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  • Celebrating Women’s History Month
  • DOmath 2018 - Summer Collaborative Undergraduate Research in Mathematics
    DOmath 2018  
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    SWIM 2018
  • Mathematical Problems in Industry
    Mathematical Problems in Industry Workshop
  • Predicticting Cancer's Growth When Clues are Hard to Come By
    Predicticting Cancer's Growth When Clues are Hard to Come By
  • Quantifying Gerrymandering
    Quantifying Gerrymandering
  • Bass Connections
    Duke Alumnus Uses Data Science to Win Awards, Partner with Students

Research News

  • NC Partisan Gerrymandering Decision a Win for North Carolina Citizens
    NC Partisan Gerrymandering Decision a Win for North Carolina Citizens
    Jonathan Mattingly created a quantitative Gerrymandering Index for NC that revealed a partisan pattern... read more about NC Partisan Gerrymandering Decision a Win for North Carolina Citizens »
  • Duke researchers are teaching computers to compose new classical music in the style of Romantic-era composers like Chopin and Beethoven.
    Can We Teach Computers to Make Like Mendelssohn?
    Not yet. Robot composer good at emulating short snippets, but still hasn’t mastered melody... read more about Can We Teach Computers to Make Like Mendelssohn? »
  • Hau-Tieng Wu: Vital Signs
    Hau-Tieng Wu: Vital Signs
    Bridging mathematics, statistics and medicine with new Duke professor https://today... read more about Hau-Tieng Wu: Vital Signs »
  • Alexander Kiselev: Mixing It Up
    Alexander Kiselev: Mixing It Up
    New Duke professor studies the math of moving fluids https://today.duke.edu/2017... read more about Alexander Kiselev: Mixing It Up »
  • Jianfeng Lu Awarded the 2017 IMA Prize in Mathematics and its Applications
    Jianfeng Lu Awarded the 2017 IMA Prize in Mathematics and its Applications
    The 2017 IMA Prize in Mathematics and its Applications has been awarded to Jianfeng Lu, an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics at... read more about Jianfeng Lu Awarded the 2017 IMA Prize in Mathematics and its Applications »
  • SIAM Certificate Awarded to Hangjie Ji
    SIAM Certificate Awarded to Hangjie Ji
    Graduate Student and new PhD, Hangjie (Jessie) Ji, was recognized by the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) for her "outstanding... read more about SIAM Certificate Awarded to Hangjie Ji »

Research

Ranked in the top 20 math graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report, our faculty conduct more than $3.7 million in research each year for industry, the Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health. Our faculty of 35 includes three National Academy of Science members and two National Academy of Engineering members.  The Department supports more than 50 graduate students.

Read more about our research

Algebra and Combinatorics
Algebra and Combinatorics

Algebra refers to the use and manipulation of symbols, often with each representing some mathematical entity such as a quantity (think integer or... Read more about Algebra and Combinatorics »

Signals, Images, and Data
Signals, Images, and Data

A large number of signals is collected from a wide variety of physical and biological phenomena, and in a variety of forms, ranging from acoustics,... Read more about Signals, Images, and Data »

Computational Mathematics
Computational Mathematics

Computational Mathematics involves mathematical research in areas of science and engineering where computing plays a central and essential role.... Read more about Computational Mathematics »

Biological Modeling
Biological Modeling

In recent decades, an explosive synergy between biology and mathematics has greatly enriched and extended both fields. Indeed, given its ability to... Read more about Biological Modeling »

Probability
Probability

Probability and Stochastic process is the study of randomness. It is at once a theoretical and abstract subject and one which is highly applied.... Read more about Probability »

Number Theory
Number Theory

Number theory is the study of the integers (i.e. whole numbers) and related objects. Topics studied by number theorists include the problem of... Read more about Number Theory »

Physical Modeling
Physical Modeling

Mathematical research in physical modeling focuses on the formulation and analysis of mathematical representations of problems motivated by other... Read more about Physical Modeling »

Mathematical Physics
Mathematical Physics

Mathematical physics seeks to apply rigorous mathematical ideas to problems in physics, or problems inspired by physics. As such, it is a remarkably... Read more about Mathematical Physics »

Analysis
Analysis

Functions are representations of relations between sets, and in particular are useful for representing the changing states of a system: the velocity... Read more about Analysis »

Geometry: Differential & Algebraic
Geometry: Differential & Algebraic

Researchers at Duke use geometric methods to study: the geometry and arithmetic of algebraic varieties; the geometry of singularities; general... Read more about Geometry: Differential & Algebraic  »

Topology
Topology

Topology is the study of shapes and spaces. What happens if one allows geometric objects to be stretched or squeezed but not broken? In fact there’s... Read more about Topology »

PDE & Dynamical Systems
PDE & Dynamical Systems

Partial differential equations (PDEs) are one of the most fundamental tools for describing continuum phenomena in the sciences and engineering. Early... Read more about PDE & Dynamical Systems »

Undergraduate Program

As a field of study, mathematics is unique. Known as “The Queen of the Sciences,” it is the purest form of quantitative analytical reasoning and thus has applications to almost every other science. In fact, many sciences rely so heavily on mathematics that their most important questions are, fundamentally, math problems.

