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Mathematics

Major
Minor
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Mathematics is beautiful and useful.

Students of mathematics learn both how to explore abstract mathematical ideas and also how to solve quantitative problems from the natural and social sciences.

Majors & Minors

Program Name Program Type

Mathematics

Major Bachelor of Arts

Mathematics

Minor

Why study Mathematics?

A Mathematics program will help you learn to use mathematical tools to solve both theoretical and practical problems, and to communicate mathematical ideas effectively. Mathematics majors have gone on to great success in graduate programs and careers in mathematics and science, as well as a wide range of other careers including education, law, finance, management, medicine, and engineering.

Why study Mathematics at Gettysburg

Opportunities

Connect quantitative learning with the why and how of mathematical inquiry through a Mathematics major or minor.

math cards

Academics

Learn how to explore abstract mathematical ideas and also how to solve quantitative problems from the natural and social sciences. 
 

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Community of Experts and Professors

Our Mathematics faculty members connect students' learning with real-world skills they can apply to various career fields.

in quantitative learning center

Available as a major or minor, the Mathematics program will help you learn to use mathematical tools to solve both theoretical and practical problems, and to communicate mathematical ideas effectively.

You’ll gain familiarity with computer tools such as R, Mathematica, and MATLAB, and collaborate one-on-one with faculty on mathematical research projects.

Major and Minor Information

The Mathematics Major consists of the following courses.

Mathematics Core Courses

  • Math 111
  • Math 112
  • Math 211
  • Math 212
  • Math 215

Computer Programing Course

  • One course from CS 107, 111, or DS 256.
  • Course not included in major average.

Four 300-level Courses

  • At least one course from Math 315, 321, or 331
  • Three additional mathematics courses at the 300-level

Elective

  • One additional mathematics elective course at the 200-level or above, not including Math 207.

Capstone Course

  • In addition to the courses listed above, a 300-level math course from the list of departmentally designated “math capstone courses”.
  • Capstone course is to be taken senior year (unless special permission is granted by the department).

Notes

  • Incoming students who initially place themselves into, and successfully complete, Math 112 have satisfied the Math 111 requirement for the math major.
  • Incoming students who initially place themselves into, and successfully complete, Math 211, 212, or 225 have satisfied the Math 111 and Math 112

Six Mathematics courses are required for the minor.

One 300-level Course

  • At least one math course at the 300-level

Five Mathematics Courses

  • 5 math courses from Math 111 and greater, not including Math 207.
  • To advance to a course with pre-requisites, a minimum of C- is requires for each pre-requisite course.

Notes

  • All courses must be taken under the A-F grading option.

First Year Advising and Registration recommendations

A few things to keep in mind: your drive and determination matter more than your starting level. It is easier to move down to a lower course (through week 6) than to move up (only possible through week 2). When in doubt, choose the higher-level course.

Before you register

  • If your last math course in HS was Algebra II: consider taking MATH 110 and MATH 111 together.
  • If you completed Precalculus with strong results: Start in MATH 111.
  • Between two calculus options: take the higher one; you can move down through week 6, but moving up is only possible through week 2.

Common first-year courses

  • MATH 103 Mathematical Ideas: great for students in music, humanities, and social sciences; satisfies the Formal Science requirement
  • MATH 111 Calculus I: right starting point for most prospective math majors/minors (may take alongside MATH 110 if needed)
  • MATH 112 Calculus II
  • MATH 207 Applied Statistics: Suitable for students interested in data science
  • MATH 211 Multivariable Calculus

Available Courses

100 Level

Study of precalculus and differential and integral calculus. Topics include basic algebraic concepts, equations and inequalities, functions, introduction to limits, continuity, the derivative, and the definite integral. No prerequisites.

Introduction to the power and scope of mathematical ideas by investigating several particular topics. Topics vary among sections. Example of topics include basic mathematical modeling, dynamic geometry, puzzles and recreational mathematics, linear programming, game theory, voting power, legislative representation, and cryptology. Course is intended for first year and sophomore students in the arts, humanities, and social sciences who do not plan to take calculus. Students who have received credit for any Mathematics course at Gettysburg College, whether through course completion, transfer credit, or AP credit, may not enroll in Mathematics 103. No prerequisites.

