Asked Questions
I hesitate to call this page frequently asked questions . Here I am posting fairly specific questions I have been asked about the math concentration. I'll try to answer these specific questions with fairly general answers so that you might be able to apply the answer to your (undoubtedly different) case.

Q: What is the difference between a concentration and a major? At most other universities, they have majors whereas at Brown we have concentrations. What's up with that?
A: Beats me. If you read the word major below, you should know that I mean concentration .

Q: Can I use Physics 30 as a class for the combined concentration?
A: No. Physics 30 is a lower level class. The only classes, outside of mathematics, that apply towards a combined concentration in math are those that are roughly at the same level as those upper level math classes that comprise the concentration.

Q: Can I use Physics 30 as a prerequisite for the combined math concentration.
A: No. For the combined concentration, you need to take the pure math prerequisites, such as Math 52. The idea is that these classes are very helpful for understanding the classes that comprise the actual concentration.

Q: Can APMA 33-34 be used in place of M111 for the concentration requirements?
A: No. While APMA 33-34 and M111 both deal with ordinary differential equations, the mathematical level of this series does not compare to that of our upper-division classes.

Q: Can I use PHYS 0070 and ECON1130 towards the science requirement in the math BS.C. degree?
A: Yes. Any reasonable science course, with a fairly strong math content (e.g. calculus-based physics like PHYS 0070) would count towards this requirement. If the math content of the course of interest to you is far below that of our calculus series, I would need to examine the course before approving it.

Q: Can I get credit for Math 90 based on my performance on the math department placement exam?
A: No. The math placement exam is an informal and self-graded exam whose purpose is to give students a rough idea of which math course they should next take.

Q: Is it necessary to get a Master's Degree in math before trying for a PhD in math?
A: No. Strong undergraduate math concentrators often go directly into a PhD program. If you want to continue your studies in math beyond the undergraduate stage, you should definitely talk to your professors, or to the concentration advisor, about what would be a good plan for you.

Q:I took some advanced math classes (e.g. multivariable calculus) at another university WHILE I was in high school. Can I transfer these credits?
A: The answer depends. If you used these classes to fulfill some requirements for your high school degree, then you cannot. If you did not use these classes for that purpose, you still need to speak to one of the deans about getting transfer credit and the dean will evaluate it on a case by case basis. In general, the bar for this kind of transfer is high.