Mathematics
Major and minor offered

The department of mathematics, computer -science and statistics is proud of the wide variety of courses available to both majors and non-majors and we encourage all students to take advantage of the many opportunities to explore mathematical thought. For the mathematics major, there are courses in pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics. These courses prepare students for the many careers in which mathematics plays a major role. Many of our student majors pursue advanced degrees after graduation in the mathematical sciences as well as in such diverse fields as medicine, law and business administration. There are numerous opportunities for majors to conduct independent research, either in an independent study course or as a paid summer research intern. In addition, opportunities exist for student employment in the department during the academic year. We encourage our majors to be active learners and to become active participants in department life.

We are also proud of our commitment to educating students who are not mathematics majors. For science and social science majors, there are courses in calculus, statistics, computer science and linear algebra. For non-science majors, there are courses that contain the significant ideas and methods of mathematics. We believe we offer something for everyone and we encourage all students to investigate these offerings. Any member of the department is available to advise students in making an appropriate choice.

While maintaining our strong commitment to teaching in a liberal arts setting, all members of the department maintain active research programs in mathematics. The work of department members involves study in the areas of applied mathematics, pure mathematics, applied statistics and computer science.

The following sentence has appeared in every St. Lawrence Catalog since 1896: “Instruction in this department is intended to aid in the development of exact, concise and independent reasoning, to cultivate the imagination and to inspire habits of original and independent thought.” In the years since 1896, mathematical knowledge has expanded and courses have been drastically changed, yet these words remain appropriate.

Major Requirements

The requirements for a major in mathematics are a total of 11 units of mathematics, including:

135. Calculus I.
136. Calculus II.
205. Multivariable Calculus.
280. Bridge to Higher Mathematics.
305. Real Analysis. or
306. Complex Analysis.
315. Group Theory. or
316. Ring Theory.

At least four of the 11 units in mathematics must be at the 300 level or above. Math 110, 123 and 134 may not be counted toward the major in mathematics.

Students must fulfill a Senior Year Experience (SYE) requirement either in mathematics as one of the 11 courses in the major or by completing a SYE outside the department.

Students planning to major in mathematics are encouraged to complete Mathematics 280 before the end of the sophomore year, as this course is a prerequisite for many courses at the 300 level and above.

Students considering graduate work in mathematics are strongly encouraged to take Math 217 (Linear Algebra) and Math 305, 306 and 315, 316 (a full year each of analysis and algebra).

Students planning to participate in an off-campus program should seek early advice from the department on the best way to plan their major program.

Honors

Honors work in mathematics provides the student with an opportunity for more independent and creative work in pure or applied mathematics. A minimum GPA of 3.5 in all mathematics courses is required to receive honors in mathematics. In addition, each student applying for honors must complete a departmentally approved honors project. This work is completed as a senior year experience project. Interested students should consult the department chair.

Minor Requirements

The requirements for a minor in mathematics are Mathematics 135, 136, 205 and four additional math courses, at least three of which must be at the 200 level or above. Math 110, 123 and 134 may not be counted toward the minor in mathematics.

Related Major Programs

Two other majors that include mathematics are available to students: an interdisciplinary major in economics-mathematics and a combined major in mathematics-computer science. Each is described in its own section of this Catalog. The mathematics, computer science and statistics department also supports the major in computer science.

Related Minor Programs

The mathematics, computer science and statistics department supports a minor in statistics that incorporates courses from mathematics and several other departments. The department also offers a minor in computer -science. The requirements for these programs are described elsewhere in the Catalog.

Certification to Teach Mathematics

Students seeking initial certification as a 7-12 mathematics teacher in New York must major in mathematics and also complete the educational studies minor. Strongly recommended for the teaching certificate in mathematics are courses in geometry, statistics, computer science and physics. Mathematics majors intending to complete student teaching after graduation in the University’s Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program must complete the mathematics major and the educational studies minor in education (or its equivalent) as undergraduates. Consult the Education section of this Catalog and/or speak to the coordinator of the teacher education program in the education department as early as possible. Students should also consult early with a member of the mathematics, computer science and statistics department to schedule required courses around the professional semester.

Advanced Placement in Calculus

Students who have seen some calculus before are encouraged to register for Math 136, Calculus II, or Math 205, Multivariable Calculus. Students starting in Math 136 who receive a grade of 2.0 or higher will receive credit for Math 135. Students starting in Math 205 who receive a grade of 2.0 or higher will receive credit for Math 135 and Math 136. This is true for all students who have taken any calculus course before college. For those students who have taken the AP course, students receiving a grade of 4 or 5 on the AB exam receive credit for Math 135, and students receiving a grade of 4 or 5 on the BC exam receive credit for Math 135 and Math 136. Students unsure of placement within the calculus sequence should talk to any member of the department.

Faculty

James Vincent DeFranza, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Kent State
Professor of Mathematics

Patricia Frazer Lock, B.A., Colgate; M.A., Ph.D., Massachusetts
Cummings Professor of Mathematics and Chair of Department

Robin Howard Lock, B.S., SUNY Oneonta; M.A., Ph.D., Massachusetts
Burry Professor of Mathematics

Duncan J. Melville, B.S., London ( England); M.S., M. Phil., Ph.D., Yale
Peterson Professor of Mathematics

Margaret (Maegan) K. Bos, B.S., Davidson; Ph.D., North Carolina State
Associate Professor of Mathematics

Dante Mario Giarrusso, B.S., LeMoyne; Ph.D., Yale
Associate Professor of Mathematics

Ed Harcourt, B.S., SUNY Plattsburgh; M.S., Ph.D., North Carolina State
Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Michael Schuckers, B.A., Pennsylvania State; A.M., Michigan; Ph.D., Iowa
Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Richard P. Sharp Jr., B.S., University of Utah; M.S., Ph.D., Ohio State
Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Samuel K. Vandervelde, B.A., Swarthmore; M.S., Ph.D., University of Chicago
Assistant Professor of Mathematics