Senior Project

Suggestions

Start Early. Senior projects can be completed even by advanced juniors, in some cases. If possible, do not delay until your final semester. Also, begin thinking about topics at least one semester in advance. Considering visiting office hours of 2-3 faculty to get their input on your ideas.

Expect Weekly Meetings. Individual professors will have different expectations, but you should anticipate having at least one hour each week dedicated to meeting with your faculty advisor in his or her office. When projects are going well, the meeting schedule may be abbreviated by agreement with your advisor.

Expect Weekly Work. MATH 4950 is a one-hour course, and you should expect 2 - 4 hours of your time each week to be committed to developing your project and meeting with your advisor.

Timetable. Presentations typically occur on Academic Review Day. You should have an outline of your presentation and paper approved by your advisor at least four weeks in advance of this deadline. You should submit a rough draft of your paper to your advisor two weeks in advance, and should submit your slides for your presentation and final draft of your paper at least one week in advance.

Professional and Positive. Dress for success. When you look great, you feel great and tend to be more confident. Practice your entire presentation out loud at least twice, and practice your opening sentences at least five times. This helps get over any initial nerves, and you can start confidently.

Expectations

There is a syllabus for the course (ask any mathematics professor for it). Mentored by your faculty advisor, you will be required to accomplish the following:
  1. Conduct an independent exploration in mathematics.
  2. Communicate mathematical ideas using the English language (written and oral) as well as mathematical language.
  3. Demonstrate the use of inductive and/or deductive reasoning skills by writing original proofs.
  4. Select appropriate technological tools for a particular mathematical exploration, and determine their limitations.
  5. Evaluate the results of a mathematical exploration.
One additional suggestion (not required on syllabus) is to find a problem that allows you to use skills from more than one area of your mathematics knowledge base.

FAQ