101, 102, 105, 106, 110, 111, 112, 205, 206, or a more advanced course.

The mathematics department offers a major and a minor in mathematics. More information on the mathematics department is available on the website (www.bates.edu/MATH.xml).

Major Requirements

The mathematics major requirements accommodate a wide variety of interests and career goals. The courses provide broad training in undergraduate mathematics, preparing majors for graduate study, and for positions in government, industry, and the teaching profession.

The major in mathematics consists of:

1) Mathematics 205 and 206;

2) Mathematics s21, which should be taken during Short Term of the first year;

3) Mathematics 301 and 309, which should be taken before beginning a senior thesis or the senior seminar;

4) four elective mathematics courses numbered 200 or higher, not including 360, 395, 457, 458, or s50;

5) completion of either a one-semester thesis (Mathematics 457 or 458), a two-semester thesis (Mathematics 457-458), or the senior seminar (Mathematics 395). The thesis option requires departmental approval. Students satisfy their [W3] requirement by successful completion of either a thesis or Mathematics 395, the senior seminar.

Any mathematics Short Term course numbered 30 or above may be used as one of the electives in 4). One elective may also be replaced by a departmentally approved course from another department.

While students must consult with their major advisor in designing appropriate courses of study, the following suggestions may be helpful: For majors considering a career in secondary education the department suggests Mathematics 214, 215, 255, and 312. Students interested in operations research, business, or actuarial science should consider Mathematics 214, 215, 255B, and 355A. Students interested in applied mathematics in the physical and engineering sciences should consider Mathematics 214, 215, 219, 255B, 308, and 355A . Majors planning on graduate study in pure mathematics should particularly consider Mathematics 308, 313, and 457-458. Mathematics majors may pursue individual research either through Independent Study (360 or s50), or Senior Thesis (457 and/or 458).

Major Courses Taken Elsewhere

Of the nine courses (205, 206, 301, 309, s21, and four electives) required for the mathematics major, up to four may be taken at other institutions, in off-campus study programs, or in other Bates departments. These courses are subject to these limitations:

1) At least one of 301 (Real Analysis) and 309 (Abstract Algebra) must be completed at Bates.

2) s21 (Introduction to Abstraction) must be completed at Bates.

3) At least two of the four elective mathematics courses must be completed at Bates, and listed or cross-listed in the Bates mathematics department.

Pass/Fail Grading Option

Pass/fail grading may not be elected for courses applied toward the major.

Minor in Mathematics

Designed either to complement another major, or to be pursued for its own sake, the minor in mathematics provides a structure for obtaining a significant depth in mathematical study. It consists of seven mathematics courses, four of which must be Mathematics 105, 106, 205, and 206. (Successful completion of Mathematics 206 is sufficient to fulfill the requirements for Mathematics 105 and 106, even if no course credit for these has been granted by Bates.)

The other three courses must be mathematics courses at the 150-level or above (or Short Term courses at the s20 level or above). At least one of these three must be taken at Bates.

The following do not count toward the mathematics minor: Mathematics 360, 457, 458, and s50.

Pass/Fail Grading Option

Pass/fail grading may not be elected for courses applied toward the minor in mathematics.

Courses

MATH 101. Working with Data.

Techniques for analyzing data are described in ordinary English without emphasis on mathematical formulas. The course focuses on graphical and descriptive techniques for summarizing data, design of experiments, sampling, analyzing relationships, statistical models, and statistical inference. Applications are drawn from everyday life: drug testing, legal discrimination cases, and public opinion polling. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 244, Economics 250 or 255, Environmental Studies 181, Mathematics 215 or 315, Psychology 218, or Sociology 305. Enrollment limited to 30. Normally offered every year. [Q] Staff.
Concentrations