|
|
Course
Selection Tips
|| Theory || Applications || Calculus ||
Linear Algebra || Graduate School
in Mathematcs ||
|| Statistics/Actuarial Work || Computer
Science || Medical School ||
|| Graduate School in Economics/Business || K-12
Education ||
Here are some suggestions
to consider as you choose courses. It is always a good idea to consult
with a faculty member as well.
If you are
especially interested in theory in mathematics...
These courses
introduce you to various branches of theoretical mathematics:
Math 206: Linear Algebra,
Math 208: Complex Analysis,
Math 212: Differential Geometry,
Math 214: Euclidean and Noneuclidean Geometry,
Math 223: Number Theory,
Math 225: Combinatorics and Graph Theory,
and most 300-level courses. You may also want to consider special topics courses, when offered
(Math 249 or
Math 349).
These courses may also include applications, within mathematics
or to other fields.
Back
to top
If you are
especially interested in applications of mathematics...
These courses
focus on mathematical topics along with their applications to other
fields: Math 203: Mathematical
Tools for Finance, Math 210:
Differential Equations, Math 220:
Probability and Statistics, and special topics courses Math 251 or Math
349.
In addition to techniques, these courses usually include some of
the theory on which the applications are based.
Back
to top
If you liked
calculus or some aspect of calculus...
If you like the
way in which calculus can be applied to understand and model
the real world, you'll probably like Math
210: Differential
Equations, Math
212:
Differential Geometry, Math
220:
Probability and Statistics, Partial Differential Equations (a
recurring Math
251 topic),
and Math
307:
Topology (Knot Theory). If you want to know more about the meaning
of limits, continuity,
and
infinity,
or find out how these ideas transfer to other contexts, you can
find out in Math
208/310:
Complex Analysis, Math
302: Real Analysis, Math
303: Elements of Analysis
II, and Math
307: Topology. In particular, if you liked the geometry
of calculus in two and three dimensions, you can learn more in Math
212 and Math
214.
If you want to know how differentiation, integration, and the
other ideas of calculus change when you allow complex numbers
instead
of only real numbers, take Math
208/310.
Back
to top
If you liked
linear algebra...
If you liked the
theory of vector spaces and linear transformations, you'll probably
like Math 305:
Modern Algebra, Math 306: Modern Abstract Algebra
II, and Math 223: Number Theory. If
you liked the applications of linear algebra you saw in Math
206,
you'll probably like Operations Research (the topic for Math
251 in
Spring 2006).
Back
to top
If you're considering graduate school in theoretical
or applied mathematics...
Take as many mathematics
courses, and especially as many 300-level courses, as you can.
(It is not unusual for a beginning graduate student in mathematics
to
have taken as many as 16 undergraduate mathematics courses.)
Your 300-level courses should include Math
303 and Math
306,
and if possible Math 307 and Math
310 as
well. Consider taking a course (or two) at MIT. We also
recommend an independent study course (Math 350) and/or writing
an honors
thesis (Math 360/370). A strong background in theoretical courses
is excellent
preparation for graduate work in either theoretical or applied mathematics,
and writing an honors thesis is a great way to learn what research
in mathematics is like. For graduate school, it's also helpful
to acquire the ability to read mathematics written in French,
German, or Russian. You may not have time to do it all, so discuss
your
situation
with members of the department.
Back
to top
If
you're thinking about a career in statistics or actuarial work...
Take Math 220: Probability and Statistics
and, if offered, a follow-up statistics course such as Statistical
Quality
Control
(a Math 251 topic),
Economics 203 (Econometrics), or MIT 18.443. When offered, you
might also
take Mathematical Modeling (also a Math
251 topic).
To become an actuary you need to pass a series of
exams offered by the actuarial profession. These cover calculus,
linear algebra, probability, and statistics. You can take the
first two exams as an undergraduate. Many insurance companies
offer summer
jobs for students interested in actuarial work. To find more
information about actuaries and actuarial mathematics, click here.
Back
to top
If you're thinking
about a career in computer science...
Wellesley's Computer
Science major requires that you take at least one of Math
225: Combinatorics
and Graph Theory and Math 305:
Modern Algebra. When offered, you might also consider Graph Theory
(a Math 349 topic)
or Numerical Analysis (a Math 251 topic).
Back
to top
If you're thinking
about medical school...
Typically, medical
schools require two semesters of college calculus, through Math
116 or its equivalent. See the pre-medical advisor
for more specific information.
Other mathematics courses that may be particularly helpful in
medical research and practice are Math 210, Math
220,
and some versions of Math 251.
Back
to top
If you're thinking
about graduate school in economics or business school...
Mathematics courses Math
203:
Mathematical Tools for Finance; Math
205: Multivariable
Calculus; Math
206:
Linear Algebra; Math 210: Differential Equations;
and Math 220: Probability and Statistics
have applications to various areas of economics and management,
as does Math
251: Operations
Research. Wellesley's Economics Department advises
students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in Economics to take Math 302: Real Analysis as well.
One way to find more information about careers that use mathematics
in management
is
to peruse the career materials in the Department office.
Back
to top
If you're thinking
about teaching at the K-12 level...
The material in Math
214: Euclidian
and Noneuclidean Geometry is required for certification to teach
mathematics at the 8 - 12 level. You might find Math
223:
Number Theory and Math
225:
Combinatorics and Graph Theory helpful as well. Faculty members
in the Education
Department can advise you about education courses, student
teaching, and certification. If you wish to be certified as a public
school
teacher, you'll need to plan your mathematics courses to allow
time for the required education courses and student teaching. Some
Mathematics
faculty members have taught in high schools, and it's a good idea
to talk to them as well. Many private schools hire undergraduate
assistants for summer enrichment programs, and these programs provide
a good opportunity to gain teaching or tutoring experience. Being
a Wellesley math TA/reader or department
tutor is also a good
way to get some early experience.
Back to top |
