Topology is a kind of geometry in which important properties of a shape are preserved under continuous motions (homeomorphisms)—for instance, properties like whether one object can be transformed into another by stretching and squishing but not tearing. This course gives students an introduction to some of the classical topics in the area: the basic notions of point set topology (including connectedness and compactness) and the definition and use of the fundamental group. Prerequisites: MTH 280 or MTH 281, or equivalent.

Representation theory is used everywhere, from number theory, combinatorics, and topology, to chemistry, physics, coding theory, and computer graphics. The core question of representation theory is: what are the fundamentally different ways to describe symmetries as groups of matrices acting on an underlying vector space? This course explains each part of that question and key approaches to answering it. Discussions may include irreducible representations, Schur’s Lemma, Maschke’s Theorem, character tables, orthogonality of characters, and representations of specific finite groups.

In this course students work in small groups on original research projects. Students are expected to attend a brief presentation of projects at the start of the semester. Recent topics include interactions between algebra and graph theory, plant patterns, knot theory and mathematical modeling. This course is open to all students interested in gaining research experience in mathematics. Prerequisites vary depending on the project, but normally MTH 153 and MTH 211 are required. Restrictions: MTH 301rs may be repeated once.

In this class students don’t do math as much as they talk about doing math and the culture of mathematics. The class includes lectures by students, faculty and visitors on a wide variety of topics, and opportunities to talk with mathematicians about their lives. This course is especially helpful for those considering graduate school in the mathematical sciences. Prerequisites: MTH 211, MTH 212 and two additional mathematics courses at the 200-level, or equivalent. May be repeated once for credit. S/U only.

The topological structure of the real line, compactness, connectedness, functions, continuity, uniform continuity, differentiability, sequences and series of functions, uniform convergence, introduction to Lebesgue measure and integration. Prerequisites: MTH 211 and MTH 212, or equivalent. MTH 153 is strongly encouraged. Enrollment limited to 20.

This course gives an introduction to the theory and applications of ordinary differential equations. The course explores different applications in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering and social sciences. Students learn to predict the behavior of a particular system described by differential equations by finding exact solutions, making numerical approximations, and performing qualitative and geometric analysis.

An introduction to probability, including combinatorial probability, random variables, discrete and continuous distributions. Prerequisites: MTH 153 and MTH 212 (may be taken concurrently), or equivalent.

Topics to be covered include properties of the integers, prime numbers, congruences, various Diophantine problems, arithmetical functions and cryptography. Prerequisite: MTH 153 and MTH 211, or equivalent.

Theory and applications of limits, derivatives and integrals of functions of one, two and three variables. Curves in two-and three-dimensional space, vector functions, double and triple integrals, polar, cylindrical and spherical coordinates. Path integration and Green’s Theorem. Prerequisites: MTH 112. MTH 211 suggested (may be concurrent). Enrollment limited to 30.