Mathematics
Galileo said that “mathematics is the language with which God has written the universe.” Our mathematics courses are fundamentally intended to develop and sharpen your skills in this language; with mathematical understanding comes an increased awareness of and appreciation for the natural order behind God’s creation.
Mathematics has long been regarded as a natural component of a liberal arts education because of its strongly analytical, problem-solving emphasis. Recently, there has been increased recognition of the importance of mathematics in the job market; in a technological society, doors are often closed to job-seekers with a deficient mathematics background. If you desire mathematical preparation for a career in industry, scientific research, engineering or education, you’re well-advised to consider a math major or many courses in mathematics. If you’re interested in engineering, you can take a pre-engineering program of two- or three year duration at Northwestern before transferring to an engineering school to complete your training.
Math department homepage
Minor requirements
Mathematics electives 3 * (excluding 090, 105, 107, 109, 111, 117 and 308)
MAT 112QR - Calculus I
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Quantitative Reasoning) This course is a study of functions, limits, derivatives and integrals with a strong emphasis on both theory and applications. Prerequisites: C- or higher in MAT109, or an ACT math score of at least 24 (SAT 570 or above), or permission of mathematics department chair.
Note: Meets four times per week.
MAT 180WI - Logic and Discrete Mathematics
(3 credits) (Writing intensive) An introduction to the language and logic of mathematical proof via topics in discrete mathematics. Topics will include logic, elementary number theory, basic set theory and methods of mathematical proof (direct proof, indirect proof, induction). Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT 112QR or permission of instructor.
Note: Other topics will be chosen from counting, functions, relations, recursion and graph theory.
MAT 211 - Calculus II
(4 credits) A study of transcendental functions, techniques of integration, improper integration, sequences, series, polar coordinates and conic sections. Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT112QR or permission of instructor.
Note: Meets four times per week.
MAT 317 - Linear Algebra
(3 credits) A study of the algebra of matrices and vector spaces including matrix operations, systems of equations, determinants, properties of real vector spaces, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT112QR and MAT180 or permission of instructor.
Cognate requirement
Choose one course:
CSC 170 - Statistical Programming
(4 credits) In today's data-driven world, statistical literacy and data analysis are increasingly important skills. This course introduces students to the fundamental aspects of programming, such as data types, procedural abstraction, control structures, and iteration, with a focus on the application of these concepts to statistics and data analysis. Topics will include the programmatic implementation of summary statistics, correlation, linear modeling, and clustering. A statistics-focused language, such as R, is covered in-depth for the purpose of gaining mastery of these principles. Prerequisites: Math ACT subscore of 20 or above (SAT 510 or above)
CSC 171QR - Computer Science I
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Quantitative Reasoning) This is the first in a two-semester sequence of courses that introduces students to fundamental aspects of the field of computing; focusing on problem-solving, software design concepts and their realization as computer programs. Topics include procedural abstraction, control structures, iteration, data types and their representation. An introduction to a high-level language, for the purpose of gaining mastery of these principles, will be provided in lectures and hands-on laboratory experiences. Prerequisite: ACT math score of 20 or above (SAT 510 or above).
Total credits required: 21
Note:
*ECO390, Game Theory, or CHE433, Introductory Physical Chemistry, may be used as a mathematics elective course.
