Mar 28, 2024  
College Catalog 2019-2020 
    
College Catalog 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science


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Full Time Faculty: Vittorio Addona, Joseph Benson, Andrew Beveridge, Paul Cantrell, Lian Duan, Susan Fox (Chair), Thomas Halverson, Brianna Heggeseth, Kristin Heysse, Bret Jackson, Alicia Johnson, Lisa Lendway, Abigail Marsh, Lauren Milne, William MItchell, Leslie Myint, Getiria Onsongo, Shilad Sen, Elizabeth Shoop, David Shuman, Lori Ziegelmeier

Part Time Faculty: David Ehren, Elizabeth Ernst  

Mathematics

The department offers courses in theoretical and applied mathematics, statistics, and data science to meet the needs of students with a wide range of interests such as:

  • careers involving applied mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, and data science. 
  • secondary school teaching;
  • graduate work in mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, biostatistics, data science, or engineering. 

The department offers a Mathematics major and minor, an Applied Mathematics and Statistics major, a Statistics minor and a Data Science minor.

Placement

Entering students should consult the Entry Courses in MSCS link on the department webpage to determine where to start in the mathematics curriculum. 

General Distribution Requirement

All courses in the department count toward the general distribution requirement in mathematics and natural science except those numbered COMP 154  and MATH 212 . Both COMP 154  and MATH 212  count toward the humanities general distribution requirement.

General Education Requirements

Courses that meet the general education requirements in writing, quantitative thinking, internationalism and US identities and differences will be posted on the Registrar’s web page in advance of registration for each semester.

Additional information regarding the general distribution requirement and the general education requirements can be found in the graduation requirements section of this catalog.

Honors Program

The Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science Department participates in the honors program. Eligibility requirements, application procedures and specific project expectations can be found on the department webpage or the Academic Programs and Advising Office.

Topics Courses

MATH 194 , MATH 294 , MATH 394 , MATH 494 , STAT 194 , STAT 294 STAT 394 , STAT 494  

Selected topics in mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics. When the course is offered, the topic and prerequisites for that semester will be announced and posted prior to registration. (4 credits)

Independent Study

The department offers independent study options in the form of tutorials, independent projects, internships, preceptorships and Honors independent projects. For more information contact the department and review the Curriculum  section of the catalog.

Computer Science

Program coordinator: Susan Fox

The program stresses the fundamental principles of computer science-theory of computation, algorithms, languages, software design, and computer organization-as well as programming and the applications of computer technology. A computer science graduate from Macalester will be well prepared for either advanced study or research and development work in industry. The program is firmly committed to the principles and ideals of a liberal arts education. A computer science major or minor includes both technical requirements as well as extensive course work in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. An important goal of the program is to produce graduates who are self-educators and life-long learners, characteristics that are so important in a rapidly changing discipline.

Placement

Students seeking an introductory computer science course typically choose between COMP 120  Computing and Society and COMP 123  Core Concepts in Computer Science. These courses are suitable for students with little or no background in computing, programming, or computer science and function both the first course in the major and minor as well as an introduction to the discipline for those not planning to take further coursework. Students who have significant prior experience of computer science may choose to enroll in COMP 127   Object-Oriented Programming and Abstraction. The rare student may begin coursework beyond that point. Students who are uncertain which course to enroll in should contact the program coordinator for advice.

 

Topics Courses

COMP 194 , COMP 294 , COMP 394 , COMP 494  

Topics of interest to students in the field of computer science but which are not part of the regular curriculum. When the course is offered, the topic and prerequisites for that semester will be announced and posted prior to registration. (4 credits)

Independent Study

The department offers independent study options in the form of tutorials, independent projects, internships, preceptorships and Honors independent projects. For more information contact the department and review the Curriculum  section of the catalog.

Programs

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