The Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science is brimming with activity in three vital disciplines: Mathematics; Statistics; and Computer Science. These fields can team up with almost any other discipline or interest---and also align well with many careers. Check us out!

Upcoming Colloquium

On the Connection Between Mathematics and Music

by Professor James S. Walker (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire)

Thursday, April 12, 2:30 in RNS 310

About the Talk: This interdisciplinary talk will describe how spectrograms help us to better understand the nature of musical sound. Spectrograms display the pitches and overtones in music as they change over time. They provide an important tool for analyzing recorded music, and synthesizing new music. Some interesting examples involving musical perception and musical illusions will be given.

About the Speaker: James Walker is Professor of Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, and he is visiting Macalester College this academic year. He taught a course on Math and Music at Macalester this past Fall. Professor Walker earned a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Illinois-Chicago, a masters in Mathematics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Buffalo. His research is in wavelets, especially in their applications to digital signal processing and digital image processing. He has a special interest in math and music and is currently writing a book on the subject. His 1999 book, A Primer on Wavelets and their Scientific Applications, was awarded an “Outstanding Academic Book” recognition by Choice Magazine.

See Colloquium Series for info on other upcoming colloquia.

• Textbook Info: All sections of Calculus I and II (Math 120, 126, 128) will use Stewart's Calculus, Early Transcendentals, 7th ed. This is available in print as well as in ebook format. All sections of Linear Algebra (Math 220) will use Poole's Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction, 3rd ed.
• AQR and Mathematics Placement Information: Please see the information to the left.
• Class of 2012: Among the 2012 graduates were 95 mathematics majors (the 2nd biggest major at the college this year), 31 statistics concentrators, and 13 computer science majors. Read about the students' post graduation plans. Congratulations to the students, parents, and faculty who helped this happen!
• Alumni: View profiles of recent alumni/ae.