Read more about our undergraduate program

Undergraduate News

  • Shomik Verma
    2018 Barry M. Goldwater Scholar: Shomik Verma
    Shomik Verma, a junior at Duke University, was one of three students from Duke to be named a 2018 Barry M. Goldwater Scholar.  This scholarship... read more about 2018 Barry M. Goldwater Scholar: Shomik Verma »
  • Rann Bar-On
    Rann Bar-On granted the Dean's Award for Excellence in Advising
    The Dean's Award for Excellence in Advising was given to Rann Bar-On for his exceptional ability to guide undergraduates through their first two... read more about Rann Bar-On granted the Dean's Award for Excellence in Advising »
  • Paul Bendich
    Paul Bendich wins 2018 Dean's Leadership Award
    For his excellent work in developing Data+ into a university model for undergraduate mentoring and research, Paul Bendich has been granted the Dean's... read more about Paul Bendich wins 2018 Dean's Leadership Award »
  • Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM)
    Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM)
    Vinit Ranjan, Kelly Zhang, and Junmo Ryang are a group of prospective math majors who all met in high school at the North Carolina School of Science... read more about Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) »
  • New Approach to Bone Remodeling
    New Approach to Bone Remodeling
    Kevin Murgas (Biomedical Engineering, Class 2017), started working on this project during a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program in... read more about New Approach to Bone Remodeling »
  • Math + Zombies + GOT = Spring Break
    Math + Zombies + GOT = Spring Break
    Spring Breakthrough is a risk-free opportunity for first- and second-year students to explore their intellectual interests. For five days during... read more about Math + Zombies + GOT = Spring Break »

Graduate News

  • Triangle Area Graduate Mathematics Conference (TAGMac)
    Triangle Area Graduate Mathematics Conference (TAGMac)
    On Sunday April 23, the Duke mathematics department hosted the fourth Triangle Area Graduate Mathematics Conference (TAGMaC). The event was... read more about Triangle Area Graduate Mathematics Conference (TAGMac) »
  • SIAM Certificate Awarded to Hangjie Ji
    SIAM Certificate Awarded to Hangjie Ji
    Graduate Student and new PhD, Hangjie (Jessie) Ji, was recognized by the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) for her "outstanding... read more about SIAM Certificate Awarded to Hangjie Ji »
  • New SIAM Chapter at Duke Mathematics!
    New SIAM Chapter at Duke Mathematics!
    SIAM is the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics. We formed this chapter to promote collaboration, interdisciplinary activities, and... read more about New SIAM Chapter at Duke Mathematics! »
  • Advanced Algorithm Improves Art Restoration Techniques
    Advanced Algorithm Improves Art Restoration Techniques
    In a paper recently published in the SIAM Journal on Imaging Sciences... read more about Advanced Algorithm Improves Art Restoration Techniques »
  • Modeling Temperature Dependence in Marangoni-driven Thin Films
    Modeling Temperature Dependence in Marangoni-driven Thin Films
    A thin liquid film is a layer of fluid that has a breadth much greater than its depth.  A representative example is the tear film that coats your eye... read more about Modeling Temperature Dependence in Marangoni-driven Thin Films »
  • Triple Products of Eisenstein Series
    Triple Products of Eisenstein Series
    The main result of this thesis is the construction of Massey triple products of Eisenstein series. Massey triple products are a generalization of the... read more about Triple Products of Eisenstein Series »

Graduate Program

Major areas of research in the Duke Math Department include Algebra and Combinatorics, Algebraic Geometry, Analysis and Partial Differential Equations, Computational Math, Differential Geometry, Mathematical Physics, Number Theory, Probability Theory and Stochastic Processes, as well as the applications of mathematics to biology, the physical sciences, high-dimensional data, and the analysis of images.  Other parts of these web pages list faculty by their specialization. That list includes postdocs and visitors. However, only the core mathematics faculty can supervise graduate students.

Read more about our graduate program

Courses, Plans & Placement

Whether you are planning to major or minor in math, fulfill your graduation requirements, or pick and choose courses that advance your career goals, there are math courses and people here to support you.