Differential and integral calculus of one real variable. Topics include the definite integral, integration techniques, improper integrals, differential equations and sequences and series. Applications are drawn from the natural and social sciences. Prerequisite: Math 105 and 106 or Math 111 with a C- or better or First Year Standing with no credit for any other mathematics course at Gettysburg.

Differential and integral calculus of one real variable. Topics include the definite integral, integration techniques, improper integrals, differential equations and sequences and series. Applications are drawn from the natural and social sciences. Prerequisite: First-Year Standing with no credit for any other mathematics course at Gettysburg.

Differential and integral calculus of one real variable. Topics include introduction to limits, continuity, the derivative, the definite integral. Applications are drawn from the natural and social sciences. No prior experience with calculus is assumed. Students who have received credit for Mathematics 105-106 cannot also receive credit for Mathematics 111. No prerequisites.

Supplement to Math 111 with a focus on supporting and enhancing calculus and precalculus content knowledge and problem-solving skills. Topics include basic algebraic concepts, equations and inequalities, functions, and other precalculus topics in support of study of Calculus I topics. No prerequisites. Must be enrolled in Math 111 in the same semester.

Study of precalculus and differential and integral calculus. Topics include basic algebraic concepts, equations and inequalities, functions, introduction to limits, continuity, the derivative, and the definite integral. Prerequisite: Math 105 with a C- or better.

Differential and integral calculus of one real variable. Topics include introduction to limits, continuity, the derivative, the definite integral. Applications are drawn from the natural and social sciences. No prior experience with calculus is assumed. Students who have received credit for Mathematics 105-106 cannot also receive credit for Mathematics 111. Prerequisite: First-Year Standing with no credit for any other mathematics course at Gettysburg.

200 Level

Introduction to the methodology and procedures of research in mathematics. After selecting one or more of the open-ended research projects discussed in class, students will individually or in small groups carry out an investigation, culminating in a written report and its public presentation. No prerequisites.

Introduction to statistical methods with applications from social, biological, and health sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, fundamentals of probability theory, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, linear regression and correlation, analysis of categorical data, and analysis of variance. Laboratory work is designed to utilize the computational power of a statistical computer package. Credit cannot be received for both this course and Biology 260, Economics 241, Health Sciences 232, or Psychology 205. No prerequisites. Math 207 cannot be used to satisfy math major or minor requirements.

Vectors, vector functions, functions of several variables, partial differentiation, optimization, multiple integration, transformation of coordinates, line integrals and Green's Theorem. Prerequisite: Math 112 with a C- or better.

Systems of linear equations, algebra of matrices, determinants, abstract vector spaces, linear transformations, eigenvalues, and quadratic forms. Prerequisite: Math 112 with a C- or better.

Introduction to abstract mathematical thinking, emphasizing mathematical reasoning and exposition. Students examine the concepts and methods of abstract mathematics, such as primitives and definitions, axioms and theorems, conjectures and proofs; study the topics of higher-level mathematics, such as logic, sets, quantifiers, and mathematical structures; learn the skills of reading, understanding, writing, and presenting rigorous mathematics; and gain an appreciation for the history and culture of mathematics. No prerequisites.

Analysis of one and two-dimensional differential equations, with an emphasis on the qualitative behavior of solutions. Topics include graphical exploration, numerical approximation, separable and linear equations, phase line and phase plane analysis, conservative and dissipative systems, linearization, and applications to biology, chemistry, and physics. Prerequisite: Math 112 with a C- or better.

300 Level

Rigorous continuation of first-semester linear algebra, with applications both within mathematics and to the social and natural sciences. Topics, chosen by the instructor, may include matrix powers and exponentials, nonnegative matrices and Markov chains, coding theory, design theory, graph theory, the Perron-Frobenius theorem, ranking theory, data clustering, and max-plus algebra. Prerequisite: Math 212 with a C- or better.

