Much of mathematics has its roots in science but the spirit of mathematical inquiry is not bound to any specific area. Mathematics is an important discipline for every educated person. The concentration provides a coherent set of courses for students interested in mathematics, short of a major, in areas distinct from those of applied mathematics.All students at the university are therefore required to study some mathematics. The goal of the requirement is to strengthen the student's imaginative and deductive powers through the discipline imposed by rigorous mathematical thinking. The precise use of language and logic characteristic of mathematics is developed in the courses which the student may select to meet the core requirement.