2007-08 Student Handbook

In this handbook, you will find information about these programs and the careers for which they prepare you. You will also learn about opportunities available to students in the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

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SECTION 2: GENERAL INFORMATION FOR MAJORS

2.1 THE LOGISTICS OF DECLARING AND COMPLETING A MAJOR

If you are a freshman, and intend to complete any major offered by the Department of Mathematical Sciences, you should check the information in this handbook to make certain that you have enrolled in the appropriate classes. This needs to be done during the summer or during the first week of classes, since schedule changes cannot be made easily after this point. Occasionally students miss taking important classes in their first year, which can delay graduation and cost additional tuition.

In planning your schedule each term, you should be guided by the program requirements in the undergraduate catalog or in this handbook. You will also receive advice from your freshman advisor (and after your freshman year, by your Departmental advisor). Course planning advice is also available at “Advising Table” days, run once per semester by the Department, or simply by consulting with Departmental faculty. Course descriptions for all undergraduate MATHS courses are available on the Department’s website www.bsu.edu/web/math/.

When you entered Ball State, you either chose a major or were recorded as “undecided.” You can change your major, add a minor, or pick a major after being “undecided” through Academic Advising. You can accomplish this in the Advising Resource Center, RB 116, telephone 317-285-5515. Your progress in completing your major is tracked in your “DAPR,” a report that you can access on the university website www.bsu.edu/studentservices/. This report includes your grades in classes you have completed, and lets you know remaining requirements for graduation. It is important to have your choice of major officially recorded. Having the right major on record will ensure that your DAPR gives accurate information about the requirements you still must meet, will make it possible to assign you an appropriate Departmental advisor, and will keep you from getting surprised by changes in program requirements for your major.

Ball State University issues a new undergraduate catalog every two years. The current one is the 2006-2008 catalog. When you first officially choose a major, you accept the course requirements that appear in the catalog that is in effect on that date. A new catalog will take effect before you graduate, and the requirements for your major may change. This gives you a choice: you can either retain the program requirements of the old catalog, or officially switch to the new catalog. Once you switch to a new catalog, you can’t revert to an older catalog. Your Departmental advisor can help you decide which route is better for you. If you don’t officially register for a major until the 2008-2010 catalog becomes effective, you will have to use the 2008-2010 catalog, even if you have been unofficially planning your schedule with the 2006-2008 catalog in mind.

When new catalogs appear every two years, often there are changes in the courses that are offered. New courses may be offered, old courses may be dropped, and course descriptions and prerequisites may change. If you continue to follow a program from an “old catalog” but a course you need is discontinued, usually your advisor can arrange for an appropriate substitution.

If you believe that your DAPR is inaccurate---for example, if your advisor has approved a substitution that the DAPR does not recognize---then bring it to the attention of your advisor.

This edition of the student handbook is mostly directed to students using the 2006-2008 catalog. If you are using an older catalog, you can get more accurate information from an earlier edition of the handbook, the Undergraduate Catalog itself, and from talking with your advisor.

2.2 HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL MATH MAJOR

Are you a freshman? Make certain that you are in the correct classes. In particular: all freshmen with a major in the Department of Mathematical Sciences should take MATHS 165 (Calculus 1) in fall of the freshman year. The only exceptions are students who have not met the prerequisites for MATHS 165; or students with credit in MATHS 165, who should take MATHS 166 (Calculus 2) instead. Most students need to take two mathematics courses in the spring of the freshman year, usually MATHS 166 and either MATHS 215 or MATHS 217. In addition, mathematics teaching majors need to take MATHS 150 (not EDSEC 150) in the freshman year.

Professors in your math classes---and other faculty in the Department---will be happy to discuss your program and help you choose classes. Occasionally, mistakes are made in the advising process, and you don’t want to fall a semester or year behind in your program because of a mistake in your freshman year.

Meet your Departmental advisor. Every major who has completed 30 hours is assigned an advisor who is a professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. He or she can provide you with a great deal of information and advice, particularly about selection of courses and career options. Advisors can’t require you to see them---you must take the initiative in setting up an initial appointment, and check back every semester. They are willing to help you during a crisis, but can do a better job if they are already familiar with your situation.

Plan out your anticipated course schedule NOW for all semesters in your program. Keep track of prerequisites and the semesters in which courses are offered. (All this information is available in this handbook.) Careful planning will help you graduate on time.

Watch for “advising table” days each semester. Faculty members will be available to help you plan your schedule.

