In the past, human curiosity about the phenomena of science and engineering has spurred the creation of new mathematics. Today, this dialogue is not only between mathematics and the physical sciences, but includes economics, the social sciences, and research into artificial intelligence. Computer research is yielding powerful new methods of analysis and visualization, with significant impact on mathematics and the physical sciences. The way is now being paved for a similar computer-spurred revolution in the rest of the liberal arts.
The student who chooses one of the majors in mathematical and physical sciences will receive well-rounded yet intensive preparation for a career or postgraduate work. A major in physics prepares students for professional training in engineering (see Wells College’s articulation programs); a major in mathematics or computer science with additional work in economics prepares students for careers in business.
Mathematics Major
The number of courses required for the major is 14 (44-47 semester hours). At least four of these courses (12 semester hours) must be at the 300-level or above. Internships may not be used to fulfill major requirements.
Required Courses
All of the following (25 sem. hrs.)
CS 131 Programming I: Procedural Methods (3 sem. hrs.)
MATH 111 Calculus I: Introduction to Calculus (4 sem. hrs.)
MATH 112 Calculus II: Introduction to Calculus (4 sem. hrs.)
MATH 212 Linear Algebra (3 sem. hrs.)
MATH 267 Discrete Mathematics (3 sem. hrs.)
MPS 402 Senior Seminar in Mathematical and Physical Sciences I (2 sem. hrs.)
PHYS 111L Fundamentals of Physics I (4 sem. hrs.)]
One of the following (3 sem. hrs.)
MATH 312 Real Analysis (3 sem. hrs.)
MATH 313 Abstract Algebra (3 sem. hrs.)
Two of the following (6 sem. hrs.)
MATH 211 Calculus III: Multivariable Calculus (3 sem. hrs.)
MATH 213 Ordinary Differential Equations and Applications (3 sem. hrs.)
MATH 251 Mathematical Statistics (3 sem. hrs.)
MATH 300 Probability Theory (3 sem. hrs.)
MATH 301 Applied and Computational Mathematics (3 sem. hrs.)
MATH 305 Operations Research (3 sem. hrs.)
MATH 312 Real Analysis (if not taken above) (3 sem. hrs.)
MATH 313 Abstract Algebra (if not taken above) (3 sem. hrs.)
Three of the following (9 sem. hrs.)
Courses in mathematics, computer science, or physics above the 100-level (3 sem. hrs.), or
CHEM 301 Physical Chemistry (3 sem. hrs.)
CS 132 Programming II: Advanced Design (3 sem. hrs.)
ECON 314 Econometrics (3 sem. hrs.)
Mathematics Minor
Students majoring in physics or computer science may minor in mathematics. Internships may not be used to fulfill minor requirements.
The total number of courses required for the minor is 6 (20 semester hours).
Required Courses
All of the following (20 sem. hrs.)
MATH 111 Calculus I: Introduction to Calculus (4 sem. hrs.)
MATH 112 Calculus II: Introduction to Calculus (4 sem. hrs.)
Four more mathematics courses above the 100-level (12 sem. hrs.)