MAT 495 - Seminar in Mathematics

Welcome to MAT 495. \n\nThis is a one credit course. Your goal is to investigate a mathematical topic in depth and to present a talk on this topic in an open forum at the end of the current semester. During the course you will also learn how to write a report and prepare a presentation using mathematics. You will do this under the guidance of the instructor and at most one other instructor in the department. This course counts towards the //Oral Competency// and //Applied Learning// requirements.\n\n[[Undergraduate Catalogue Description|http://www.uncw.edu/catalogue/]]\n''MAT 495. Seminar in Mathematics (1)'' Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing and consent of instructor. Investigation of and an oral report on a mathematical topic under the direction of a faculty member. Within the first four weeks of the semester enrolled, the student must submit an outline of the proposed work to the Mathematics Advisory Committee for approval.\n\n

[[Course Description]]

Typeset your official proposal of topic title and abstract, both in article form and in beamer form.

''What is LaTeX?''\n\nLaTeX is a document editing system for producing scientific documents with properlky typeset equations. \n\n''LaTeX Resources''\n[[LaTeX Site|http://www.latex-project.org/]]\n[[MikTeX Site|http://www.miktex.org/]]\n[[The Comprehensive TeX Network (CTAN)|http://www.ctan.org/]]\n\n''~How-To Produce Scientific Documents''\n[[LaTeX by Example|http://pangea.stanford.edu/computerinfo/unix/formatting/latexexample.html]]\n[[sample2e.tex|http://fismat.umich.mx/ls/latex/sample2e.tex.html]]\n[[Getting Started with LaTeX|http://www.maths.tcd.ie/~dwilkins/LaTeXPrimer/Index.html]] by David R. Wilkins\n[[Writing Scientific Papers in LateX|http://online.redwoods.cc.ca.us/instruct/darnold/linalg/latex/project_latex.pdf]]\n\n''LaTeX Help''\n[[LaTeX Symbols|http://omega.albany.edu:8008/Symbols.html]]\n[[LaTeX Math Symbols|http://web.ift.uib.no/Fysisk/Teori/KURS/TeX/latex1.html]]\n[[Hypertext Help on LaTeX|http://www.giss.nasa.gov/tools/latex/ltx-2.html]]\n[[Emory Help|http://www.emerson.emory.edu/services/latex/latex_toc.html]]\n\n''Advanced Editing''\n* Tables\n* Figures\n* Bibliography\n* Useful Style Files\n\n''LaTeX Slides''\n

You should download the following files either to your usb drive or to a personal folder, and then open them in ~TeXMaker.\n*[[General article example|resources/general-article.tex]]\n*[[General beamer example|resources/general-beamer.tex]] | [[eps image file|resources/Bsd.eps]]\n*[[pdf article with bibliography example|resources/mat-495-pdf-article-bib.tex]]

[[Course Description]]\n---------------------------------\n''Evaluation''\n[[Paper]]\n[[Presentation]]\n---------------------------------\n''Resources''\n[[Intro to LaTeX|http://people.uncw.edu/hermanr/latex/]]\n[[Mathematics Writing]]\n[[Presentations]]\n[[Project Ideas]]\n[[Past Talks]]\n----------------------------------\n{{small{\n<<search>>\n<<closeAll>>\n<<permaview>>\n<<newTiddler>>\n<<saveChanges>>\n[[What are Tiddlers?]]}}}\n----------------------------------\n{{smaller{[[Based on a tiddlywiki created by\n Dr. R. Herman.|http://people.uncw.edu/herman]]}}}

In this section are listed some resources on writing mathematics papers and presenting mathematics talks.\n\n*[[How to write mathematics|http://www.stat.ualberta.ca/~wiens/trent_write.pdf#search=%22how%20to%20write%20mathematics%22]]\n*[[Halmos on Writing Mathematics|http://www.stat.rice.edu/~riedi/HalmosWrite.rtf]]\n*[[A Guide to Writing Mathematics|http://ems.calumet.purdue.edu/mcss/kevinlee/mathwriting/writingman.pdf#search=%22how%20to%20write%20mathematics%22 ]]\n*[[A Few Tips on How to Write Mathematics|http://www.math.ups.edu/~bryans/Current/PDF/MTHWRT97.PDF#search=%22how%20to%20write%20mathematics%22]]\n*[[Writing a Research Paper in Mathematics|http://web.mit.edu/jrickert/www/mathadvice.html]]\n*[[Write Right for Readers|http://www.sci.usq.edu.au/staff/robertsa/LaTeX/ltxwrite.html]]\n*[[Mathematical Communication and Technology|http://www.math.tamu.edu/~Harold.Boas/courses/math696/index.html]]