Learn about ALL the major programs in the Department. You can start by looking through this handbook. Many students in the Department switch programs during their time at Ball State, and should investigate all your options.

Realize that learning math is hard, time-consuming work. Your professors know this from personal experience! They learned math by spending a lot of time critically re-reading (many times over) their textbooks and course notes until they achieved understanding. Most of your learning will come from individual effort outside of class, not simply from paying attention during class. Keep this in mind when you schedule courses: spread out the math courses so that you won’t have to take three or four hard math classes in the same semester.

Don’t sell back your math textbooks. You will need them as references in later courses.

Get to know your professors. Eventually you may be asking them for letters of recommendation, career or grad school advice, or help in getting a job on campus or after you graduate; they will be making decisions about you with regard to Departmental awards and scholarships. They can advocate for you more effectively if they know you personally.

Get information about careers in the mathematical sciences from the Career Center and the web. (See section 2.6 to learn how.) Finding a job as a math major is not hard, but learning about your options early in your academic career will help you tailor your selection of major and courses to help prepare you for the career you want.

Consider graduate school. Faculty in the Department will provide you with advice on appropriate graduate programs, and the background and qualifications expected for admissions. Another great resource on the web is: www.maa.org/students/undergrad/gradstudy.html.

Work on your communication skills. Good oral and written communication abilities are key skills that employers expect when recruiting employees.

Find ways to apply and extend your knowledge outside of classes, through working for a professor during the school year, taking a summer internship or research experience, tutoring privately or at the Learning Center, participating in a club, giving a talk in the Department or at a conference, working on a research project, attending the Student-Faculty Seminar, participating in math contests, or writing a thesis.

Look for leadership activities in the Department and in the University, such as being an officer in a club. You will develop abilities that will serve you well in your career and in life.

Come to Departmental talks. There are frequent talks (at a variety of levels) by students, faculty, and visitors to the department. Even if you don’t understand everything, you will learn about the culture of the mathematical professions by attending regularly, and you will benefit by getting to know the faculty and students who attend.

Keep an eye on your math GPA. Each student with a major or minor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences must earn a grade of C- or better in each course serving as a prerequisite for other courses applied to meet program requirements. For graduation, a grade-point average of at least 2.5 is required in a minor or major program. Teaching majors have additional requirements. Talk to your professors and your advisor if you are having trouble with this requirement, especially if you are having trouble in your foundational courses (MATHS 165-166-267, MATHS 215, and MATHS 217).

ETS Major Field Exam. All students will be required to take the ETS Major Field Exam. This exam is given each semester as part of MATHS 498 (Senior Seminar). If you are planning to substitute HONRS 499 for MATHS 498, you will need to contact the department or your advisor to arrange to take this exam.

Honors Thesis. Departmental majors who are students in the Honors College and have completed two Honors College colloquia may substitute HONRS 499 for MATHS 498 upon completion of the ETS Major Field Exam and acceptance of an extended abstract by the department. The topic must be significantly related to mathematics. Contact the department or your advisor to arrange to take the ETS Major Field Exam.

Be careful. Some jobs may require a criminal background check (this is always the case for teaching positions), and an early indiscretion may have long-term consequences.

Preregister for courses. In order to best plan each semester’s course offerings, we need your cooperation in preregistering for the courses you want. Sometimes we are forced to cancel a course because not enough students have preregistered for it. It helps everyone if you preregister promptly.

Check your email. The Department will occasionally send you email about Departmental activities.

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2.3 OPPORTUNITIES AND FACILITIES

Computer Resources: The Department maintains PC labs in RB450 and RB452 which are available for student use. The PCs offer internet access and a variety of software. You will use these labs for working on computer projects in calculus and other classes.

Study Lounge: RB 407 is open for student use. Students are invited to study or relax. The room includes a microwave and vending machines.

Undergraduate Colloquium: (MATHS 298) meets on some Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:00 pm. Topics and speakers vary, but each week’s presentation is designed for an undergraduate audience. Previous talks have discussed real-life applications of mathematics, internship experiences, and insights into different mathematical concepts. These talks are presented by faculty, students, alumni, and guests. Students who keep a journal for each presentation and attend each week can earn one hour credit, but all students are welcome and encouraged to attend and to consider giving a talk. Students will enjoy spending time with colleagues and hearing an interesting talk. Flyers announcing each week’s presentation are posted throughout the building.

