Senior Seminar

MTH 194

Pedro Morales-Almazan MWF 1:20-2:25PM Remote Instruction

This course is designed to give exposure to several aspects of a mathematical career, such as performing research and communicating results by writing a mathematical paper and giving a colloquim style presentation.

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  • Cite references from reputable sources
  • Identify key features from reading papers and watching presentations
  • Use typeset to make mathematics more clear and accesible
  • Discuss mathematical concepts with peers in an effective way
  • Improve time management
  • Organize critical thinking
  • Develop studying skills
  • Build connections between mathematical thinking and real-life situations
  • Structure working strategies
  • Utilize team work
  • Stregthen reading and writing skills

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COMMUNICATION

canvas

Messages and announcements will be done using Canvas. When you need to contact your instructor, please use Canvas as email messages will NOT be replied. This is to make communication more efficient.

office hours

Office hours will be hold on Wednesdays during Lecture time. You can find the link on Canvas.

email

For anything else, you can reach your instructor using email, but please use this as the LAST method of communication.

Grade

Grades will be assigned using the +/- system.

Description

Report (10%)

Communication with a suppervisor is paramount for a succesful mathematical career. Throughout the quarter you will show your progress on a regular basis.

Keeping a fluid and regular communication is key for a succesful project. For this, we will have the following:

  • Proposal: You will be provided a list of topics to choose from. The topic assignment will be first-come-first-serve. For this, your proposal must include three topics (from the provided topic list) ordered by preference together with a brief one-paragraph description of each topic. Must be presented using mathematics typesetting ($\LaTeX$).
  • First check-up: This will be a group meeting to report progress, challenges, and issues on your work. You will be expected to give detailed information on the status of your project.
  • Second check-up: Similar to the First check-up.

Paper (50%)

Part of becoming a mathematician is to have good writing communication. You will write a reasearch style mathematical paper. The main requitements are:

  • mathematical typesetting ($\LaTeX$)
  • at least 10 pages
  • at least 3 resources

This will be broken into three stages:

  1. First draft: Must be presented using mathematical typesetting ($\LaTeX$). Should include Title, Abstract, References, and the general structure of the paper. The References must be handled using BibTex.
  2. Second draft: Should be at least 5 pages. Updated References. No introduction is necessary.
  3. Final paper: Should be at least 10 pages. Must include introduction and missing sections.

Presentation (20%)

Oral communication is essential in your career as a mathematician. You will present your results to the class in a 20 minute talk. The presentation will be asynchronous, that is, you will record a video with your slideshow. The presentation must be made using Beamer.

Peer-review (20%)

A key aspect of the mathematical career is to provide feedback. For this, you will be assigned a group of five members to work with. You will review their written and oral communication by performing peer-review on their papers and presentations.

Prerequisite and degree relevance

Designed to expose the student to topics not normally covered in the standard courses. The format varies from year to year. In recent years each student has written a paper and presented a lecture on it to the class.

Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; MATH 103A or MATH 105A or MATH 110 or MATH 111A or MATH 111T or MATH 117. Enrollment priority is given to seniors; juniors may request permission from the undergraduate vice chair.

Student Code of Conduct

The UC Santa Cruz community includes students, staff, faculty, and others who have a vested interest in the University. As members of an academic community, integrity, accountability and mutual respect are vital pillars of being part of this community. The Principles of Community further illustrate the values and expectations set forth for being a part of this community.

DRC Accommodations

UC Santa Cruz is committed to creating an academic environment that supports its diverse student body. If you are a student with a disability who requires accommodations to achieve equal access in this course, please submit your Accommodation Authorization Letter from the Disability Resource Center (DRC) to me privately during my office hours or by appointment, preferably within the first two weeks of the quarter.  At that time, I would also like us to discuss ways we can ensure your full participation in the course.   I encourage all students who may benefit from learning more about DRC services to contact DRC by phone at 831-459-2089 or by email at drc@ucsc.edu.

Inclusivity Statement

We understand that our members represent a rich variety of backgrounds and perspectives. UCSC is committed to providing an atmosphere for learning that respects diversity. While working together to build this community we ask all members to: