About the Department
The Mathematics and Computer Science Department includes majors and minors in both computer science and mathematics, a teaching major in secondary mathematics, teaching minors in secondary computer science and mathematics and an elementary teaching minor in mathematics. The first course in the mathematics and computer science program is MTH 151 (Calculus I). Placement into this course usually requires four years of high school college preparatory mathematics or its equivalent as a prerequisite.

The department also offers a sequence of supplementary classes designed to help the student fill any gaps that may exist in his or her secondary math preparation. These classes are numbered: 100, 109 and 150 and are designed to meet student needs for high school general math, high school algebra and high school trigonometry. They do not count toward a major or minor.

Mathematics and computer classes are generally small and therefore students receive a great deal of individual attention. In addition, math tutors are available in the Comet Learning and Student Success (C.L.A.S.S.) Center to provide extra help.

Students will satisfy the Mathematics Proficiency in one of the following ways:

1. Achieve a passing score (70% or higher) on the mathematics proficiency exam. This exam will be written by members of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and set approximately at the mathematical level represented by a final examination in MTH 120 (The Nature of Mathematics). Students selecting this option may need to pursue independent work through the Comet Learning and Student Success Center to prepare for the exam. Resource materials for the exam, including a sample test, are available.

2. Achieve a grade of C or higher in a mathematics (MTH) or computer science (CS) course numbered 120 or above. Students selecting this option need not take the proficiency exam.

3. Achieve a grade of C or higher in a course in another department which has a substantial quantitative component and has been pre-approved by Department of Mathematics and Computer Science faculty. Currently, the department accepts BIO 406 (Biostatics); and PHA 241-252 (Physics I-II). A student wishing to present another course to fulfill this requirement must secure prior approval from the department chair. Again, students pursuing this option need not take the proficiency exam.

Students who do not pass the proficiency exam or satisfy this requirement by another means before the beginning of their senior year will be required to enroll in appropriate courses to fulfill the requirement. Questions about the mathematics proficiency for transfer students will be resolved on an individual basis by the department faculty, if necessary. Department members are available to discuss which option will best suit your needs.

Department Chair                                

Marcus Darden Chair, Mathematics and Computer Science Department; Assistant Professor of Computer Science         mdarden@olivetcollege.edu (269) 749-7663

Faculty Members                                    

		Michael Fredericks Assistant Professor of Computer Science mfredericks@olivetcollege.edu (269) 749-7628 (faculty bio)
		Janine Peters Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science; MIAA Faculty Representative jpeters@olivetcollege.edu (269) 749-7659 (faculty bio)