Student-Faculty Colloquia: (MATHS 497) each year these colloquia (one in mathematics and one in mathematics education) focus on different topics which are accessible to students and of interest to the faculty. Student-faculty pairs are formed, and each week’s discussion is jointly led by a student and a faculty member. Students who participate can earn one hour credit each term. You are welcome to attend even if you do not enroll. For more information, please contact the department or your advisor.

Visiting Speakers: Professionals from industry and from other universities often visit our Department and give presentations to the faculty and students. Topics range over all areas of the mathematical sciences; levels of difficulty vary from the generally accessible to the more technical. (Learning how to listen to a difficult talk is a valuable professional experience, so don’t hesitate to come!) Presentations are announced by flyers throughout the building, and students are encouraged to attend whenever they can.

Undergraduate Fellowships and Theses: Students can apply to be paid to work on a research project. Honors College students are required to complete a thesis, and these funds can help support this work, but students not in Honors College may also apply for these funds. The fellowship stipend pays for ten hours of work per week for either a semester or a year. One can apply through one’s advisor or another faculty member.

Math Contests (Putnam Examination and Indiana College Mathematics Competition). Interested students are invited to participate in either of these competitions. The Putnam Exam is a national contest for undergraduates held the first Saturday of each December. Our Department has had a participating “team” for several years (participants work individually, however). Top national scorers receive scholarships and national recognition; each participant is challenged by a group of interesting questions. During the fall, practice sessions are held to prepare the participants for the exam. The Indiana Competition is a state-wide contest for undergraduates held each spring, occurring during the spring meeting of the Indiana MAA (Mathematical Association of America). Students work in teams of three to solve the contest problems; top scorers receive book prizes. The Department furnishes travel, lodging and meals for spring participants, and lunch for the Putnam participants. Contact the Department Office for more information. Students may earn credit for participation in these contests—see MATHS 271 in the 2006-2008 catalog or course descriptions below.

Student Work: Undergraduates can work up to ten hours each week as a grader, typist, reading room proctor, or faculty assistant. The Learning Center and the Department both employ undergraduates as tutors. All of these activities help the Department to function effectively and can provide professional experience to the student. Apply through Career Services, Lucina Hall. Further information is available in the Department and from the Learning Center.

Tutoring: Tutors are always in demand, both in the Learning Center on campus, and as private tutors to elementary and high school students in the community. Tutors earn money and develop valuable communication skills. Information is available from the Department Office.

Actuarial Science Club: The Actuarial Science Club sponsors many activities, such as inviting representatives from actuarial firms to campus to meet with students; organizing recruiting trips to campus by these firms; planning in-house visits to insurance and consulting companies; proctoring practice actuarial exams; promoting meetings with actuarial majors at other universities; and social gatherings. (www.bsu.edu/web/math/students.html)

Math Club: The Math Club meets regularly and plans a mix of social and academic events. The club has a web page that includes a schedule of events, challenging problems (with prizes), a list of members and officers, and news on fund-raising activities. (www.bsu.edu/web/math/students.html)

Ball State Council of Teachers of Mathematics (BSCTM): This club is a student affiliate chapter of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Both teaching majors in mathematics and elementary education majors interested in mathematics education are active members of this club. BSCTM sponsors a variety of activities related to K-12 mathematics education each term. (www.bsu.edu/web/math/students.html)

Math Morsels: Each spring, the Department hosts a free lunch for students. This is a great opportunity to meet informally with other students and faculty over a deli buffet. Watch for announcements posted throughout the building.

REU: (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) are National Science Foundation-sponsored programs that financially support students for a summer academic research experience at a university or institute. Generally, these programs match a student with an active mathematics researcher, and they work together on a joint project. A list of locations and application information is available each January; these positions are competitive. (www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/index.jsp)

Conferences for Undergraduates: Each fall, Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) hosts the national meeting for Pi Mu Epsilon, an undergraduate mathematics honor society. All students are invited to attend and are encouraged to give a quarter-hour presentation. Previously, our students have talked on modeling golf, geometric patterns, mathematics history, internship experiences, and other topics. Each spring, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology hosts a similar conference for undergraduates. Travel, lodging, and meals are provided for students who attend.

Topics or Reading and Honors Courses: (MATHS 299X or MATHS 499) Often courses that focus on a mathematical topic that is not part of our regular departmental courses will be offered. Look for flyers announcing courses the semester before they are offered. For 2007-08, we are offering three topics courses: MATHS 299X-159: Introduction to Mathematical Software; MATHS 499-251: Introduction to Financial Mathematics; MATHS 499-464: Numerical Methods for Differential Equations.

