Choosing a First Course

There are many options in studying mathematics at Wellesley.

Students can begin with calculus (115 or 116), or an introduction to statistics (101), or a course to explore applications of mathematics without calculus (102). Students with an extensive background in mathematics may begin in upper level courses such as Linear Algebra (206), Combinatorics (225), or Number Theory (223). You can learn about our courses from the Wellesley College Course Catalog.

The logical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills you gain in math classes are valuable in all fields, even if you do not end up using the particular course material that you learned.

Calculus is not a required course at Wellesley College, but it is required for many majors, including economics and most pure and applied sciences. In addition, it is frequently required for admission to medical school. Every entering student is sent a brief placement questionnaire to assess precalculus and calculus skills. We use your placement questionnaire and your SAT scores (as well as your AP score, if applicable) to determine the calculus course that we believe is most appropriate for you. Letters are sent out in July with placement information. During First-Year Orientation we are available at "Advising Day" to answer any questions that you have. Our calculus placement FAQs may also be helpful.

All mathematics courses satisfy the Mathematical Modeling requirement and the courses focusing on statistics also satisfy the Quantitative Reasoning Overlay requirement.

Upcoming Events

 

Monday, Sept 30, SCI 362/364

Laura Bruno is this week's speaker in the student seminar. She'll give a talked entitled School's in Session: The Locker Problem. We'll meet in 362 for lunch around 12:20, then head over to 364 around 12:35 to hear the talk.
 

Thursday, Oct 17, SCI 362/396

Ruth Charney from the Brandeis will give the 12th annual Heard Lecture.  The title of her talk is Robotics and Geometry. We'll meet around 3:45 for some refreshments and socializing before heading to room 396 for the talk at 4:15.  Everyone is welcome to attend!  Afterward the department will hold a banquet dinner in honor of the speakers.  Students who are interested in joining us for the dinner should speak with a professor or with Melanie.

 

Want e-updates?

Want to hear about the latest events in the math department via email?  Join the department's Google group by signing up here!