Evaluation of the paper will be based on the following set of expectations:\n\n* ''Organization of Paper.''\n** Title, author and a bibliography following a particular mathematics journal style.\n** Paper length: ten to twelve pages, typewritten using LaTeX.\n** Appropriate content.\n** An introduction written for the a senior mathematics major clarifying the objectives and layout.\n** The body of the paper should focus on the main point(s) and there should be logical transitions between concepts.\n** The body of the paper should end with a conclusion that reviews the format of the paper and identifies any remaining questions and directions for future research.\n** Cite references throughout paper according to an accepted mathematical journal style.\n* ''Understanding of the Mathematical Content.''\n** Communicate key definitions, theorems and/or results accurately.\n** Include appropriate examples to illustrate them. \n** Demonstrate understanding how definitions and prior results are applied in the proof.\n** Reproduce results or examples possibly with mathematics software.\n* ''Attention to Audience Level.''\n** Assume the reader has solid mathematical reasoning skills.\n** Only assume a background in calculus and the fundamentals for doing proofs.\n** Distinguish between concepts and results known to readers versus those which require explanation.\n** Use good grammar, word usage, standard mathematical notation, layout, and style.\n** Avoid mathematical notation errors that can interfere with the clarity of the paper.\n\n\n

Here are some of the previous papers and talks from former MAT 495 students. There is no indication of which use the best, or worst, practices. However, you can see for yourself the various styles used and also types of topics people selected to work on. Those marked NA are currently not available.\n\n| ''Project'' | ''Talk'' | ''Paper'' |\n|The Examination and Use of the Binomial and the ~Black-Scholes Option Pricing Models| [[PPT|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Presentations/Koch.ppt]] | [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Papers/Koch.pdf]] |\n|Motions of Asteroids in Resonance:Explaining Kirkwood Gaps| [[PPT|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Presentations/Santoro.ppt]] | NA |\n|The Problem A = mP for Triangles| [[PPT|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Presentations/Lamb.ppt]] | [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Papers/Lamb.pdf]] |\n|Authorship and Separating Hyperplanes| [[PPT|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Presentations/Wage.ppt]] | [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Papers/Wage.pdf]] |\n|Group Applications in Cryptography| NA | [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Papers/crump.pdf]] |\n|The Dinitz Problem | NA | NA |\n|Secure Communications| NA | [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Papers/Herndon.pdf]] |\n|Fermat's Last Theorem| [[PPT|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Presentations/Hulme.ppt]] | [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Papers/Hulme.pdf]] |\n|Cryptography| [[ODP|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Presentations/Billeaud.odp]] | NA |\n|Sampling Theory with Applications using MATLAB| [[PPT|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Presentations/Maeser.ppt]] | [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Papers/Maeser.pdf]] |\n|An Analysis of the ~Hilbert-Huang Transformation and its Applications| [[PPT|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Presentations/Schiefelbein.ppt]] | [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Papers/Schiefelbein.pdf]] |\n|~Non-Unique Factorization| [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Presentations/rock.pdf]] | [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Papers/rock.pdf]] |\n|~Public-Key Cryptography| [[PPT|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Presentations/Rouse.ppt]] | [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Papers/Rouse.pdf]] |\n|Modifying ~Runge-Kutta to Better Solve ~First-Order Differential Equations| [[PPT|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Presentations/Snead.ppt]] | [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Papers/Snead.pdf]] |\n|The Traveling Salesman Problem| [[PPT|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Presentations/Bryan.ppt]] | [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Papers/Bryan.pdf]] |\n|Introduction to Chaos Theory| [[PPTX|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Presentations/Nelson.pptx]] | [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Papers/Nelson.pdf]] |\n|Whist Tournaments in Brief| [[PPTX|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Presentations/Pattison.pptx]] | [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Papers/Pattison.pdf]] |\n|Applying Robust Regression to ~Returns-Based Style Analysis| [[PPTX|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Presentations/Madi.pptx]] | [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Papers/Madi.pdf]] |\n|The Application of Game Theory to Global Counterterrorism| [[PPT|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Presentations/Martin.ppt]] | [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Papers/Martin.pdf]] |\n|The Mathematics of Cryptology| [[PPTX|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Presentations/Traynham.pptx]] | [[PDF|http://www.uncw.edu/math/documents/MAT495/Papers/Traynham.pdf]] |

