Placement Meeting
In the fall, the mathematics and statistics department offers a placement meeting for incoming students. This fall (2008), it will be held Wednesday, August 27, 11:30-12:30am in Wright Hall Auditorium.
Handouts from placement meeting:
- You and mathematics & statistics at Smith (Handout) (pdf)
- Slide presentation 2008 (pdf)
- Choosing a statistics course (pdf)
For Students with Strong Math Backgrounds
If you have a strong mathematical preparation (you've taken calculus BC or the equivalent, or you have an IB or English A levels, or have some other experience that might put you at an advanced level) then we've designed a course especially for you.
Infinite Dimensional Linear Algebra (MTH 221) begins by constructing the fascinating world of infinite dimensional space and teaches you how to explore that space with some exciting and powerful mathematical tools.
The extension from finite to infinite dimensional space is surprisingly subtle and often counterintuitive. It will allow you to:
- see that among infinite spaces, some are more infinite than others;
- describe the outer boundary of a finite universe, which can be approached arbitrarily closely, but never reached;
- see functions as single objects in an infinite dimensional space;
- deconstruct a musical sound into infinitely many wave functions;
- understand the mathematics behind the spectral signature of a quantum particle.
The class is taught as a collaborative learning experience. Every week you'll work in groups to understand definitions, prove theorems, write papers, and present your group's work to the class. The objectives in this course are to teach you some neat mathematics, and also to help develop the skills you'll use as you transition from being a student to being a professional—no matter what the profession.