There are two patterns in both the three and four year majors in Mathematics. Pattern 1 focuses primarily on continuum mathematics while pattern 2 emphasizes discrete mathematics. Continuum mathematics develops methods for the study of continuous structures and processes. Some subjects in this area are calculus, differential equations, and analysis. Common applications are in the physical sciences and engineering, e.g., mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum physics, fluid flow, physical chemistry.
Discrete mathematics develops methods for the study of discrete structures and processes.
Some subjects in this area are graph theory, combinatorics, and applied algebra. Common applications are in computer science and operations research, e.g., data structures, search techniques, coding theory, cryptography, scheduling, inventory control, traffic control. The two patterns differ considerably in the three year major. The difference is smaller in the four year major. Since these courses are prerequisite to the other courses in the major they should be completed as soon as possible.