Program Overview
Mathematics
Explore the art of logic and problem solving.
Develop a Sought-After Quantitative Skill Set
> 12 large pizzas as students and faculty come together for our monthly pizza lunch talks
Core Ideas and Collaboration
Oberlin Mathematics Professor Jack Calcut helps students grasp the core ideas behind a proof before translating those ideas into mathematical language.
Over 60% of math majors also have a second major, many in a related quantitative field
Creativity and Structure
Math students learn to combine imagination with logic. In Professor Bob Bosch’s seminar students make the connection literal, using mathematics to create art.
Featured Courses
MATH 220
Discrete Mathematics
Mathematics is a language, and this class teaches you to “speak math.” We introduce topics you will not have seen in calculus (such as logic, sets, induction, number theory, combinatorics, graph theory) and emphasize creative problem solving and proof writing. At the end, you will be prepared to tackle many of our upper level offerings.
- Taught by
- Jack Calcut
MATH 234
Differential Equations
An introduction to analytic, qualitative, and numerical methods for solving ordinary differential equations. Topics include general first order equations, linear first and second order equations, numerical methods (Euler, Runge-Kutta), systems of first order equations, phase plane analysis, and Laplace Transforms. There is emphasis throughout the course on geometric and qualitative interpretations of differential equations, as well as applications to the natural sciences.
- Taught by
- Chris Marx, Trevor Arrigoni
MATH 335
Probability
Dealing with uncertainty is critical in many applications of mathematics. For example, it is important in machine learning, statistical modeling, economics, actuarial science, and physics. This class uses the tools you’ve learned in 200 level classes to give uncertainty and probability a firm mathematical foundation, ready to be applied to other fields.
- Taught by
- Elizabeth Wilmer
MATH 353
Topology
An introduction to point-set and algebraic topology. The fundamental notion of a topological space is introduced and various properties a topological space might have are studied, including connectedness and compactness. Spaces are also investigated by means of certain algebraic invariants including the fundamental group. These invariants are applied to the theory of covering spaces and various results about surfaces, continuous maps, and vector fields are proved.
- Taught by
- Jack Calcut
Student Profiles
The Course that Changed Everything
Alina Zhu always loved how math could be used to untangle musical principles. It could further a career. It was, she thought, a useful tool. But in the fall of her sophomore year, she took a math course that changed her entire perspective on the field.
Particle Systems as Epidemics
Mathematics major Garrett Robins has been researching the behavior of particle systems to model the diffusion of disease and opinion.
The Future of Sustainable Buildings
Math and physics double major Grant Sheely was also captain of Oberlin’s cross country and track and field teams. He went on to work as a sustainability coordinator in New York City.
What does mathematics at Oberlin look like?
Professor Bob Bosch explaining his research at the intersection of mathematical optimization and art.
Photo credit: Dale Preston
Professor Elizabeth Wilmer helping students with a homework problem in King 203, our library and math major lounge.
Photo credit: Yvette Chen
Students celebrating Pi Day. With homemade pies!
Photo credit: Jeong Hyun Hwang
Four Oberlin students making an "N" after virtually attending the "N"ebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics.
Photo credit: Emily Cairncross, Kayri Craig, Akira Di Sandro, and Alexandra Du
Next Steps
Get in touch; we would love to chat.
Photo credit: Yevhen Gulenko