Graduate in Mathematics Program at Knox College
A distinctive feature of the mathematics major at Knox is the importance given to effective communication. In all courses students are expected to write clearly. In the course “Mathematical Structures” and in Senior Seminar, classes literally write their own textbooks. Students also are regularly asked to give professional-quality presentations.
Mathematics students begin with a solid foundation in calculus, linear algebra and mathematical structures before proceeding to a variety of advanced courses and independent work. Some majors undertake a College Honors project, which involves a year of research on a mathematical topic, a paper and an oral defense. Recent honors projects have dealt with topics such as fundamental solutions for partial differential equations and options pricing.
As a “capstone” experience, mathematics majors are required to participate in the independent study of a topic of current interest and produce a talk on the topic.
The department also offers a major and minor in Mathematical Finance.