Introduction to essential ideas in topology and their applications. Core topics include topological spaces, bases, subspaces, product spaces, quotient spaces, continuous maps, homeomorphisms, connectedness, compactness, and separation axioms. Additional topics vary and may include homotopy and the fundamental group, fixed point theorems, knot theory, manifolds, and classification of surfaces. Prerequisite: MATH 215 with a C- or better.

Combinatorics, discrete and continuous random variables and their distributions, expected value and variance, functions of random variables, the Law of Large Numbers, the Central Limit Theorem, generating functions, and applications such as Markov chains, random walks, and games of chance.

Expectation, special probability distributions and densities, bivariate and multivariate distributions, sampling distributions, theory and applications of estimation, hypothesis testing, regression, correlation, analysis of variance, and nonparametic methods

Study of topics in probability and statistics. Topics include discrete and continuous random variables and their distributions, expected value and variance, the Law of Large Numbers, the Central Limit Theorem, sampling distributions, theory and application of estimation, hypothesis testing, regression, correlation, and analysis of variance. Applications to problems in the social and natural sciences will also be considered. Prerequisites: Math 211 and Math 212 with a C- or better.

Dynamical systems and chaos theory. Topics include linear and nonlinear systems, mappings and orbits, bifurcations, stability theory and applications of dynamical systems. Prerequisite: Math 212 and 215, both with a C- or better

Study of techniques and tools used in mathematical models applied to the biological and social sciences. Topics are selected from optimization, linear and nonlinear programming, transportation problems, network analysis, dynamic programming, and game theory.

Introduction to discrete wavelet transformations and their applications in digital image processing and other areas. Topics may include basic complex analysis, Fourier series, convolution and filters, and the Haar and Daubechies Wavelet Transformations. Mathematica (or similar software) is used as a tool to explore and to manipulate images stored as large matrices. Prerequisite: Math 212 with a C- or better.

Complex numbers, analytic functions, complex integration, Cauchy's Theorem, Taylor and Laurent series, contour integrals, the residue theorem, and conformal mapping. Prerequisite: Math 211 with a C- or better.

Numerical techniques for solving mathematical problems. Topics include solutions of equations, solutions of simultaneous linear equations, interpolation and approximation, numerical differentiation and integration, the eigenvalue problem, numerical solutions of ordinary differential equations, and error analysis.

Study of an advanced phase of mathematics not otherwise in the curriculum. Subject matter and frequency of offering depend on student interest. Possible areas for study are point set topology, combinatorics, graph theory, partial differential equations, differential geometry, and number theory. Prerequisite: Depends on the topic

Study of topics in elementary number theory. Topics include factorization and the prime numbers, Diophantine equations, quadratic reciprocity, and the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic. Applications of these ideas to cryptography are explored. Prerequisite: Math 215 with a C- or better.

Study of both synthetic and analytic approaches to geometry. Topics include axiomatic systems, Euclidean geometry, non-Euclidean geometries, projective geometry, and subgeometries of projective geometry. Prerequisite: Math 215 with a C- or better.

Development of intermediate level research in mathematics. After selecting one or more of the open-ended research projects discussed in class, students will individually or in small groups carry out an investigation which provides a careful and complete proof of their results. The research will culminate in a written report and its public presentation. Prerequisite: Math 212 or Math 215 with a C- or better.

Mathematical research on problems that come from business, industry and government. Collaboration between students, professor and industrial partner liaison to address an open question from the liaison's company or agency. Industrial partnerships may vary from offering to offering as questions arise and are answered. Prerequisite: C- or better in both MATH 212 or MATH 225

Topics selected from partition and permutation theory, enumeration, recursion, partially ordered sets, Markov chains, generating functions, algebraic combinatorics, combinatorial geometry, and design and coding theory. Applications are chosen from computer science, optimization, and the social and life sciences. Prerequisite: Math 212 or Math 215 with a C- or better.

Topics are selected from extremal graph theory, network flow and design, coloring, Ramsey theory, matching and transversal theory, random graphs, and algebraic and topological graph theory. Applications are chosen from computer science, optimization, and the social and life sciences. Prerequisite: Math 215 with a C- or better.