Evaluation of the oral presentation will be based on the following set of expectations:\n\n* ''Organization.''.\n** Begin with an introduction, capture audience interest, and to make objectives clear..\n** Have an identifiable body of the talk, focusing on the main points and making logical transitions between them.\n** End with a conclusion, accentuating the talk layout and identifying related questions or directions for future study.\n** Adhere to the 40-45 minute time allotment.\n* ''Consideration of the audience.''\n** Assume the reader has solid mathematical reasoning skills.\n** Only assume a background in calculus and the fundamentals doing proofs.\n** Distinguish between concepts and results known to readers versus those which require explanantion.\n** Maintain eye contact during the presentation and include everyone in the audience.\n** Aim for audience understanding. What will they take away from your talk?\n** Respond appropriately to questions during the question and answer period.\n** Treat all questions and questioners with respect.\n** Do not read to the audience.\n** Dress appropriately.\n* ''Understanding of the mathematical content.''\n** Communicate key definitions and results accurately.\n** Include appropriate examples to illustrate them. \n** Demonstrate understanding how definitions and prior results are applied in the proof.\n** Use mathematics software appropriately to reproduce results or examples\n* ''Deliver a clear and professional talk.'' \n** It is crucial that the audience understand the main points of the presentation. This is far, far more important than coverage of a large amount of material from the paper. \n** Use good judgment in narrowing the scope of the paper for the presentation to achieve this purpose. **Can the audience go home and complete a reasonable homework assignment--at the level you would be able to do after a class lecture?\n** Use good judgment in deciding how to best present the ideas inherent in the presentation, and use forms of media support, including projected computer output, as appropriate. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using an overhead slide, a physical model, a computer presentation, etc.\n** Use of the whiteboard, while not prohibited, should be kept to an absolute minimum.\n** Prepare presentations that\n*** are easily read from any place in the seminar room;\n*** are simple, uncluttered and designed to help communicate, review and relate main points.\n*** use good grammar, word usage, standard notation, layout, and style.\n*** avoid mathematical notation errors that can interfere with the clarity of the paper.\n** Reference/Cite all content appropriately

