Mathematics

The Mathematics track at Trinity is designed to provide students with a firm foundation in all the basic areas of mathematics and then allow them to specialize in those areas that most suit their interests and their talents. Mathematics is an excellent choice for anyone hoping to meet the demand for mathematics graduates in the job market, which values numeracy, ability in abstract reasoning and the skill to turn ideas into methods.

Trinity is justly proud of its long tradition of excellence in mathematics. Research interest in the School of Mathematics is enormously varied ranging from the abstract ideas of modern algebra and analysis to practical ideas of numerical analysis, modeling and computer algorithms and from the nature of fundamental particles and general relativity to nonlinear systems and fluid mechanics. This departmental diversity is reflected in the specialist degree-level courses available to students. With an academic staff that brings expertise and experience from many parts of the world, the course aims to be world class, with options for study and research in a wide range of mathematical areas.

In years one and two, a variety of modules in both pure and applied mathematics will help immerse students in this field of scholarship. Classes in algebra, calculus, statistics and computer programming will enable students to build their skills in analysis, modeling, and mathematical applications in the physical and biological sciences, engineering, management science, economics, and finance. Students will learn to weave these skills with the underlying theory that is essential in developing one’s logical reasoning, quantitative skills, and problem-solving techniques.

Upon arrival at Columbia University in year three of the program, students will choose from one of five available majors:

The Columbia Mathematics majors allow students to investigate the development of theoretical mathematics over the past four hundred years from a modern perspective. The study of this discipline is also applied to many problems, both internal to mathematics and arising in others such as physics, cryptography, and finance.  Students learn some aspects of the main branches of modern mathematics; algebra, analysis, and geometry, as well as some of their subdivisions and hybrids (e.g., number theory, differential geometry, and complex analysis). As the courses become more advanced, they also become more theoretical and proof-oriented and less computational. Aside from the courses offered by the Mathematics Department, cognate courses in areas such as astronomy, chemistry, physics, probability, logic, economics, and computer science can form part of the program. 

Students will participate in an undergraduate seminar, usually in the junior or senior year. In these seminars, students gain experience through learning an advanced topic and lecturing on it. In order to be eligible for departmental honors, majors must write a senior thesis.

In preparation for the required capstone project in their final year, students participate in an intensive literature review workshop in year three, choosing a topic for further research in mathematics or a related field. In the final year, a Trinity-supervised research project is undertaken, allowing students to explore in-depth an area of interest.