Mathematics Major
G. Rudolph Gordh Jr., Professor, Chair
Elwood G. Parker, Professor
Benjamin Marlin, Associate Professor
Mathematics has been called the language of the sciences and, more broadly, the most powerful tool for the analysis of patterns across all fields of study. The main mission of the Guilford College Mathematics Department is to promote an understanding of and appreciation for this vision of mathematics. Since the power of mathematics derives from both descriptive and inferential aspects it is important to consider the possibility for its misuse while emphasizing its enormous potential for good. In practice, students are expected to participate actively in both the formulation of mathematical questions and in trying to solve them, using appropriate mathematical methods. This goal includes the understanding that students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of the basic mathematical concepts and methods relevant to the questions they are trying to solve.
Degree Offered
The Bachelor of Science is offered in Mathematics.
Major Requirements
The major requires a minimum of 32 credit hours (eight courses) in mathematics courses or seminars numbered above 120.
- MATH 225 Multivariable Calculus – 4 credits
- MATH 231 Foundations of Mathematics – 4 credits
- Math 325 Linear Algebra or Math/PHYS 320 Mathematical Physics – 4 credits
- One course from: 4 credits
- MATH 335 Topology
- MATH 430 Algebraic Structures
- MATH 435 Real Analysis
- MATH 475 Seminar in Mathematics
- One course from: 4 credits
- MATH 310 Probability and Statistics
- MATH 412 Discrete Mathematics II
- MATH 415 Numerical Analysis
- MATH 475 Seminar in Mathematics
- Three MATH courses above 120 – 12 credits
Total credit hours required for B.S. degree in Mathematics – 32 credits
Many majors emphasize a particular area of mathematics in their course work. Those emphasizing theoretical mathematics have been notably successful in graduate study at respected universities; majors who wish to prepare for graduate school should take MATH 335, MATH 430 and MATH 435.
Other students emphasize applied mathematics in preparation for advanced study in areas other than mathematics; such majors should include MATH 310 and an advanced seminar MATH 475 on an applied topic of interest in their programs.
Students preparing to teach mathematics in secondary schools should take MATH 235, MATH 310 and MATH 430.
The most frequent double major with mathematics is physics; students pursuing this option should take MATH/PHYS 320 and an advanced seminar (MATH 475) on further topics in mathematical physics.
Mathematics majors are frequently double majors. Such majors that allow students to pursue other strong interests in any other discipline and relate them to mathematics are encouraged by the department.