  • Getting started – introductory math courses
  • Step by step course placement advice
  • Recommended courses for career paths
  • Help, Tutoring & Mentoring

Featured Courses

  • Application of Mathematics to Physiology and Medicine
    MATH89S
    This seminar uses the Socratic method with discussions of how to apply mathematics to understand human physiology. Topics include: the heart and... read course details for Application of Mathematics to Physiology and Medicine  »
  • Game Theory and Democracy
    MATH190S
    What is democracy? Using preferential ballots in elections is a natural idea since it allows voters to express a 1st choice, a 2nd choice, a 3rd... read course details for Game Theory and Democracy  »
  • Matrices and Vector Spaces
    MATH218
    Solving systems of linear equations, matrix factorizations and fundamental vector subspaces, orthogonality, least squares problems, eigenvalues and... read course details for Matrices and Vector Spaces »
  • Introduction to Applied Mathematics: Modeling, Equations and Proofs
    MATH240
    The course will consist of 3 or 4 concrete applications, for which precise mathematical questions will be formulated, and a mathematical framework... read course details for Introduction to Applied Mathematics: Modeling, Equations and Proofs »
  • Number Theory
    MATH305S
    Divisibility properties of integers, prime numbers, congruences, quadratic reciprocity, number-theoretic functions, simple continued fractions,... read course details for Number Theory »
  • Advanced Linear Algebra
    MATH403
    Topics in linear algebra beyond those in a first course. For example: principal component analysis and other decompositions (singular value, Cholesky... read course details for Advanced Linear Algebra »

Seminars & Events

Adventures in Theory

Algebraic Geometry

Applied Math & Analysis

Data Dialogue

Geometry & Topology

Gergen Lectures

Graduate-Faculty

Mathematical Biology

Nonlinear & Complex Systems

Number Theory

Probability

Public Lectures

String Theory

Triangle Topology

John J. Gergen Memorial Lectures

One to two times a year, the Math Department sponsors lectures named in honor of Professor John J. Gergen (1903-1967), former chairman of the department. These lecture feature the prominent mathematicians of our time.

Read more about the Gergan Memorial Lecture series

Upcoming Events

  • Geometry/topology Seminar

    Asymptotic geometry of hyperpolygons

    Monday, April 23 - 3:15 pm
    Steven Rayan (University of Saskatchewan, Department of Mathematics & Statistics)

    Nakajima quiver varieties lie at the interface of geometry and representation theory and provide an important class of examples of Calabi-Yau manifolds. I will discuss a particular instance,...

    read more »

  • CNCS Seminar

    When is the Gardner transition relevant?

    Tuesday, April 24 - 3:00 pm
    Camille Scalliet (University de Montpellier, Physics)

    The idea that glasses can become marginally stable at a Gardner transition has attracted significant interest among the glass community. Yet, the situation is confusing: even at the theoretical...

    read more »

  • Applied Math And Analysis Seminar

    Understanding Manifold-structured Data via Geometric...

    Wednesday, April 25 - 12:00 pm
    Rongjie Lai (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)

    Analyzing and inferring the underlying global intrinsic structures of data from its local information are critical in many fields. In practice, coherent structures of data allow us to model data...

    read more »

  • The Fourth Duke Mathematical Journal Conference

    The Fourth Duke Mathematical Journal Conference

    Thursday, April 26 - 9:00 am
    Various

    The talks will cover an array of subject areas that are well-represented in the Duke Journal. There will be nine talks by young mathematicians. These speakers are: Emmanuel Breuillard (...

    read more »

  • Probability Seminar

    Particles interacting through their hitting times: neuron...

    Thursday, April 26 - 3:15 pm
    Mykhaylo Shkolnikov (Princeton University)

    I will discuss a class of particle systems that serve as models for supercooling in physics, neuron firing in neuroscience and systemic risk in finance. The interaction between the particles...

    read more »

(The department also has Daily Tea at 3pm in room 101 during the term.)

Math in Our Society

Did You Know?

Mathematical sciences are an important part of modern day technological innovation and development. Did you know that math drives the "knowledge economy," including internet startups, biotech, film production, computer games and individualized medicine? Mathematical sciences help us to understand the spread of flu, earthquakes and avalanches, political upheavals and national economic fluctuations, and much more.

Read more about Math & Society

Why Study Math?

Suppose you love mathematics, but ultimately see yourself pursuing a career as a doctor, lawyer, or in business. You should be aware that professional graduate schools in medicine, law, and business think mathematics is a great major because it develops analytical skills and the ability to work in a problem-solving environment. Their entrance tests support this bias, so the more math you know the better you will do on their exams.

Read more about the Math Major

About Duke Mathematics

The Duke Mathematics Department currently comprises 30 tenured and tenure track faculty, 5 teaching faculty, 27 postdocs, and 53 graduate students. We have about 98 undergraduate mathematics majors and 41 minors. The number of mathematics majors who graduated in 2014-15 was 48; 28 mathematics minors also graduated. The research interests of the department span significant areas of pure and applied mathematics. Each year the department sponsors the Gergen Lectures, given by distinguished speakers in the field.

Read more about Duke Mathematics

Duke University Mathematics Department
 

Mathematics

120 Science Drive
117 Physics Building

Campus Box 90320
Durham, NC 27708-0320
phone: 919.660.2800
fax: 919.660.2821
dept@math.duke.edu

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