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Departmental Advising and Registration Suggestions
Mathematics And Statistics: Courses | Department
The department of Mathematics and Statistics recommends an appropriate starting level for each student. These recommendations (found in the letter "Tentative Placement in Mathematics and Computer Science") are provided during New Student Orientation. They are based on a review of the complete high school transcript, as well as on SAT/ACT results and AP scores. As entering students' mathematics backgrounds are diverse and the possibile starting places in mathematics are numerous, care is required in making the best choice of intitial courses.  Students may start mathematics at Grinnell in any number of different courses, explained below.  Students are strongly encouraged to consult with a member of the Department if they have any concerns about their placement.

Math 115, Introduction to Statistics, introduces the notions of variability and uncertainty and statistical concepts such as confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. The depth and quantity of statistics material discussed in MAT115 is less then the amount covered in MAT209. A student who takes Mathematics 209 cannot receive credit for Mathematics 115. Note that most students who have done reasonably well in either Calculus or AP statistics belong in Math 209. Mat 209 instructors typically wave the Calculus I prerequisite if a student has already shown success in an AP statistics course.

MAT209, Applied Statistics, is also an introductory statistics course that covers the application of basic statistical methods. This course is intended for students who have strong quantitative skills. Students who have some previous experience with statistics are encouraged to consult with a member of the department to determine if this course is appropriate for them. A student who takes Mathematics 209 cannot receive credit for Mathematics 115. Note that most students who have done reasonably well in either Calculus or AP statistics belong in Math 209. Mat 209 instructors typically wave the Calculus I prerequisite if a student has already shown success in an AP statistics course.

Mat 123-124, Functions and Differential Calculus, and Functions and Integral Calculus, is a year long sequence and is intended for students who have no calculus background or who feel they could benefit from a more thorough review of algebraic and trigonometric topics from high school.  The two semesters together cover the content of Math 131 and serve as a prerequisite to Math 133.

Math 131, Calculus I, is a first course in differentiable and integrable calculus.  It assumes proficiency in high school algebra and trigonometry.

Math 133, Calculus II, is the sequel to Math 131 or Math 123/124 and covers multivariable calculus topics.  It is intended for students with a strong grasp of differentiation and integration topics and applications of those topics.  The Math 131-133 sequence provides the solid base in calculus needed for later mathematics courses, and for the study of the natural and social sciences.

Math 215, Linear Algebra, introduces students to the study of systems of several variables and linear transformations of space.  Both computational techniques and conceptual ideas are developed, and students are introduced to short mathematical proofs. It requires Calculus II (Math 133), or its equivalent, as a prerequisite.

After Linear Algebra students are prepared for work in a variety of areas, including Combinatorics (Math 218), Differential Equations (Math 220), Geometry (Math 222), and Elementary Number Theory (Math 246).

Further courses in the department are offered in pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics.  There are many ways to complete the major and students interested in pursuing a mathematics major should talk with a member of the department to devise a plan based on their goals and interests.  A flowchart of mathematics and statistics courses is available at the link below:

http://www.grinnell.edu/files/math_courses_flow_chart.pdf