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Mathematics and Computer Science Advising Guide
Introduction
Courses in
the department are organized into two major programs: mathematics and computer
science. Students select courses from
either or both fields, and frequently complete a double major in the two areas. In general terms, the programs start with the
more immediately applicable (Calculus and Introduction to Computer Science),
develop intermediate themes (Analysis, Algebraic Structures, Programming
Language Structures, Computer Organization and Architecture), branch out in
other directions as appropriate to personal interests, and then return to
foundational questions.
Computer Science
Computer science is a relatively young field of
study, with electronic computers only dating back some sixty years. Certainly, computational devices and theories
existed before then, but the culmination of technology and theory that is
recognized as the birth of the field took place in the middle of the last
century. This is especially notable
compared to more traditional sciences such as biology and chemistry, which
trace their roots back hundreds of years.
Although computer science does have much in common
with these natural sciences, it also has close ties with other fields, such as
engineering and mathematics. The interdisciplinary
nature of computer science has made it a difficult field to classify. Is computer science, as the name suggests,
simply the study of computers? A more
descriptive definition would be to say that computer science is the study of
computation. It encompasses all facets
of problem solving, from the design and analysis of algorithms (step-by-step
instructions for accomplishing specific tasks), to the formalization of
algorithms as programs, to the design and organization of computational devices
for executing those programs.
Courses appropriate for prospective majors in Computer Science
COMP 131 (Computer Science I) is the first course
in computer science and is intended for both majors and non-majors alike. If a
student has taken the AP computer science exam, placement into COMP 132, 232,
or 251 is possible based upon the score received. Please see the Registrar’s
webpage for specific information on placement based upon an AP score. If a
student has extensive programming experience through a high school course or
just on his or her own then placement into COMP 132 is possible through
consultation with the computer science faculty. Please contact Professor Grant
Braught, braught@dickinson.edu, for
additional information.
Introductory
courses that fulfill distribution requirements
Division
III:
COMP 131, Computer Science I
COMP 132, Computer Science II
COMP 232, Data Structures and Problem Solving
Quantitative
Reasoning:
COMP
131, Computer Science I
COMP
132, Computer Science II
COMP
232, Data Structures and Problem Solving
Writing
Intensive:
Completing
both COMP 251 and COMP 332 satisfies the college writing requirement.
Course descriptions,
requirements for the major: refer to the College
Bulletin: Mathematics and Computer Science.
Mathematics
Introduction
As part of
a liberal arts education, the ability to think in mathematical terms is a
critical part of the learning process. Mathematics is vital to understanding
science, technology, and society; and studying mathematics at Dickinson will
reveal the power and beauty of the subject. If a student is interested in
majoring in mathematics, pursuing a course of study that requires mathematics,
or merely interested in taking some college-level mathematics courses, he or
she should start this pursuit in the fall of their first year. It is advisable
not to wait a year or even a semester in the continuation of mathematical
studies.
Courses
appropriate for prospective majors in mathematics
There are a
number of entry points into the mathematics curriculum:
MATH 151,
Introduction to Calculus (fall and spring semester)
MATH 170,
Single Variable Calculus (fall and spring semesters)
MATH 171,
Multivariable Calculus (fall and spring semesters)
MATH 211,
Discrete Mathematics (fall semester only)
MATH 270,
Integration and Infinite Series (spring semester only)
To
determine placement, we recommend visiting this online, interactive placement
guide:
www.dickinson.edu/academics/programs/mathematics-and-computer-science/content/Placement-and-Transfer-Credits/
Introductory courses that fulfill distribution
requirements
Quantitative Reasoning:
Every introductory
course in the mathematics department satisfies the QR rquirement.
Writing Intensive:
MATH 211 (Discrete Mathematics) satisfies the college writing
requirement.
Course
descriptions, requirements for the major: refer to the College Bulletin: Mathematics and Computer Science.