The study of mathematics develops the ability to think carefully - it sharpens analytical and problem-solving skills and trains the mind to reason logically and with precision. The program in Mathematics serves students from many majors, with a variety of academic goals. For the benefit of both majors and non-majors, the course offerings include an array of topics from both pure and applied mathematics. Some courses are theoretical, stressing the development of rigorous, well-written mathematical proof and communication, while others are computational, using appropriate software as an aid. In preparation for Senior Independent Study, there is an emphasis on clear and precise written and oral communication of mathematical concepts. Most upper-level courses culminate in a final paper, project, or presentation.
First-year or transfer students are given a recommended placement in mathematics based upon their previous records, their scores on the SAT and/or ACT, and their performance on a placement exam administered by the department during Summer registration. In some cases, incoming students have multiple options from which to choose their first mathematics course at Wooster.
The Mathematics Major's HandbookA major in mathematics consists of twelve courses:
A minor in mathematics consists of six courses:
In the senior year, each student engages in independent research into an aspect of mathematics that he or she finds particularly intriguing. With the guidance of a faculty member, each student completes an Independent Study Thesis (I.S.) based on research into problems of theoretical mathematics or more practical applications. Some titles of recent I.S. projects include: Problem Solving Abilities in Students; Artificial Intelligence and the Game of Pente; A Survey and Development of Efficient Sports Rating Systems; Fractals: What They Are and How to Create Them; Knots; Difference Equations and Their Application to Family Planning; and Galois Theory Over Finite Fields. These titles suggest the diversity of interests of both our students and our faculty.
In lieu of a MATH 40100 course, the College requirement of a third unit of Independent Study is satisfied through the independent work done as part of the courses numbered above 200 which are taken to fulfill the requirements of the major.
The College has direct connections with the overseas program Budapest Semesters in Mathematics in Budapest, Hungary. This program is designed for Amer ican and Canadian undergraduate mathematics Mathematics 134 students interested in a one-semester overseas study experience in which they continue their study of mathematics. The program is primarily for junior mathematics students with a strong mathematics background. All courses are taught in English by Hungarian mathematicians, most of whom have spent some time teaching in the U.S. or Canada. Courses taken in Budapest appear on the student's transcript, but grades do not count toward the student's grade point average. Only courses receiving a grade of C or above will receive Wooster credit. Most financial aid is applicable to the program, but students with financial aid should consult directly with the Director of Financial Aid.
Combined programs of liberal arts and engineering are available. See Pre-Engineering.
Students who are planning to receive Ohio licensure in early childhood education are required to take EDUC 26000 Curriculum: Math/Science/Social Studies in the Early Childhood Years. No mathematics beyond this course is required to fulfill the State requirement; however, MATH 10000 would be an excellent choice to help meet Wooster's Learning Across the Disciplines requirements. Any student wishing to pursue licensure in early childhood education should plan a program carefully with the Department of Education.
For Ohio licensure in middle school or adolescent to young adult/secondary teaching of mathematics, State requirements call for at least a minor in Mathematics. Because specific courses in Education and Mathematics are required for licensure, Mathematics majors seeking licensure for teaching middle school or adolescent to young adult/secondary mathematics should plan their program early, in consultation with the Department of Education. These students may choose to write a Senior Independent Study Thesis on a topic related to the teaching of middle school or adolescent to young adult/ secondary mathematics.