Mathematics Minor

TENURED AND TENURED-TRACK FACULTY:
Drew Pasteur, Chair
Jennifer Bowen
Marian Frazier
Colby Long
Jillian Morrison
Pamela Pierce
John Ramsay

The study of mathematics develops the ability to think carefully - it sharpens analytical and problem-solving skills and trains the mind to reason logically and with precision. The program in Mathematics serves students from many majors, with a variety of academic goals. For the benefit of both majors and non-majors, the course offerings include an array of topics from both pure and applied mathematics. Some courses are theoretical, stressing communication and the development of rigorous, well-written mathematical proofs, while others are computational, using appropriate software as an aid. In preparation for Senior Independent Study, there is an emphasis on clear and precise written and oral communication of mathematical concepts. Most upper-level courses culminate in a final paper, project, or presentation.

First-year and transfer students are given a recommended placement in mathematics based upon their previous records, their scores on the SAT and/or ACT, and their performance on a placement exam offered the summer before enrolling. In some cases, incoming students have multiple options from which to choose their first mathematics course at Wooster.

Minor in Mathematics

Consists of six courses:

One of the following courses:
MATH 11100 - Calculus & Analytic Geom I
or
MATH 10800 - Calculus With Algebra B
MATH 11200 - Calculus & Analytic Geom II
MATH 21100 - Linear Algebra
Three elective full-credit Mathematics courses numbered above 21100

Special Notes

Advanced Placement: At most two courses of advanced placement may be counted toward a major or minor. Advanced Placement of one or two courses in Mathematics is available to students who have taken the Advanced Placement Examination or an equivalent furnished by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. Students are urged to take the AP Examination for this purpose when possible. A minimum score of 3 on the AP Calculus AB examination is required to receive credit for MATH 11100; a minimum score of 4 on the AP Calculus BC examination is required to receive credit for both MATH 11100 and MATH 11200. A student placed in MATH 11200 will receive one course credit; two course credits will be granted if the student is placed in a course above the level of MATH 11200. In cases not involving AP examinations, the decision about granting such placement will be made by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. The advanced placement policy of the College is explained in the section on Academic Policies.
Minors should contact a member of the department to determine which Mathematics electives would be most applicable to their major.
DATA 23100 and/or DATA 32500 may be counted toward the three elective courses for the minor.
Students needing Calculus for their major/minor: A number of programs require students to complete one or more Calculus courses. If a student does not place into Calculus, it may be necessary for the student to take a College Algebra or a Pre-Calculus course at another institution before enrolling in a Calculus course at Wooster.
Only grades of C- or better are acceptable in courses for the major or minor.