from the desk of

The Director of Undergraduate Studies

of the Department of Mathematics at Johns Hopkins University

We are blogging now!  Look for us up at the Chalkboard

• Dr. Richard J. Brown

• Krieger Hall 403

• brown at math dot jhu dot edu

• Extension 68179 (that is 410-516-8179)

• Fax: 410-516-5549

• Office hours:  MW 2:00pm - 3:00pm Spring 2006

Information about the Mathematics Department?  Look here, or check the FAQs below.

• Are you looking to declare?

  • Math Major - Form

  • Math Minor - Form

    • Also for the minor, you will need this form:  Declaration of Intent

   

• Course Information?

Some quick FAQs:

Q:  If I need to take both 110.302 ODEs and 110.201 Linear Algebra, which should I take first?

A:  While neither is a pre-requisite for the other, a possible rule of thumb could be: 

There are no ODEs in Linear Algebra, but there is some Linear Algebra in ODEs. 

What concepts you would need from Linear Algebra in the ODEs course are quite basic and are usually covered within the ODEs course (much like the Linear Algebra you found in 110.202 Multivariable Calculus).  However, coming into ODEs with a good base knowledge of Linear Algebra is advantageous. 

Q:  I took Multivariable Calculus in high school.  Can I get credit for that here and start directly with Linear Algebra in the Fall?  Is there a placement exam I can take for multivariable calculus, like that for Calculus I and II?

A:  At this point, there are no exams available that could place you out of Calculus III (or Linear Algebra for that matter).  We have found so far, that most if not all people who have had multivariable calculus and/or linear algebra in high school (even the very good HSs) do not get the subject matter at the same level as that of our college courses (110.201 and 202).  We do sometimes defer to someone who has taken those courses at a local college by offering them credit for the courses if the course can be shown to be at the same level as ours.  However, courses taught at high school do not count.

On a brighter note, there is another option:  We have honors versions of both of multivariable calculus (110.211) and linear algebra (110.212), which are taught at a much higher level than the standard versions.  Should you want, you could take these and elevate your math training to another level.  Our math majors are strongly encouraged to take the honors versions, as the more theoretical approach to the material offered in these courses better prepares students for higher mathematics.  You should come in and discuss these issues with me as they come up.  Each situation is unique, and is evaluated as such.

 

Q:  Is it possible to get credit for a course I took before coming to Hopkins, or for a course I want to take at another university?

A:  The short answer is yes.  But it must be approved, usually by me.  For approval, you must present proof that the course meets or exceeds the content and extent of the material we offer in a comparable course.  This proof must include documentation which includes the text used and details about what sections were covered.  Exams and worksheets that you took also help.  Course descriptions alone will not work, and should only be part of the material you present for the course.  For a course you are thinking of taking at another university, all of this should be done beforehand, to ensure you will be able to get credit here.  There are many ways to obtain this material, such as contacting the department and/or professor of the course you are interested in taking, or have already taken.  Keep in mind, also that there are other factors that must be considered, such as the rules governing how much of your last year must be done on campus, and such.  You should consult with your academic advisor before any of this becomes an issue.