The following program for majoring in mathematics applies to students who arrived at Northeastern University before Fall 1999. If you have any questions, consult a math adviser (see the list in 567LA).
| Coursework for the B.S. Degree in Mathematics |
Nine (9) Required Lower Division Mathematics Courses
These courses should be taken in the first two years since they lay the foundation on which the mathematics major is constructed.
- Mathematical Discovery and Computers (freshman year)
This course, MTH 1170, is generally taken in the fall quarter of the freshman year. It provides an introduction to mathematics, computer programming, and how they fit together.
- Calculus (freshman year)
The standard sequence of Calculus 1, 2, 3 for math and science majors is MTH 1140, 1141, 1142, although the corresponding sequence for engineering majors, MTH 1123, 1124, 1125 is roughly equivalent, and may be taken instead; for honors students, the corresponding sequences are MTH 1740, 1741, 1742 and MTH 1723, 1724, 1725. In these courses, students learn differential and integral calculus of one variable, some differential equations, and power series.
- Multivariable Calculus* (sophomore year)
In MTH 1243 and 1244 students learn differential and integral calculus of vector functions and functions of several variables; they also encounter some linear algebra, especially in understanding the derivative as the best affine approximation to the given function. (Note that MTH 1223 is not equivalent to MTH 1243.)
- Differential Equations* (sophomore year)
In MTH 1245 and 1246 students study first-order and second-order ordinary differential equations, then learn linear algebra (eigenvalues and eigenvectors) in their study of systems of equations, and finally study boundary value problems and partial differential equations. (The sequence MTH 1225 and 1226 covers roughly the same differential equations material but does not introduce linear algebra in the same spirit; for this reason it is not recommended that math majors substitute these courses.)
- Combinatorial Mathematics (sophomore year)
In MTH 1238 students study counting techniques and develop algebraic skills to complement the analytic skills developed in their study of calculus and differential equations.
* These courses may be taken for honors credit by petitioning for an honors adjunct. Consult with the Honors Program and the individual instructor.
Two (2) Required Upper Division Mathematics Courses
These courses should be taken during the middler year, as they provide a transition between the lower division courses and the upper division electives.
- Linear Algebra
The course MTH 1301 provides a systematic treatment of vector spaces and linear maps, and moreover introduces the student to a level of abstraction which is characteristic of more advanced mathematics.
- Analysis
The course MTH 1311 examines the foundational concepts behind calculus, but with a spirit of rigor and logic which is characteristic of more advanced mathematics. This course should be taken before other upper division analysis courses such as MTH 1351.
Six (6) Upper Division Mathematics Electives
These six " advanced " courses are generally selected from the 1300 numbers with a couple of exceptions:
- MTH 1301 and 1311 do not count as electives (but MTH 1302 and 1312 do);
- MTH 1384 (Probability for Engineers) does not count as an elective; and
- MTH 1203 (History of Math), MTH 1212 (Linear Programming), or MTH 1240 (Chaos & Fractals) may be counted as an advanced elective provided the instructor requires you to do a special project and places a letter to that effect in your departmental file.
The six advanced electives should form a coherent program, depending on the interests and professional goals of the student; consult your adviser.. Generally, the student should select one of the following tracks:
- Industrial Track: For students who seek employment as mathematicians in industry, all should plan to take MTH1387 (Probability 1) and choose from the following subtracks:
- Applied Analysis: For employment in high tech companies which use analysis and differential equations to model physical systems, choose electives from the following.
- Discrete Math: For employment in high tech companies that use discrete mathematics and algebra, choose electives from the following.
- Probability & Statistics: For employment in industries, such as the actuarial industry, in which probability & statistics play a fundamental role, choose electives from the following.
- Secondary Educational Track: To prepare for secondary teaching of mathematics, students are advised to choose electives from the following.
In addition, secondary teaching certification requires 6 education courses (ED 1104, 1102, 1412, 3406, 1410, and 1411), and a quarter of student teaching in a high school.
- MTH 1387 (Probability 1),
- MTH 1390 (Statistics),
- MTH 1367(Geometry),
- MTH 1337 (Foundations of Mathematics),
- MTH 1203 (History of Mathematics) is recommended as a Core course, or may be augmented to count as a math elective.
- Preparation for Graduate School :
- Pure Math: Students should choose electives which emphasize mathematical rigor as well as fundamental content.
- Applied Math: Students should study mathematical techniques used to solve non-mathematical problems.
Note: Beginning in the academic year 1999-2000, the upper division mathematics electives will mostly be scheduled during the winter and spring quarters. Students who participate in the Coop program should plan to be on campus during these quarters in order to take the courses for their program.
Other Required Courses
- Physics: PHY 1221, 1222, 1223
- English: ENG 1110, 1111, Middler (Junior) Year Writing Requirement
- College of Arts & Sciences Core: Two in Category II, One in Category III, One in Category IV, One in Category V, One in Category VI.
Experiential Education Requirement (applies to students entering after Fall 1995 or graduating in the year 2000 or later)
This is a College of Arts & Sciences requirement which in the Department of Mathematics is satisfied in one of three ways:
Note: This requirement is in addition to the 6 upper division math electives.
- Seminar in Applied Mathematics MTH 1360. This option is for students with industrial Coop experience and/or an interest in pursuing a career in the industrial applications of mathematics.
- Seminar in Pure Mathematics. This option is for students who are interested in abstract mathematics and/or wish to continue their mathematical education in graduate school. (Not yet available.)
- Student Teaching. This option is for students who are interested in secondary mathematical education. Consult your adviser.
| Undergraduate Program Home Page | Math Department Home Page |
| Coursework for the B.A. Degree in Mathematics |
For the B.A. Degree in Mathematics, many of the requirements are the same as for the B.S. Degree:There are fewer math electives required:
- Nine (9) required lower division mathematics courses,
- Two (2) required upper division mathematics courses,
- PHY 1221, 1222, 1223,
- ENG 1110, 1111, Middler Year Writing Requirement.
But more College of Arts & Sciences Core requirements:
- Three (3) upper division mathematics electives.
Students must also satisfy the Experiential Education requirement for the B.A. Degree.
- Foreign language through Intermediate II,
- Four courses in Category II (2 arts/humanities & 2 social science),
- Two courses in Category III,
- Two courses in Category IV,
- Two courses in Category V,
- Two courses in Category VI.
| Undergraduate Program Home Page | Math Department Home Page |
URL: http://www.math.neu.edu/undergrad/oldmathmajor.html