There are several formats for presentations. The most commonly used software on campus is Microsoft ~PowerPoint. Here is a [[Tutorial|http://gethelp.library.upenn.edu/workshops/biomed/ppt/]].\n\nNo matter what slide style one adopts (transparencies or electronic) there are basic rules that one should consider. //These will be elaborated upon at a later date.// \n!!Giving a Talk\n*[[Pointers on Giving a Talk|http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/~messer/Bad_talk.html]]\n*[[How to Give Talks in Mathematics|http://csmr.ca.sandia.gov/~tgkolda/abstracts/giving-a-talk-snl-2006.html]]\n*[[PowerPoint Tips|http://www.uncw.edu/cte/programs/WORKSHOP/POWERPT/Ppintro.ppt]] - ~PowerPoint \n*[[How To Embed YouTube Videos|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yzUxNbi1h4&feature=related]]\n*[[How to type mathematical equations on Microsoft Office|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sq1V3GGF2P8]] or [[Microsoft Word 2007: Equation Editor|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUrVUhcWLnQ&feature=related]]\n!!Do's and Dont's\n*Videos from [[YouTube|http://www.youtube.com]]\n**[[Boring People to Death with Your PowerPoint|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQgmc8dBSSk&feature=related]]\n**[[Killer Presentations|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whTwjG4ZIJg]]\n***More of [[Conquering Death by PowerPoint |http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itjSaEYDOgY]]\n**[[How to Give Good Presentations|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzsPgsHLNT0]]\n**[[How to Give a Bad Presentation|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv99WqmswAE&feature=related]] (6 min)\n**[[Terri Sjodin: Power Point Presentations |http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKv_s6WMc1U&feature=related]]\n**[[Tips for Better PowerPoint Presentations |http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHdWtY1s61w]]\n**[[Mad TV - Drunken Powerpoint Presentation |http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEJmCftZZ3I]]\n**[[Don't Read From Your Slides|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVKfz0J_mPA&feature=related]]\n**[[What Do I Do With My Hands?|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF1qXMBnI5M&feature=channel]] and [[Walk, Stop, Talk|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3hae6jG1hs&feature=channel]]\n*[[Do's and Dont's of Poster Presentations|http://www.biophysics.org/education/block.pdf]] PDF\n!!Showing Mathematics in Slides\nIt is also possible to create slides using LaTeX. Here are a few links with some examples of what can be done using LaTeX plus some addtional style files. If there is time in the course, we will see how this can be done. //More information is posted at the [[LaTeX pages|http://people.uncw.edu/hermanr/latex/#Presentations]].// ''Propser'' is a relatively easy way to prepare slides that look like ~PowerPoint and ''Beamer'' is a bit more complex, giving slick output. In both cases the compiled pages are rendered in PDF and can be shown on computers without the aid of LaTeX. Perhaps the simplest method is to use [[TeX4PPT|http://users.ecs.soton.ac.uk/srg/softwaretools/presentation/TeX4PPT/]]. However, it has not been updated for ~PowerPoint 2007. \n*[[TeX4PPT|http://users.ecs.soton.ac.uk/srg/softwaretools/presentation/TeX4PPT/]]\n*[[Making Presentations with LaTeX and Prosper|http://freshmeat.net/articles/view/667/]], *[[Screenshots|http://prosper.sourceforge.net/screenshots-prosper.html]], *[[Tutorial|http://heather.cs.ucdavis.edu/%7Ematloff/prosper.html]], [[An annotated example|http://people.uncw.edu/hermanr/latex/#Prosper2]]\n*[[Beamer LaTeX Class|http://latex-beamer.sourceforge.net/]], [[Tutorial|http://heather.cs.ucdavis.edu/%7Ematloff/beamer.html]], [[more examples|http://people.uncw.edu/hermanr/latex/#Beamer]]\n*[[TeXPoint|http://texpoint.necula.org/index.html]] - 30 day trial\n*[[More packages|http://www.miwie.org/presentations/presentations.html]]\n*You can create images using

