Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Hobart and William Smith Colleges Orientation: Mathematics Advising for First-Year Students

This page contains information for first-year students and their advisors to help with the selection of appropriate courses in mathematics and computer science. If you have questions, please contact the Department Chair or any member of the department.

Background There are several mathematics and computer science courses that first-year students may take, depending on their interests and background. The first step in the placement process is for the student to take Mathematics Placement Test. All students who intend to take Math 100 (Pre-Calculus), Math 130 (Calculus I), Math 131 (Calculus II), MATH 135 (Steps into Advanced Mathematics), or MATH 204 (Linear Algebra) during the Fall Term of this year are required to take the Mathematics Placement Test. Students not planning on taking a Math class in the Fall term should delay testing until the term immediately preceding their enrollment. No student will be allowed into Math 135, Math 131, Math 130, or Math 100 without a placement exam score. Quick Guide to Placement and AP Scores All Placement Test scores are out of 30. 0-9: Consult Math Faculty or Center for Teaching and Learning 10-17: MATH 100: Elementary Functions 18-30: MATH 130: Calculus I 24-30 and AP Calculus AB Test: Students are encouraged to register for MATH 131 (Calculus II) if they have received a 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus AB Test or a 4 or 5 on the AB Subgrade on the BC Test. A student scoring 3 on either of these AP tests should consult with a member of the Mathematics Department. Students on the upper end of this range might condsider taking MATH 135 instead. 24-30 and AP Calculus BC Test: Students are encouraged to register for MATH 135 (First Steps into Advanced Mathematics) if they have received a 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus BC Test. Another option is MATH 204 (Linear Algebra). The Department offers two introductory computer science courses, CPSC 120 (Principles of Computer Science) and CPSC 124 (Introduction to Programming). These courses can be taken in either order.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 100 Elementary Functions Designed to help students prepare for the calculus sequence, this course involves the study of basic functions: polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric. Topics covered include: a review of the real number system, equations and inequalities, graphing techniques, and applications of functions. With laboratory. Permission of instructor is required. This course does not normally count toward the major or minor in mathematics. (Fall, Spring) Typical reading: Flanders and Price, Elementary Functions and Analytic Geometry 110 Discovering in Mathematics A study of selected topics dealing with the nature of mathematics, this course has an emphasis on its origins and a focus on mathematics as a creative endeavor. This course does not normally count toward the major or minor in mathematics. First-term students are discouraged from taking this course. (Fall, Spring) Typical reading: Miller, Heeren, Hornsby, Mathematical Ideas 130 Calculus I This course offers a standard introduction to the concepts and techniques of the calculus of functions of one variable and is especially designed for students contemplating further study in mathematics. A problem-solving lab is included as an integral part of the course. Required for the major in mathematics. May be exempted with departmental approval. (Fall, Spring) Typical reading: Larson, Hostetler, and Edwards: Calculus 131 Calculus II This course is a continuation of the topics covered in MATH 130. A problem-solving lab is an integral part of the course. Required for the major in mathematics. (Fall, Spring) Typical reading: Larson, Hostetler, and Edwards: Calculus 135 First Steps into Advanced Mathematics This course emphasizes the process of mathematical reasoning, discovery, and argument. It aims to acquaint students with the nature of mathematics as a creative endeavor, as well as with the nature of mathematical methods and the phenomenon of mathematical proof, and focuses on the development of problem-solving skills. Specific topics covered vary from year to year. MATH 135 is strongly recommended as an entry course to a major or minor in mathematics; it is also appropriate for a student who has already taken calculus. (Fall, Spring) 204 Linear Algebra This course is an introduction to the concepts and methods of linear algebra. Among the most important topics are general vector spaces and their subspaces, linear independence, spanning and basis sets, solution space for systems of linear equations, linear transformations and their matrix representations, and inner products. It is hoped that the student will develop an appreciation for the process of mathematical abstraction and the creation of a mathematical theory. Prerequisite: MATH 131. Required for the major in mathematics. (Offered annually) Typical reading: Anton, Elementary Linear Algebra 120 Principles of Computer Science This course is an introduction to computer science that investigates the structure of computers, computer programs, and computer systems, beginning with electronic components. This course does not teach a programming language, but rather serves as an introduction to some of the fundamental ideas of the science of computing. No prerequisite. This course is required for any major or minor in computer science. (Fall, Spring) Additional note: CPSC 100 is a survey course introducing the fundamental ideas of computer science. Many students who take it do not plan to major in computer science. 124 Introduction to Programming An introduction to the theory and practice of computer programming, the emphasis of this course is on techniques of program development, especially abstraction and encapsulation using object-oriented programming. It covers such standard topics as control structures, subroutines, objects, and arrays. Currently, Java is the programming language used in the course. This course has a required lab component. This course is required for the major or minor in computer science. There is no prerequisite, but CPSC 120, or equivalent experience, is recommended. (Fall, Spring) Additional note: CPSC 124 is also appropriate for students interested in Java programming, even if they do not intend to continue in computer science. Though it has no prerequisites, it might be inappropriate as a first course for students who are uncomfortable with computers or with abstract thinking. Such students should take CPSC 120. Many students, though not all, who take CPSC 124 have had at least some previous experience with programming.