Mathematics Courses
The mathematics program is designed to help students think clearly and logically, learn to use the language of mathematics effectively, write and speak about mathematical ideas coherently and appreciate the broad power of mathematics to describe phenomena in the real world. The courses develop the student’s ability to analyze problems, understand and use the theory and techniques of mathematics and acquire the skills and mathematical tools needed in the application of mathematics.
Courses
MAT-101 FINITE MATHEMATICS (4)
This course is an introduction to the mathematical analysis of voting. We cover voting methods, definitions of fairness, apportionment, and weighted voting. We also examine the social implications of various voting practices through historical examples and current events.
MAT-115 ELEMENTARY STATISTICS (4)
Statistical measures and distributions, probability and its application to statistical inference, linear correlation, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals and applications in the natural and social sciences. A scientific calculator is required for this course.
MAT-117 FUNCTIONS AND MODELING (4)
A study of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, and their applications and use in modeling real-world situations in the natural and social sciences. Functions are studied from numerical, graphical and algebraic viewpoints. Emphasis on conceptual understanding and problem solving. A graphing calculator is required for this course.
MAT-118 CALCULUS I (4)
Introduction to the basic concepts of differential and integral calculus, emphasizing conceptual understanding and applications. Topics are covered from a graphical, algebraic and numerical perspective. Mathematical writing is emphasized. A graphing calculator is required for this course.
MAT-119 CALCULUS II (4)
Continuation of 118. Topics include the integral and its applications, techniques of integration, improper integrals and an introduction to series and differential equations. A graphing calculator is required for this course.
Prerequisite: MAT-118 with a grade of C- or better
MAT-131 PROBLEM SOLVING IN PYTHON (4)
This introduction to computer science, developed by Google and their academic computer science partners, emphasizes problem solving and data analysis skills along with computer programming skills. Using Python, you will learn design, implementation, testing, and analysis of algorithms and programs. And within the context of programming, you will learn to formulate problems, think creatively about solutions, and express those solutions clearly and accurately.
(Cross-listed with PHY-131)
MAT-204 THE ART OF MATHEMATICAL THINKING (4)
An introduction to the study of the role of proof in mathematics, mathematical writing and grammar and abstraction and critical thinking, using topics from areas such as set theory, logic, discrete mathematics and number theory.
Prerequisite: MAT-119 with a grade of C- or better
MAT-206 LINEAR ALGEBRA (4)
Real and abstract vector spaces, linear transformations, matrices and determinants, with applications to systems of linear equations, geometry and other selected topics.
Prerequisite: MAT-119 with a grade of C- or better
MAT-220 MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS (4)
The geometry of curves and surfaces and the calculus of functions of two or more variables, including partial differentiation, multiple integrals and vector analysis.
Prerequisite: MAT-119 with a grade of C- or better
MAT-231 THINK LIKE A DATA SCIENTIST (4)
This course introduces students to the importance of gathering, cleaning, normalizing, visualizing and analyzing data to drive informed decision-making, no matter the field of study. Students will learn to use a combination of tools and techniques, including spreadsheets, SQL and Python to work on real-world datasets using a combination of procedural and basic machine learning algorithms.
Prerequisite: PHY-131 (or permission of instructor).
(Cross-listed with PHY-231)
MAT-295 TOPICS IN MATHEMATICS (4)
A semester study centered around a mathematical or interdisciplinary topic. Recent topics have included combinatorics and discrete mathematics, logic and set theory, and the mathematics of computer graphics.
May be repeated for credit when topics change
Prerequisite: MAT-118 and MAT-119
MAT-309 DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS (4)
First- and second-order differential equations, higher order, linear ordinary differential equations, existence and uniqueness theorems and applications.
Prerequisite: MAT-206 or MAT-220 with a grade of C- or better
MAT-311 CHAOTIC DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS (4)
Chaos theory and dynamical systems. Topics include fractals, bifurcations, measurement of chaos, and behavior of orbits. Possible applications to physics, biology, astronomy and the social sciences.
Prerequisite: MAT-206 or MAT-220 with a grade of C- or better
Offered alternate years
MAT-317 NUMBER THEORY (4)
Divisibility, prime numbers, Diophantine equations, congruence of numbers, methods of solving congruencies, quadratic reciprocity and applications to cryptology.
