Kenyon Home » Departments & Programs » Mathematics » The Mathematics Academic Program » Advice to New Students

Advice to New Students

For those students who want only an introduction to mathematics, or perhaps a course to satisfy a distribution requirement, selection from MATH 105, 106, 110Y-111Y, 111, and 118 is appropriate. Students who think they might want to continue the study of mathematics beyond one year, either by pursuing a major or minor in mathematics or as a foundation for courses in other disciplines, usually begin with the calculus sequence (MATH 111, 112, and 213). Students who have already had calculus or who want to take more than one math course may choose to begin with the Elements of Statistics (MATH 106) and Data Analysis (MATH 206) or Introduction to Computer Science (MATH 118). A few especially well-prepared students take Linear Algebra (MATH 224) or Foundations (MATH 222) in their first year.

MATH 111 is an introductory course in calculus. Students who have completed a substantial course in calculus might qualify for one of the successor courses, MATH 112 or 213. MATH 106 is an introduction to statistics, which focuses on quantitative reasoning skills. MATH 118 introduces students to computer programming.

To facilitate proper placement of students in calculus courses, the department offers placement tests that help students decide which level of calculus course is appropriate for them. This and other entrance information is used during the orientation period to give students advice about course selection in mathematics. We encourage all students who do not have advanced placement credit to take the placement exam that is appropriate for them.

The ready availability of powerful computers has made the computer one of the primary tools of the mathematician. Students will be expected to use appropriate computer software in many of the mathematics courses. However, no prior experience with the software packages or programming is expected, except in those courses that have MATH 118 as a prerequisite. For more information on the mathematics program, please contact Professor Judy Holdener or see Courses Offered in Mathematics.