Study of the philosophical foundations of mathematics starting with the concept of number and culminating the Godel's groundbreaking incompleteness result. Specific topics include the historical developments and mathematical and philosophical ramifications of zero, rational, irrational, imaginary, and transfinite numbers as well as an examination of the completeness of arithmetic.

Further development of the skills of abstract mathematical reasoning and writing proofs, as well as the rigorous development of the elements of advanced mathematics. Topics include a variety of advanced proof techniques, relations, functions, order, limits, finite enumeration, infinite cardinalities, and number systems. Prerequisite: Math 215 with a C- or better.

Rigorous treatment of concepts studied in elementary calculus and an introduction to more advanced topics in analysis. Topics include elements of logic and set theory, properties of real numbers, elements of metric space topology, continuity, the derivative, the Riemann integral, sequences and series, and uniform convergence. Prerequisite: Math 215 with a C- or better.

Course focuses on the solution, analysis and numerical exploration of partial differential equations, including the heat equation, wave equation and Laplace's equation. Topics include boundary value problems, the method of separation of variables, Fourier series, Sturm-Liouville eigenvalue problems and the method of characteristics. Applications to physics are emphasized. Prerequisite: Math 211 and Math 225, both with a C- or better

Study of basic structures of modern abstract algebra, including groups, rings, fields, and vector spaces. Prerequisite: Math 215 with a C- or better.

400 Level

Half credit internship, graded S/U.

Summer Internship graded S/U, counting in the minimum requirements for a major or minor only with written permission filed in the Registrar's Office

Summer Internship graded A-F, counting in the minimum requirements for a major or minor only with written permission filed in the Registrar's Office.

Internship not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded S/U

Internship counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded S/U

Internship counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F

Individualized research not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F

Individualized research counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded S/U

Individualized research counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F

Individualized tutorial not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F

Individualized tutorial counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F

Development of advanced level research in mathematics. Students work on open-ended research projects that they have previously worked on in Math 301 (Intermediate Research in Mathematics). The emphasis in this course is on developing professional writing and presentation skills. The goal of the course is for students to complete a formal paper on their research, including an abstract, an overview of the history of the project, a statement of new results, an explanation of methods, a description of possible questions for future research, and a complete bibliography. Students are also expected to present their research off campus. Prerequisite: Math 301 with a C- or better.

Mathematics - Sciences

Address
Campus Box
0402
Contact
Keir Lockridge
Associate Professor (Mathematics - Sciences), Mathematics - Sciences
Jordana Hudson
Academic Operations Assistant, Academic Operations

Faculty

Name & Title
Department
Phone

Karen Adams

Adjunct (Mathematics - Sciences)
Mathematics - Sciences

Khaled Amleh

Adjunct Associate Professor (Mathematics - Sciences)
Mathematics - Sciences

Bela Bajnok

Professor (Mathematics - Sciences)
Mathematics - Sciences

Ricardo Conceicao

Associate Professor (Mathematics - Sciences)
Mathematics - Sciences

Emily Dautenhahn

Assistant Professor (Mathematics - Sciences)
Mathematics - Sciences

Catherine Frost

Lecturer (Mathematics - Sciences)
Mathematics - Sciences

Cayce Fylling

Visiting Assistant Professor (Mathematics - Sciences)
Mathematics - Sciences

Jennifer Gomulka

Adjunct Instructor (Mathematics - Sciences)
Mathematics - Sciences

Caitlin Hult

(Provost's Office)

Benjamin Bartlett Kennedy

Alumni Professor in Mathematics & Professor (Mathematics - Sciences)
Mathematics - Sciences

Carol Kotzman

Adjunct Instructor (Mathematics - Sciences)
Mathematics - Sciences

Keir Lockridge

Associate Professor (Mathematics - Sciences)
Mathematics - Sciences

Robert Mixell

Adjunct Associate Professor (Mathematics - Sciences)
Mathematics - Sciences

Menu Pathirana

Adjunct (Mathematics - Sciences)
Mathematics - Sciences

Kimberly Spayd

Associate Professor (Mathematics - Sciences)
Mathematics - Sciences
Mathematics - Sciences

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