Guilford College

As with any course of study at Guilford, successfully majoring in mathematics involves a certain amount of planning. The courses a math major completes can be divided into three types:

The Calculus Sequence and Math 320/325

The only calculus course required for the major is Math 225 (Multivariable Calculus). However, this course is the third step in a typical calculus sequence, and so students will need to study two semesters’ worth of single-variable calculus to prepare for Math 225.

The set of courses students take before Math 225 depends on their background. Math 121 (Calculus I) is a typical entry point, but students who have already learned some calculus could potentially skip to Math 122 (Calculus II), or all the way to Math 225. This option is intended for students who are currently comfortable with the earlier courses; students who have taken calculus a long time ago are encouraged to retake the courses if they no longer remember the content.

Students who need a refresher on algebra, trigonometry, and exponential functions can choose to take Math 115 (Elementary Functions) before beginning the calculus sequence. Students who have covered the material in Calculus I and Calculus II but want to re-explore the material in more depth should consider Math 123 (Accelerated Calculus), offered every fall.

The math major also requires either Math 320 (Mathematical Physics) or Math 325 (Linear Algebra), each of which requires Multivariable Calculus as a prerequisite. For planning purposes, either of these courses can be thought of as a fourth step in the calculus sequence. Math 320 is typically offered in the fall, while Math 325 is typically offered in the spring.

Foundations of Mathematics and Upper-Level Courses

Math 231 (Foundations of Mathematics) is an introduction to proofs and abstract mathematical thinking, and in a sense it is a gateway to the upper-level courses of the mathematics department. This course is offered every spring, and potential math majors should strongly consider taking the course during the spring of their first or second year at Guilford.

Students must also take one upper-level course classified as theoretical, and one classified as applied. The three theoretical options are Math 335 (Topology), Math 430 (Algebraic Structures), and Math 435 (Real Analysis). Each of these courses requires Math 231 as a prerequisite. The three applied courses are Math 310 (Probability and Statistics), which requires Math 225; Math 412 (Discrete Mathematics II), which should be taken after Math 212; and Math 415, which requires Math 325. Any of these courses may be replaced by a 400-level seminar course; these seminars are occasionally arranged by faculty based on student interest.

Additional Electives

The mathematics major requires a minimum of 32 credits in courses numbered above 120; this includes three elective courses beyond the five courses specifically required. Students who take calculus courses at Guilford to prepare for Math 225 may satisfy one or two of these electives through Math 121, 122, and/or 123.

Other options include Math 212 (Discrete Mathematics I), Math 232 (Infinity, Undecidability, and Noncomputability), Math 235 (Geometry), additional upper-level courses, or seminars and independent studies.

Suggested Tracks

As is apparent from the descriptions above, the mathematics major offers a high level of flexibility. The decision of which courses to take can be made based on a student’s interest, schedule, and intended career path. Here are some suggested tracks:

• Students primarily interested in theoretical mathematics, especially those planning to continue on to graduate study, should take all three of the upper-level theoretical courses (Topology, Algebraic Structures, and Real Analysis).
• Students primarily interested in applying mathematics to non-mathematical areas should take Probability & Statistics and Linear Algebra, and perhaps consider arranging a seminar on a topic related to their area of interest.
• Students primarily interested in computer-oriented mathematics should take Discrete Mathematics I, Discrete Mathematics II, and Linear Algebra. Numerical Analysis may also be a good choice.
• Students preparing for secondary education are encouraged to take Geometry, Probability & Statistics, and Algebraic Structures.