For first-year students

Students entering Hendrix have four options for a first mathematics course:

MATH 110 Mathematics in a Global Context,
MATH 115 Mathematics in Contemporary Issues,
MATH 120 Functions and Models, and
MATH 130 Calculus I.

MATH 130 Calculus I (QS, NS) contains standard topics in beginnning calculus. It is required for chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics majors and recommended for all students considering majors/careers in natural sciences, medicine, or economics.

MATH 120 Functions and Models (QS) deals with the elementary functions, graphs, and equations and considers their applications. Its purpose is to provide the necessary background for calculus. Students who do not intend to take calculus should consider other alternatives (MATH 110 and MATH 115).

MATH 110 Journey through Mathematics (HP, QS) is designed for students with no calculus background. It studies mathematical ideas in historical contexts (e.g. ancient Near East, Greece, China, medieval Islam, Europe), some of which are introduced in LBST 100. It is suitable for students consdering a major in humanities or social sciences (except business/economics).

MATH 115 Mathematics in Contemporary Issue (CW, QS, SB) studies applications of mathematics in contemporay social contexts. The course does not require heavy uses of algebraic techniques. It is suitable for students considering a major in social sciences (except business/economics) or humanities.

The department will recommend one or more of the above courses for each entering student. The department's recommendation is based on a review of the student's record and is provided in the student's folder. The information in the record is often insufficient for making a recommendation. The guidelines above are given to help the advisor and the student to make a good choice based on the student's interests and goals.

Students scoring 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus Exam (AB) and those scoring 3 or higher on the AP Calculus Exam (BC) will receive credit for MATH 130 Calculus I. Students scoring 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus Exam (BC) will receive credit for both MATH 130 Calculus I and MATH 140 Calculus II.

Special consideration is made for students with transfer credit. A student who studied calculus before enrolling in Hendrix College may receive course credit for Calculus I if he or she takes Calculus II, with consent of the instructor, and passes it with a grade of C or better. Alternatively, a student may receive course credit for MATH 140 Calculus II if he or she takes MATH 260 Differential Equations, with consent of the instructor, and passes it with a grade of C or better. Faculty advisors are urged to direct further questions by the student to mathematics faculty.

Students enrolled in Calculus I and who experience unexpected serious difficulties early in the course may be allowed to change back into a lower level mathematics course.

Students enrolled in Calculus I and Calculus II are advised to obtain a programmable graphing calculator. Any brand or model will do; however, TI-83 or TI-86 will be used for classroom demonstrations.

For majors and minors

There are two majors in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, a major in Mathematics and a major in Computer Science. The information in this section refers only to the mathematics major and minor.

Major in Mathematics

Eleven courses distributed as follows:

Each senior mathematics major must also enroll in the year long MATH 497 Senior Seminar. A working knowledge of a high level computer language such as C++ or Java is strongly recommended.

Minor in Mathematics

The minor in mathematics consists of the following 6 courses:

COURSE PLANNING:

• A student interested in a mathematics major is advised to take MATH 130 Calculus I and MATH 140 Calculus II during the first year, provided the student has received an appropriate placement recommendation.

• If the department's recommendation is that the student should take MATH 120 Functions and Models, the student considering a mathematics major should take MATH 120 Functions and Models, and then MATH 130 Calculus I. In that case, MATH 140 Calculus II may be taken during the sophomore year.

• Students scoring 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus Exam (AB) and those scoring 3 or higher on the AP Calculus Exam (BC) will receive credit for MATH 130 Calculus I. Students scoring 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus Exam (BC) will receive credit for both MATH 130 Calculus I and MATH 140 Calculus II. A student who studied calculus before enrolling in Hendrix College may receive course credit for Calculus I if he or she takes Calculus II, with consent of the instructor, and passes it with a grade of C or better. Alternatively, a student may receive course credit for MATH 140 Calculus II if he or she takes MATH 260 Differential Equations with consent of the instructor and passes it with a grade of C or better.

• Typically, the sophomore year schedule of a mathematics major should include MATH 240 Discrete Mathematics and MATH 290 Introduction to Advanced Mathematics, (both required for the major) and may also include other mathematics courses listed at the 200 level or a computer science course.

SENIOR CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE:
The Senior Capstone Experience for majors in mathematics consists of either a year-long undergraduate research project and active participation in the Senior Seminar (MATH 497).