MATHS 498: Senior Seminar (2)

Syllabus

1. Prerequisite: Major in one of the mathematical sciences and senior standing, or permission of the department chairperson

2. Course Description:  Development of a broad, connected, contemporary perspective of mathematics and its applications.  The course includes a variety of readings, special lectures, and discussions.  Each student will participate in a substantial project, presented both in oral and written form.l

3. Course Objectives:  MATHS 498 serves as a capstone experience, providing an integrating perspective on the variety and diversity of the mathematical sciences.  This course provides a perspective for each student to look back at their mathematical coursework and forward to their future work as a mathematician.  This experience allows each major to examine ways in which apparently-disparate topics are related, issues that contemporary mathematicians face, and the new and varied applications that mathematicians face.

4. Course Rationale:  MATHS 498 provides a unique experience in the undergraduate curriculum where each student’s particular course of study fits within the mathematical endeavor.  Mathematicians do not work in a vacuum; many are not even labeled as mathematicians in their employment.  Each of our Departmental graduates needs the chance to become aware of the peculiar perspectives, skills, and challenges that come with being a mathematician within the work environment.  The professional organizations strongly encourage a capstone experience as a part of the undergraduate mathematics major.

5. Course Content and Format:  The content and format are fluid and vary according to the interests and abilities of the instructor and students, current trends and interests within the mathematical community, and resources available.  The course includes a variety of readings, special lectures, and discussions.  Each student will participate in a substantial project, presented both in oral and written form.  The instructor may choose to assign this project individually or in groups.

6. Methods of Evaluating Student Performance:  Course grades are determined primarily by the student project, other assignments, and student participation.  The evaluation and weight of these components are at the discretion of the instructor.

7. Evaluation of the Course:  The instruction of the course is evaluated by departmental student evaluations and peer evaluation.  The course is periodically reviewed, evaluated, and revised by the Departmental Undergraduate Programs Committee.

R. Nelson, J. Emert, January 2001, Ahmed Mohammed, Fall 2005