Prerequisite: MAT-204 with a grade of C- or better
Offered alternate years
MAT-321 ABSTRACT ALGEBRA (4)
Important algebraic structures, including groups, rings, integral domains and fields.
Prerequisite: MAT-204 and MAT-206 with a grade of C- or better
MAT-325 MATHEMATICAL MODELS AND APPLICATIONS (4)
Development of techniques of model building. Applications to illustrate the techniques drawn principally from the natural and social sciences.
Prerequisite: MAT-206 or MAT-220 with a grade of C- or better
MAT-326 MATH IN THE CITY (4)
Students will act as professional mathematical consultants for a local business, research center, or government organization. The organization will provide a problem of local, national, and/or global interest, and students will learn and apply appropriate mathematical modeling techniques.
Prerequisite: MAT-206 or MAT-220
MAT-328 MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY (4)
Basic probabilistic methods in the classical theory of probability, estimations, hypothesis testing and applications.
Prerequisite: MAT-206 or MAT-220 with a grade of C- or better
Offered alternate years
MAT-331 REAL ANALYSIS (4)
The topology of the real number system and the axiom of completeness. Rigorous development of some central ideas in analysis including limits, continuity of functions and convergence of sequences and series.
Prerequisite: MAT-204 with a grade of C- or better
Offered alternate years
MAT-352 COMPLEX VARIABLES (4)
The algebra of complex numbers, analytic functions, elementary functions, linear fractional transformations, mappings, integrals, power series, Laurent series and residue calculus.
Prerequisite: MAT-220 with a grade of C- or better
Offered alternate years
MAT-410 DIRECTED READING (1-4)
Directed reading courses are open to qualified juniors and seniors to pursue reading outside a program's listed courses. Please see the Special Curricular Opportunities section for more information.
MAT-440 DIRECTED RESEARCH (1-4)
Directed research courses are open to junior and senior majors to work with a faculty member on a project related to particular field of intellectual or artistic interest. Please see the Special Curricular Opportunities section for more information.
MAT-450 INTERNSHIP (1-4)
Please see the Special Curricular Opportunities section for more information.
MAT-480 MATHEMATICS SEMINAR (2)
Integrates topics in a variety of areas of undergraduate mathematics and emphasizes problem-solving, writing and speaking skills. Open to senior majors in mathematics, mathematics-economics or mathematics-physics and to minors in mathematics.
MAT-490 SENIOR THESIS (4)
A senior thesis gives superior students the opportunity to write a thesis about a project related to particular field of intellectual or artistic interest. Please see the Special Curricular Opportunities section for more information.
Students may receive credit for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or coursework at other colleges. Students who have such credit and plan to take additional economics courses at Agnes Scott should consult with the mathematics department chair about optimal course selection.
AP Credits: Calculus AB/Calculus BC/Statistics
Calculus AB
Score: 3
Credit hours awarded: 0
Courses that can be exempted: See department for placement.
Note: If student takes MAT 119 and earns a C or above she gets 4 hours and MAT 118 exemption.
Calculus AB
Score: 4-5
Credit hours awarded: 4
Courses that can be exempted: MAT 118
Calculus BC
Score: 3
Credit hours awarded: 4
Courses that can be exempted: MAT 118 (see dept.)
Calculus BC
Score: 4-5
Credit hours awarded: 8
Courses that can be exempted: MAT 118, 119
Calculus BC
Score: 1-2 with subscore of 3
Credit hours awarded: 0
Courses that can be exempted: See department for placement.
Note: If student takes MAT 119 and earns a C or above she gets 4 hours and MAT 118 exemption.
Calculus BC
Score: 1-2 with subscore of 4 or 5
Credit hours awarded: 4
Courses that can be exempted: MAT 118
Statistics
Score: 4-5
Credit hours awarded: 4
Courses that can be exempted: MAT 115
IB Credits: Students with a score of 5, 6, or 7 on the IB exam should consult with the chair of the mathematics department for the number of credit hours awarded and for exact course exemption.
A-level Credits: Students who receive an A or a B on the A-level Cambridge International Examinations should consult with the chair of the mathematics department for the number of credit hours awarded and for exact course exemption.
Transfer Credit: Students who have taken mathematics courses at another college may received credit towards graduation at Agnes Scott upon the approval of the mathematics department chair.
Study Abroad: Students may receive credit for courses taken on an approved study-abroad experience. Students should meet with the department chair in advance of the study abroad to gain approval.
