Undergraduate Courses

110.105 Introduction to Calculus

110.106-107 Calculus I and II (Biological and Social Sciences)

110.108-109 Calculus I and II (Physical Sciences and Engineering)

110.113  Honors Calculus 2

110.201 Linear Algebra

110.202 Calculus III---Calculus of Several Variables

110.211 Honors Calculus III

110.212 Honors Linear Algebra

110.225  Putnam problem Solving

110.302 Differential Equations with Applications

110.304 Elementary Number Theory

110.311 Methods of Complex Analysis

110.328 Non - Euclidean Geometry

110.345 Basic Notions in Mathematics

110.401 Advanced Algebra I

110.402 Advanced Algebra II

110.405 Analysis I

110.406 Analysis II

110.407-408 Geometry and Relativity

110.409 Introduction to Algebraic Number Theory

110.411 Honors Complex Analysis

110.413 Introduction to Topology

110.415 Honors Analysis One

110.417 Partial Differential Equations for Applications

110.423 Lie Groups for Undergraduates

110.427 Introduction of the Calculus of Variations

110.429 Mathematics of Quantum Mechanics

110.431 Introduction to Knot Theory

110.439 Introduction to Differential Geometry

110.443 Fourier Analysis and Generalized Functions

110.462 Prime Numbers and Riemann's Zeta Function

110.472 Differential Topology

110.599 Independent Study, Undergraduate      


110.105 (Q) Introduction to Calculus
This course starts from scratch and provides students with all the background necessary for the study of calculus. It includes a review of algebra, trigonometry, exponential and logarithmic functions, coordinates and graphs. Each of these tools will be introduced in its cultural and historical context. The concept of the rate of change of a function will be introduced. Not open to students who have studied calculus in high school.
4 credits

110.106-107 (Q) Calculus I, II (Biological and Social Sciences)
Differential and integral calculus. Includes analytic geometry, functions, limits, integrals and derivatives, introduction to differential equations, functions of several variables, linear systems, applications for systems of linear differential equations, probability distributions. Many applications to the biological and social sciences will be discussed.
4 credits

110.108-109 (Q) Calculus I, II (Physical Sciences and Engineering)
Differential and integral calculus. Includes analytic geometry, functions, limits, integrals and derivatives, polar coordinates, parametric equations, Taylor's theorem and applications, infinite sequences and series. Some applications to the physical sciences and engineering will be discussed, and the courses are designed to meet the needs of students in these disciplines.
4 credits

110.113 (Q) Honors Calculus 2
This is an honors alternative to 107 or 109 and meets general requirement for Calculus 2. It is a more theoretical treatment of one variable integral calculus and is based on our modern understanding of the real number system as explained by Cantor, Dedekind, and Weierstrass. Students who want to know the "why's and how's" of Calculus will find this course rewarding. Students will be expected to already understand differential calculus (derivatives, differentiation, chain rule, optimization, related rates, etc), and will learn about the theory of integration, the fundamental theorem(s) of Calculus, applications of integration,and Taylor series.
Prerequisite: A strong background in Calculus I, such as a 5 on the AP/AB Calculus exam, an "A" in 110.106 or 110.108. 4 credits
110.201 (Q) Linear Algebra
Vector spaces, matrices, and linear transformations. Solutions of systems of linear equations. Eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and diagonalization of matrices. Applications to differential equations. Prerequisite: Calculus I.  Recommended:  Calculus II.
4 credits

110.202 (Q) Calculus III---Calculus of Several Variables
Calculus of functions of more than one variable: partial derivatives, and applications; multiple integrals, line and surface integrals; Green's Theorem, Stokes' Theorem, and Gauss' Divergence Theorem. Prerequisite: 110.107, 110.109 or 110.112.
4 credits 

110.211 (Q) Honors Calculus III
This course includes the material in Calculus III (202) with some additional applications and theory. Recommended for mathematically able students majoring in physical science, engineering, or especially mathematics.  211-212 used to be an integrated year-long course, but now the two are independent courses and can be taken in either order.  Prerequisite: Calculus II, or 5 on the Calculus BC AP Exam.  4 credits
 110.212 (Q) Honors Linear Algebra
This course includes the material in Linear Algebra (201) with some additional applications and theory. Recommended for mathematically able students majoring in physical science, engineering, or mathematics.   211-212 used to be an integrated year-long course, but now the two are independent courses and can be taken in either order.  This course satisfies a requirement for the math major that its non-honors sibling does not.  Prerequisite:  Calculus II or III or equivalent, preferably honors.  4 credits

110.225 (Q) Putnam Problem Solving
Problem solving course to prepare students for the Putnam exam.

