What to Take
Below are suggestions for courses to take in the Math/CS department. For more information, speak with any Mathematics or Computer Science faculty. Consult your College Catalog for official degree requirements and information.
For Mathematics or Computer Science majors or minors:
See Planning a Degree.
For general degree (Natural Science) requirements:
Note: These general degree courses are usually in very high demand -- placing the course low in your tree will significantly lower your chances of getting in. Special exceptions will not be made for graduating seniors or others who "need" to have the class.
Math 105--Special Topics: a special topics course usually not requiring special mathematics background; topics and prerequisites will vary.
Math 107--Linear Methods: applying linear methods to solve optimization problems (e.g., how to produce the most with the least cost); recommended by Economics/Business Administration.
Math 111--Elementary Probability and Statistics: an introductory course in probability and statistics; required by Biology, Earth System Science and Psychology (in place of Psych 200); students who have strong mathematics background (at least Math 122) should take Math 311 instead.
Math 115--Applied Calculus: a calculus course with an emphasis on applications over theory (but not easier than Math 121); either Math 115 or Math 121 is required for course work or major in Biology, Math 115 is required by Economics/Business Administration (students thinking of graduate school should consider Math 121 instead), required for course work in Physics (Math 121 is required for Physics majors/minors); students who have had Math 121 may not earn credit for Math 115. Math 115 does not prepare you for Math 122.
Math 121--Calculus I: first semester of three semester sequence in calculus with an emphasis on theory; Economics/Business Administration majors considering graduate study should take 121 (and more), required by Chemistry and Physics for upper-level courses.Computer Science 141--Programming Fundamentals: an introduction to computer programming and operation using C++ -- this course is a rigorous course on computer programming; students entering the sciences or a field in which some programming may be expected should consider this course.
Other courses:
Computer Science 185--Computers and Society: an introduction to computers and computing technology and their impact on society; no programming or in-depth computer skills will be taught; this course does not satisfy a Natural Science (N) requirement.
