Mathematics
James D. Fix
Computer science.
David Perkinson
Algebraic geometry.
James Pommersheim
Algebraic geometry, number theory, and quantum computation.
V. Rao Potluri
Algebra.
Joe Roberts
Number theory and combinatorics. On sabbatical and leave 2005-06.
Jerry Shurman
Number theory and complex analysis.
Irena Swanson
Commutative algebra.
Thomas W. Wieting
Differential geometry and ergodic theory.
The major is grounded in analysis and algebra through the four
years of study. A student typically will also take upper-division
courses in areas such as computer science, probability and
statistics, combinatorics, and the topics of the senior-level
courses that change from year to year. In particular, the
department offers a range of upper-division computer science
offerings, while recent topics courses have covered elliptic
curves, polytopes, modular forms, Lie groups, representation
theory, and hyperbolic geometry. A year of physics is required for
the degree. The year-long senior thesis involves working closely
with a faculty member on a topic of the student's choice.
The department has a dedicated computer laboratory for majors.
Mathematics majors sometimes conduct summer research projects with
the faculty, attend conferences, and present papers, but it is more
common to participate in a Research Experience in Mathematics (REU)
program elsewhere to broaden experience. Many students from the
department have enrolled in the Budapest Semester in Mathematics
program to study in Hungary.
Graduates from the mathematics department have completed Ph.D.
programs in pure and applied mathematics, computer science and
engineering, statistics and biostatistics, and related fields such
as physics and economics. Graduates have also entered professional
careers such as finance, law, medicine, and architecture.
First-year students who plan to take a full year of mathematics can
select among Calculus (Mathematics 111), Introduction to Analysis
(Mathematics 112), Introduction to Computing (Mathematics 121),
Introduction to Combinatorics (Mathematics 132), or Introduction to
Probability and Statistics (Mathematics 141). Calculus, Computing
and Combinatorics are offered only in the fall, while Analysis is
offered in the spring, and Probability and Statistics is offered
both semesters. The prerequisite for all of these courses except
Analysis is three years of high school mathematics. The
prerequisite for Analysis is a solid background in calculus,
usually the course at Reed or a year of high school calculus with a
score of 4 or 5 on the AP exam. Students who intend to go beyond
the first-year classes should consult with their adviser. In all
cases it is recommended to consult a member of the mathematics
department to help determine a program.
The mathematics department's web page can be found at http://academic.reed.edu/math/.
Mathematics Course Descriptions