3credits

110.302 (Q,E) Differential Equations with Applications
This is an applied course in ordinary differential equations, which is primarily for students in the biological, physical and social sciences, and engineering. The purpose of the course is to familiarize the student with the techniques of solving ordinary differential equations. The specific subjects to be covered include first order differential equations, second order linear differential equations, applications to electric circuits, oscillation of solutions, power series solutions, systems of linear differential equations, autonomous systems, Laplace transforms and linear differential equations, mathematical models (e.g., in the sciences or economics). Prerequisite: Calculus II.
4 credits

110.304 (Q) Elementary Number Theory
The student is provided with many historical examples of topics each of which serves as an illustration of and provides a background for many years of current research in number theory. This course also provides the student with concrete examples of general abstract concepts studied in 110.401-402.  Primes and prime factorization, congruences, Euler's function, quadratic reciprocity, primitive roots, solutions to polynomial congruences (Chevalley's theorem), Diophantine equations including the Pythagorean and Pell equations, Gaussian integers, Dirichlet's theorem on primes. Prerequisite: Calculus I.
4 credits

110.311 (Q) Methods of Complex Analysis
This course is an introduction to the theory of functions of one complex variable. Its emphasis is on techniques and applications, and it serves as a basis for more advanced courses. Functions of a complex variable and their derivatives; power series and Laurent expansions; Cauchy integral theorem and formula; calculus of residues and contour integrals; harmonic functions, Prerequisite: Calculus III.
4.5 credits

110.328 (Q) Non-Euclidean Geometry
For 2,000 years, Euclidean geometry was the geometry.  In the 19th century, new, equally consistent but very different geometries were discovered.  This course will delve into these geometries on an elementary but mathematically rigorous level.  Prerequisite: high school geometry.
3 credits

110.345 Basics Notions in Mathematics      

This seminar course is intended to introduce majors and those interested in mathematics to a large collection of topics that they may not have seen before.  It meets weekly with a different speaker each week.  Prerequisites:  Significant experience (at least two courses) with mathematics at the 200-level or above.  1 credit.

110.401 (Q) Advanced Algebra I
An introduction to the basic notions of modern algebra. Elements of group theory: groups, subgroups, normal subgroups, quotients, homomorphisms. Generators and relations, free groups, products, commutative (Abelian) groups, finite groups. Groups acting on sets, the Sylow theorems. Definition and examples of rings and ideals. Introduction to field theory. Linear algebra over a field. Field extensions, constructible polygons, non-trisectability. Prerequisite: Linear Algebra
4.5 credits

110.402 (Q) Advanced Algebra II
This is a continuation of 110.401. Theory of fields (continued). Splitting field of a polynomial, algebraic closure of a field. Galois theory: correspondence between subgroups and subfields. Solvability of polynomial equations by radicals. Modules over a ring. Principal ideal domains, structure of finitely generated modules over them.
4.5 credits

110.405 (Q) Analysis I
This course is designed to give a firm grounding in the basic tools of analysis. It is recommended as preparation (but may not be a prerequisite) for other advanced analysis courses. Real and complex number systems, topology of metric spaces, limits, continuity, infinite sequences and series, differentiation, Riemann-Stieltjes integration. Prerequisites: Calculus III, Linear Algebra.
4.5 credits

110.406 (Q) Analysis II
This course continues
110.405, with an emphasis on the fundamental notions of modern analysis. Sequences and series of functions, Fourier series, equicontinuity and the Arzela-Ascoli theorem, the Stone-Weierstrass theorem. Functions of several variables, the inverse and implicit function theorems, introduction to the Lebesgue integral. Prerequisite: 110.405.
4.5 credits

110.407-408 (Q,N) Geometry and Relativity
Special relativity: Lorentz transformation, Minkowski spacetime, mass, energy-momentum, stress-energy tensor, electrodynamics. Introduction to differential geometry: theory of surfaces, first and second fundamental forms, curvature. Gauss's theorema egregium, differentiable manifolds, connections and covariant differentiation, geodesics, differential forms, Stokes theorem. Gravitation as a geometric theory: Lorentz metrics, Riemann curvature tensor, tidal forces and geodesic deviation, gravitational redshift, Einstein field equation, the Schwarzschild solution, perihelion precession, the deflection of light, black holes, cosmology. Prerequisites: Calculus II, Linear Algebra, General Physics II.
4.5 credits

110.409 (Q)  Intro to Algebraic Number Theory
This is an introduction to the arithmetic of rings of algebraic integers and more general Dedekind domains. It covers topics such as: the unique factorization theorem for ideals in rings of algebraic integers, integral bases, the discriminant, the different, ramification, the finiteness theorem for ideal-class groups, Dirichlet's theorem on groups of units of rings of algebraic integers etc. The prerequisites are Algebra 401-402 or an equivalent one year course in algebra.
4 credits

110.411 (Q) Honors Complex Analysis

Study of functions of a complex variable, emphasis on interrelations with other parts of mathematics. Topics include Cauchy’s theorems, singularities, gamma and zeta functions, elliptic functions, theta functions, Jacobi’s triple product. Prerequisite: 110.201, 110.202 or permission from instructor.