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2.4 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DEPARTMENTAL MAJORS

Undergraduate Actuarial Science Awards: To receive an Undergraduate Actuarial Science Award, a student must fulfill these requirements:

1. Be a current student in the B.S. program in Actuarial Science.

2. Have a university GPA of 3.2 or higher.

3. Have passed Course 1 or 2 of the Society of Actuaries examinations while attending BSU.

It is hoped that awards will be about $500 per student, funds permitting. It is possible to receive an award for passing each of Courses 1 and 2. Students who believe they satisfy the criteria above should contact an actuarial faculty member.

Scholarships for Actuarial Science Majors: D. W. Simpson & Company Inc. offers a scholarship each year to an actuarial student entering his/her senior year at Ball State. An application and requirements can be obtained from one of the actuarial faculty.

Actuarial scholarships are also offered to actuarial students whether enrolled at Ball State or at other universities. These scholarships include:

• Wooddy Scholarships

• CAS Trust Scholarships

• CAS/SOA Actuarial Scholarships for Minority Students

• D. W. Simpson Actuarial Science Scholarships

Information about these scholarships can be obtained from actuarial faculty or by looking at the “College Students” section of www.BeAnActuary.com.

The Higgins-Nelson-Kappes Scholarship: Each year, the Department awards this scholarship to a student earning certification for teaching mathematics in junior high/ middle school or high school, to help meet expenses incurred during student teaching. The award is approximately $500. The scholarship recipient must demonstrate strong potential for success as a teacher, be recommended by two instructors in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, and have submitted forms to the university’s Financial Aid Office demonstrating financial need. Application materials for this scholarship are submitted in March, with the award being made for the following academic year. Contact the Department for application materials and deadline information.

The Shively Memorial and Faculty Honors Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded each spring by the Scholarships and Awards Committee to outstanding sophomores or juniors in any Departmental major. Awards are approximately $500. No application is required.

The Hallett Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is similar to the Shively and Faculty Honors Scholarships, except that awards are made only to teaching majors.

For current high school students:

The Department offers Edwards Memorial Scholarships to approximately seven incoming freshmen majoring in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Application is made during the senior year of high school. Financial need is not a consideration. Awards are at least $2500 and renewable for up to three additional years. Application materials are available from the Department (www.bsu.edu/web/math/edwards.htm). We appreciate your efforts in publicizing these scholarships among interested students you may know in your high school.

The Department also offers two scholarships in honor of Professor Emeritus John Beekman, who was in charge of our actuarial science program for many years. These scholarships are available to incoming students who have declared a major in actuarial science.

2.5 GRADUATION WITH DEPARTMENTAL HONORS

Majors in Actuarial Science, Mathematical Science Options 1-4, and Mathematics Teaching Options 1-2:

In order to earn the designation “Departmental Honors in Mathematical Sciences,” a student must complete the following program in addition to HONRS 499 Honors Thesis or Project. The advisor for HONRS 499 must be selected from faculty of the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Eligibility: any student who, based on departmental regulations, may take upper division courses.

The student must enroll in a minimum of three upper division courses* (300 or 400 level) which can be applied to the major in the Department of Mathematical Sciences in which the student would earn honors credit. The procedure to earn honors credit is as follows: During the semester in which the class is held, the student must inform the professor teaching the course that he/she wishes to take the course for Departmental Honors credit. This work must be completed within the two semesters following the semester in which the course is taken. If the professor agrees, the student and the professor decide what type of academic work the student will do to earn honors credit.** It will be up to the faculty member to determine honors credit. In any case, Departmental Honors course work would be in addition to regular course requirements. No course grade below “B” will be accepted for honors credit.

It will be the responsibility of the student to obtain a Departmental Honors form from the Honors College, to have it signed by the faculty member, and to return the signed form to the Honors College.

Students who complete Departmental Honors requirements will earn the designation “Departmental Honors in Mathematical Sciences” on their official university records upon completion of the program with a GPA of at least 3.25 in the catalog specified courses within the major. This achievement will be properly noted in the commencement program and in Departmental records.

Majors in Mathematical Economics:

In order to earn the designation “Departmental Honors in Mathematical Economics,” a student must complete the following program in addition to HONRS 499 (Senior Honors Project). Eligibility: any student whose GPA in catalog specified major courses is 3.50 or above and who, based on departmental regulations, may take upper division courses.

