Mathematics, Bachelor of Arts
Department Chair: Min Chung
Faculty: Min Chung; Raymond Mess; Erik Wallace
Major
Mathematics
Minor
Mathematics
About
The study of mathematics enables students not only to learn mathematical principles and the application of those principles, but to develop their ability to think logically, solve problems, express themselves precisely and gain a cultural appreciation of the discipline.
Mathematics majors must complete a specified core of courses, beginning with a calculus and linear algebra sequence and an introductory course in abstraction. These courses provide the foundation for upper level courses. To obtain an overview of modern mathematics, majors take courses in two general areas, abstract algebra and real analysis, generally during their junior year. As an introduction to applied mathematics, they must elect one of several courses that stress a modeling/problem-solving approach to using mathematics. During the junior year, majors must participate in a Junior Seminar, which emphasizes supervised seminar study and oral presentations. A required Senior Capstone Seminar involves supervised independent study with written presentations and a final oral presentation. In addition to the required courses, a course in computer programming is strongly recommended.
In addition, mathematics majors are required to complete a term of general physics, which provides them with another problem-solving experience and introduces them to the subject which was one of the primary motivations for the development of the calculus.
Students who wish to pursue a special area of mathematics in greater depth may do so by taking additional courses in that area and by independent study with a faculty member in an area not specifically covered in a course. Among the areas available for such study are numerical methods, mathematical modeling, operations research, statistics, graph theory, combinatorics, and topology. For students who may be interested in engineering, Hartwick offers a Pre-Engineering Program and the opportunity to participate in a combined degree program with Columbia University or Clarkson University in which the student spends three years at Hartwick and two years at one of the engineering schools, earning a bachelor’s degree from each in the process.
Students majoring in other disciplines who wish to complete a minor in mathematics should notify the department of their intent as soon as possible, preferably by the junior year.
Incoming students are administered an algebra placement test and, on the basis of the results, are advised which mathematics courses would be most appropriate for their algebra backgrounds. Pre-Calculus Mathematics (MATH 120) may be selected by students who need a stronger background in algebra before they begin the calculus sequence. For students with exceptional mathematics backgrounds, advanced placement credit in calculus will be granted on the basis of Advanced Placement Test scores.
Advanced placement without credit also may be granted on the basis of consultation with the department faculty.
A Math Center sponsored by the department offers problem sessions and tutoring for students enrolled in any of the department’s service courses. Tutoring in math is available through The Center for Student Success.
Note: Because of the significant overlap in requirements for the Mathematics and Actuarial Mathematics majors, no student may be credited with both majors.