4.5 credits

110.413 (Q) Introduction to Topology
The basic concepts of point-set topology: topological spaces, connectedness, compactness, quotient spaces, metric spaces, function spaces. An introduction to algebraic topology: covering spaces, the fundamental group, and other topics as time permits. Prerequisite: Calculus III.
4.5 credits

110.415 (Q) Honors Analysis I

This highly theoretical sequence in analysis is reserved for the most able students. The sequence covers the real number system, metric spaces, basic functional analysis, the Lebesgue integral, and other topics. 4.5 credits

110.417 (Q,E) Partial Differential Equations for Applications
Characteristics. classification of second order equations, well-posed problems. separation of variables and expansions of solutions. The wave equation: Cauchy problem, Poisson's solution, energy inequalities, domains of influence and dependence. Laplace's equation: Poisson's formula, maximum principles, Green's functions, potential theory Dirichlet and Neumann problems, eigenvalue problems. The heat equation: fundamental solutions, maximum principles. Prerequisites: Calculus III. Recommended:
110.405.
4.5 credits

110.423 (Q) Lie Groups for Undergraduates
This course is an introduction to Lie Groups and their representations at the upper undergraduate level. It will cover basic Lie Groups such as SU (2), U (n) , the Euclidean Motion Group and Lorentz Group. This course is useful for students who want a working knowledge of group representations. We will also discuss some aspects of the role of symmetry groups in particle physics such as some of the formal aspects of the electroweak and the strong interactions. A good reference is the book Lie Algebras in Particle Physics by Howard Georgi. Prior knowledge of group theory would be helpful.
4 credits 
110.427 (Q) Introduction to the Calculus of Variations
The calculus of variations is concerned with finding optimal solutions (shapes, functions, etc.) where optimality is measured by minimizing a functional (usually an integral involving the unknown functions) possibly with constraints.  In this introductory (self-contained) course, we will concern ourselves with one dimensional (often geometric) problems:  brachistochrone, geodesics, minimum surface area of revolution, isoperimetric problem, curvature flows.  We will run the course in a seminar style with active participation required. I will teach additional material as required (some differential geometry of curves and surfaces) to hold prerequisites to a minimum. Prerequisite: Calculus I, II, III.
4 credits

110.429 (Q) Mathematics of Quantum Mechanics
The basis of quantum mechanics is the Schrodinger equation. The focus of this course will be on one dimensional Schrodinger equations. Topics include eigenvalue problems, bound states, scattering states, tunneling, uncertainty principle, dynmaics, semi-classical limit. The ideas will be illustrated through many examples. Pre-requisite: 110.302
4 credits

110.431 (Q) Introduction to Knot Theory
The theory of knots and links is a royal road to modern topology. The pre-requisite for this course is a good grade in Calc 3, but the material will be mathematically sophisticated, some familiarity with the notion of groups would be helpful. We will start with braids and work up to knots and links. The fundamental group of a knot or a link complement will be the central algebraic focus, and spanning surfaces will be the main geometric tool. Together these lead very intuitively to homology groups (in low dimensions).
4 credits

110.439 (Q) Introduction to Differential Geometry
Theory of curves and surfaces in Euclidean space: Frenet equations, fundamental forms, curvatures of a surface, theorems of Gauss and Mainardi-Codazzi, curves on a surface; introduction to tensor analysis and Riemannian geometry; theorema egregium; elementary global theorems. Prerequisites: Calculus III, Linear Algebra.
4.5 credits

110.443 (Q) Fourier Analysis and Generalized Functions
An introduction to the Fourier transform and the construction of fundamental solutions of linear partial differential equations. Homogeneous distributions on the real line: the Dirac delta function, the Heaviside step function. Operations with distributions: convolution, differentiation, Fourier transform. Construction of fundamental solutions of the wave, heat, Laplace and Schrödinger equations. Singularities of fundamental solutions and their physical interpretations (e.g., wave fronts). Fourier analysis of singularities, oscillatory integrals, method of stationary phase. Prerequisites: Calculus III, Linear Algebra. Recommended:
110.405.
4.5 credits

110.462 (Q) Prime Numbers and Riemann's Zeta Function
This course is devoted to such questions as: How many prime numbers are there less than N? How are they spaced apart? Although prime numbers at first sight have nothing to do with complex numbers, the answers to these questions due to Gauss, Riemann, Hadamard) involve complex analysis and in particular the Riemann zeta function, which controls the the distribution of primes. This course builds on 110.311 and is an introduction to Analytic Number Theory for undergraduates. Pre-requisite: 110.311
4 credits  
110.472 (Q) Differential Topology
Topics include manifolds, tangent spaces, immersions, submersions, transversality, intersection theory modulo 2, intersection numbers in the integers and Lefshetz fixed point theorem, and integration of differential forms on manifolds.  Prerequisite: 201, 202 and either 110.405 or 110.413.
4.5 credits

110.599 Independent Study, Undergraduate


Cross-Listed

171-204 Theoretical Mechanics