The student must earn honors credit in a minimum of 3 upper division (300-400 level) economics or mathematics courses (9 hours). One of these courses must be in economics and one in mathematics. The third course may be in either discipline. The procedure to earn honors credit is as follows: During the first week of class, the student must inform the faculty member teaching the course that he/she wishes to take the course for Departmental Honors credit. If the faculty member agrees, the student and the faculty member must agree on the type of academic work required for honors credit. This honors work might take the form of additional research and writing, creative projects, review essays, additional reading, a presentation at a colloquium series or professional meeting, etc. The project must be specified in writing, signed by both the faculty member and the student, and filed in the Economics Department office. The faculty member determines if honors credit will be granted subject to the following restrictions: (1) Courses must be regularly scheduled courses. Individually taught courses may not be counted. (2) Departmental Honors course work must be in addition to regular course requirements. (3) No course grade below “B” will be accepted for honors credit.

It is the responsibility of the student to obtain a Departmental Honors form from the Honors College, to have it signed by the faculty member responsible for granting such credit and to return the completed form to the Honors College.

Students who complete Departmental Honors requirements will earn the designation “Departmental Honors in Mathematical Economics” on their official university transcripts. The achievement will be noted in the commencement program and in departmental records.

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* These courses must be regularly scheduled courses. No individually taught courses may be counted.

** This honors work might take the form of additional research and writing, creative projects, tutorials, review essays, additional reading, a presentation in a colloquium series or professional meeting, etc.

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2.6 CAREER AND JOB SEARCH INFORMATION

Career Information:

Publications:

• Great Jobs for Math Majors (Stephen Lambert, Ruth DeCotis), Mathematical Association of America (MAA), www.maa.org, 1998.

• Careers in Mathematics (ed. Andrew Sterrett), MAA, 1996. A copy of this book is available in

RB 465.

• Mathematical Scientists at Work, 2nd Edition, MAA, 1993.

• Careers in Applied Mathematics, free brochure, Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, www.siam.org.

• Careers in Statistics, American Statistical Association, www.amstat.org.

• Careers that Count, Association for Women in Mathematics, http://www.awm-math.org.

Websites:

• www.ams.org/careers/ Features a mathematical careers bulletin board, data on jobs college graduates take, and career planning information.

• www.maa.org/students/career.html Gives career profiles of mathematics graduates holding jobs in universities, hospitals, the pharmaceutical industry, software companies, and many other places.

• www.siam.org/students/career.htm Information on what applied mathematicians do, examples of industrial problems that mathematics can solve, information on the industrial work environment, tips for preparing for a job in industry, and career profiles.

• www.amstat.org/careers/ Recommended reading for students interested in careers in statistics.

• www.bls.gov/ The Bureau of Labor Statistics' outlook for mathematical careers; information on working conditions, job outlook, and earnings.

• www.awm-math.org/career.html Articles and other resources for women considering careers in math.

Finding a job:

Career Center: The Career Center (at 220 Lucina Hall) offers several services to undergraduates, including Career and Teacher Fairs. For an overview, check out the Center’s website www.bsu.edu/students/careers/. Joseph Goodwin is the liaison to the Mathematical Sciences Department, and individual appointments can be scheduled with him j212goodwin@bsu.edu.

Cardinal ViewJobs is the Career Center’s premiere job-posting site for Ball State students and alumni and can be accessed online at www.bsu.edu/students/careers/students/viewjobs/. Cardinal ViewJobs lists thousands of employment opportunities, including all campus part-time jobs (possibly full-time during summer), many off-campus part-time jobs in the Muncie area, a variety of internship and fellowship programs, full-time professional jobs (including jobs for experienced alumni), and on-campus interviewing opportunities with employers visiting campus.

Websites: Thousands of jobs are posted at websites such as www.monster.com or www.hotjobs.com. Many other job-search pages exist, such as www.jobsfed.com, the Federal Jobs Digest (where government jobs are advertised).

Research Experiences and Internships:

• Every summer the US Department of Energy (www.dep.anl.gov) and NASA (www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/learning/Undergraduate_Student_Research_Program.html) sponsor summer internships for undergraduate and graduate students in science, engineering, the mathematical sciences, and mathematics and science education. These 8-10 week internships typically pay $400 per week and include round-trip transportation from the student’s home to the laboratory. In most cases, inexpensive housing is arranged by the sponsoring laboratory. Applications are normally due in February or March.

• Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) are available at various universities for top mathematics students (www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/index.jsp)

• Internships are available from various companies: contact them directly and check their websites.

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SECTION 3: COURSES FOR MAJORS AND MINORS