Mathematics

Requirements for the Major in Mathematics

The major requires successful completion of the following:

Course Requirements 1
MATH 101Calculus I 24
MATH 102Calculus II4
MATH 207Multidimensional Calculus4
MATH 210Linear Algebra4
MATH 215Discrete Mathematical Structures4
MATH 303Analysis I4
CSCI 157Introduction to Modeling and Programming4
MATH 305Abstract Algebra I4
or MATH 310 Advanced Linear Algebra
MATH 460Senior Capstone 34
Select three additional advanced mathematics or differential equations courses numbered 212 or numbered 300 and above12
Total Semester Hours48
Additional Requirements
A comprehensive examination 5
1

A mathematics major must present nineteen full course credits (seventy-six hours) from outside the major field.

2

The standard entry-level course is MATH 101. Students entering Sewanee with a strong background in mathematics may be invited to enroll in MATH 102, MATH 207, or a more advanced mathematics course.

3

Taken for 2-credits during the first semester of the senior year and again during the second semester.

4

The comprehensive exam in mathematics has two parts: the senior talk assembled during the practicum and an oral exam taken during the senior year. A student with a double major in the department must take a comprehensive exam in each major, and must take twelve full course credits (forty-eight hours) outside the major field.

Honors

A mathematics major with an average of at least 3.50 in mathematics courses numbered 200 and higher may elect to apply for departmental honors. Those who complete an independent study project and a paper approved by the faculty, present the paper in public, and earn an honors grade (B+ or higher) on the comprehensive examination receive departmental honors at graduation.

Pre-engineering Program

A major in mathematics is available to students in the pre-professional engineering program. The major is slightly abbreviated to accommodate a student’s shortened time at Sewanee and is completed during the subsequent two years of study at the relevant engineering institution. Scheduling of courses during the three years at Sewanee is often complex; students should consult departmental advisors within their major of interest in their first year to avoid scheduling conflicts.

A student must complete all core curriculum requirements of the college. 

Course Requirements
CHEM 120General Chemistry (Lab)4
or CHEM 150 Advanced General Chemistry (Lab)
CSCI 157Introduction to Modeling and Programming4
MATH 101Calculus I4
MATH 102Calculus II4
MATH 207Multidimensional Calculus4
MATH 210Linear Algebra4
MATH 212Differential Equations4
MATH 215Discrete Mathematical Structures4
PHYS 103
and PHYS 104		Modern Mechanics (Lab)
and Electric and Magnetic Interactions (Lab)		8
Select five advanced courses satisfying the following conditions:20
At least two courses must be taken at Sewanee
At least two courses must form a two-course sequence in one of the following topics: abstract algebra, analysis (real analysis I, real analysis II, complex analysis), topology (point set topology, algebraic topology), probability and statistics
Total Semester Hours60
Additional Requirements
A comprehensive exam 1
1

The comprehensive exam is only required for 4-2 engineering students, and is not required for 3-2 engineering students.

Student Learning Outcomes

A student majoring in Mathematics will

  1. Independently solve mathematical problems. Apply abstract and critical thinking skills, including constructing (and deconstructing) logical arguments.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to convey mathematics rigorously to a technical audience.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to convey mathematics in a non-technical manner to a general audience via an oral presentation.