Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

The Mathematics Department offers two distinct majors: (I) The Major in Mathematics and (II) The Major in Mathematical Data Science. The major in mathematics is intended both for students who plan careers in mathematics and related fields, and for those who simply find mathematics interesting and wish to continue its study. The content of the major is quite flexible, and courses may be selected largely to reflect student interests. Students who major in mathematics have an opportunity to participate in activities that bring them in close contact with a faculty member—for example, through a small seminar or through an independent research project under the direction of a faculty member. In addition to regular course offerings, a student with specialized interests, not reflected in our current course offerings, often arranges for an independent reading course. Proposals for independent activities should be directed to the Departmental Advisor to Mathematics Majors. In general, the mathematics major requires the student to pass eight mathematics or computer science courses beyond prerequisites. At least six of the required eight courses must be mathematics, and at least four of these courses must be taken at Dartmouth. In addition, a student must fulfill the College’s requirement for a culminating experience in the major (see below). Students are encouraged to take MATH 22/ MATH 24 as soon as feasible, since not only is it an explicit prerequisite to many upper-division courses, but also the level of mathematical sophistication developed in MATH 22/ MATH 24 will be presumed in many upper-division courses for which MATH 22/ MATH 24 is not an explicit prerequisite. The Major in Mathematical Data Science: Statistics has become a ubiquitous tool not only in traditional areas in the natural and social sciences, but in emerging cross-disciplinary fields in data science. The major combines a solid theoretical foundation with application to one or more fields of study. Learning objectives: Students will demonstrate the ability to formulate, interpret and draw inferences from mathematical models. Students will demonstrate competence with a wide variety of mathematical tools and techniques. Students will demonstrate the ability to assess the accuracy, implications and limitations of their mathematical results. Students will demonstrate a breadth of general mathematical knowledge as well as depth in at least one area.