Finding a topic for a senior seminar can be scary at first thought. You need to do a little research. In some cases a student might already have a topic in mind. Sometimes it is a matter of thinking about an unexplored topic from a previous class. Or you could seek out one of your favorite teachers to make some suggestions. You could even look on the Internet or in some journals devoted to teaching mathematics. No matter what your approach, you need to settle on a problem which extends beyond your coursework and it must be something that you will enjoy exploring. The more you get into your research topic, the better the final product. \n\nHere are some additional resources:\n\n!Topic Lists\n[[Topics|http://people.uncw.edu/hermanr/Research/students.htm#Seniors]] that my students (both undergraduate and graduate) had worked on in the past. \n\nHere are some suggestions from other schools:\n*[[http://math.uttyler.edu/seminar_topics.htm|http://math.uttyler.edu/seminar_topics.htm]]\n*[[http://cda.morris.umn.edu/~mcquarrb/seniorseminar.html|http://cda.morris.umn.edu/~mcquarrb/seniorseminar.html]]\n*[[http://www.reed.edu/~jones/math.theses.html|http://www.reed.edu/~jones/math.theses.html]]\n\nAlso check out topics from Mathematics Awareness Month - In 2009 it is about [[Mathematics and Climate|http://www.mathaware.org/mam/09/]].\n\n!Journals \nYou can look through journals online or in the library. If you do well, you might even consider submitting to a journal! At least you might find some ideas in these journals. Checking The American Mathematical Monthly, Mathematics Magazine, etc can lead you to interesting topics to explore. You want to be interested in what you are spending a whole semester researching. The more you put into this, the more successful you will be. Once you have a topic, then you can find someone to work with you on that topic.\n\n!Sources of Topics for Undergraduate Research\n\n*[[Journal from Rose-Hulman|http://www.rose-hulman.edu/mathjournal/index.php]] \n*[[http://www.users.muohio.edu/porterbm/sumj/Journal.html|http://www.users.muohio.edu/porterbm/sumj/Journal.html]]\n*[[Journal at Furman|http://math.furman.edu/~mwoodard/fuejum/welcome.html]] \n*College Mathematics Journal of the MAA http://www.maa.org/pubs/cmj.html\n*Mathematics Magazine of the MAA http://www.maa.org/pubs/mathmag.html\n*American Mathematics Monthly of the MAA http://www.maa.org/pubs/monthly.html\n*Problems, Resources, and Issues in Mathematics Undergraduate Study (PRIMUS) http://www.dean.usma.edu/math/pubs/primus/default.htm\n*The Mathematical Gazette of The Mathematical Assocation http://www.m-a.org.uk/eb/mg/\n*The Journal of Mathematics and Computer Education http://www.ashbacher.com/jmace.stm\n*Quantum: The Magazine of Math and Science http://www.nsta.org/quantum/\n*LMS Undergraduate Project Archive http://maths.abdn.ac.uk/maths/department/services/lms/projread.html\n*DIMACS: Center for Discrete Mathematics and Computer Science - Open Problems for Undergraduates http://dimacs.rutgers.edu/~hochberg/undopen/\n*The Geometry Junkyard http://www1.ics.uci.edu/~eppstein/junkyard/open.html\n*MathSoft Unsolved Problems http://www.mathsoft.com/asolve/ \n\n!Sample Projects\nIf you want to see some previous talks and papers, go to the [[Past Talks]] link.

Dr. Russell L. Herman, a mathematical physicist, is a Professor in the [[Department of Mathematics and Statistics|http://www.uncw.edu/math/]] at [[UNC Wilmington|http://www.uncw.edu/]], teaches for the [[Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography|http://www.uncw.edu/phy/]] and has been a Faculty Associate for the [[Center for Teaching Excellence|http://www.uncw.edu/cte/]]. He is ~Editor-in-Chief of [[The Journal of Effective Teachinghttp://people.uncw.edu/hermanr/ET/]] and has recently been honored with [[teaching awards|http://people.uncw.edu/hermanr/teaching.htm]].\n\nHis interests include topics in nonlinear evolution equations, soliton perturbation theory, fluid dynamics, relativity, quantum mechanics, chaos and dynamical systems, signal analysis and investigations into instructional uses of technology in mathematics and science.\n\n''Office:'' Bear Hall 124\n''Phone:'' (910)962-3722\n''Web Page:'' [[http://people.uncw.edu/hermanr/|http://people.uncw.edu/hermanr/teaching.htm]]\n''Email:'' [[hermanr@uncw.edu|hermanr@uncw.edu]]

This is the tentative schedule for the class.\n\n|!Month|!Day|!Class Topic|!Assignments Due|\n| Aug | 19 |Introduction / LaTeX | |\n| | 26 |[[LaTeXPractice]] |Name Advisor & Topic Choices |\n| Sep | 2 |[[Mathematics Writing|resources/advice-on-writing-and-reading-mathematics.html]] |[[First Assignment]]: Official Topic Proposal |\n| | 9 |Student Progress Reports |Literature List / Reproduce the [[Math Expressions|resources/math-expressions.pdf]] |\n| | 16 |How to do Presentations | |\n| | 23 |Mathematics in Presentations / LaTeX Tips |Draft of Introduction |\n| | 30 |Student Presentations - Initial Runs: Minges, Rocco, Archambault |First 8-12 slides - Title, History, Intro, Bibliography |\n| Oct | 14 |Student Presentations - Initial Runs: Johnson, Strickland, Tyndall | |\n| | 21 |Student Presentations - Full Run: Minges |Draft - Introduction, Body, Bibliography; Second 16-24 slides |\n| | 28 |Student Presentations - Full Run: Rocco | |\n| Nov | 4 |Student Presentations - Full Run: Archambault |Draft of Paper |\n| | 11 |Student Presentations - Full Run: Johnson |Final Schedule |\n| | 18 |Student Presentations - Full Run: Strickland |Abstract - Bio |\n| | 25 |Thanksgiving | |\n| Dec | 2 |Student Presentations - Full Run: Tyndall |Final Paper |\n\nThis schedule might be updated once the class size has been established since it depends on the number of students enrolled. It is possible that additional classes might be scheduled near the end of the semester in order to accommodate the class size and get in enough practice presentations. \n

Seminar in Mathematics

MAT 495

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''Course:'' MAT 495\n''Instructor:'' Dr. Michael Freeze\n''Prerequisite:'' Junior or senior standing and consent of instructor.\n''Course Description:'' See [[Course Description]]\n\n''Course Goals''\nStudents will gain experience in working on their own outside the classroom, carefully reading and understanding mathematical literature, organizing and writing a mathematical paper, and giving a mathematical talk. The student will choose a paper in the mathematics literature in line with the student's background and under the supervision of a member of the department (referred to here as the //advisor//). Students will apply and synthesize knowledge from their previous course work. They will demonstrate these goals while learning to communicate mathematical ideas as they revise both their paper and presentation.\n\n''The Timeline''\nEach student in the Senior Seminar will work under a faculty member who will serve as the student's advisor and will be part of the Mathematics Advisory Committee along with the MAT 495 instructor. Since students are expected to work on the paper and presentation consistently throughout the semester, they will be evaluated on how well they adhere to the [[Time Table]]. \n\n''Attendance Policy''\nStudents are required to meet with the instructor on the assigned dates (as well as at any other mutually arranged times) and to attend all of the student presentations. Students are also expected to meet with their advisor several times a month throughout the term. Failing to meet any of these requirements may be grounds for receiving an F in this course.\n\n''Student Responsibilities''\n* Read and understand the chosen article and related papers, the number depending on the difficulty of the original article. The chosen article should be acceptable to the committee.\n* Write a research paper on the chosen topic. The body of the paper should be approximately ten to twelve typewritten pages using LaTeX. All papers must have a title, an abstract, an introduction, a conclusion, and a bibliography. \n* Provide the instructor and advisor the rough draft and the final draft of the paper on schedule, and make all suggested revisions.\n* Provide the instructor with the presentation title and abstract of at most fifty words according to the schedule.\n* Do several draft presentations in class, at least one draft presentation with the advisor and several practice presentations during the two weeks prior to the public presentation. Use any suggestions from these sessions to improve the final presentation.\n* Present the final 40 to 45 minute presentation at the scheduled time and preside over a question-discussion period of 5-10 minutes immediately following.\n* Attend and participate in each of the class presentations and write an evaluation of one of them.\n* Adhere to all deadlines!\n\n''Method of Evaluation''\nYour grades will be based upon your paper, presentation and punctuality in completing all assigned work. Evaluation of both the written paper and the oral presentation will be conducted by the instructor, the advisor. An additional faculty member present at the talk may also be called upon for input. These evaluations will be based on the criteria described in the sections [[Paper]] and [[Presentation]]. Presentations significantly less than 45 minutes will not receive an A. The student is also expected to adhere to the course schedule which is tentatively provided under the [[Time Table]] and responsibilities outlined above.\n\nYour final grade will be based on\n|Draft Presentation|15%|\n|Final Presentation|25%|\n|Draft Paper|10%|\n|Final Paper|15%|\n|Class Work|15%|\n|Attendance|10%|\n|Adherence to Schedule|10%|\n\n\n''Academic Honor Code''\n From the Student Handbook:\n<<<\nThe University of North Carolina at Wilmington is committed to the proposition that the pursuit of truth requires the presence of honesty among all involved. It is therefore the institution's stated policy that no form of dishonesty among its faculty or students will be tolerated. Although all members of the university community are encouraged to report occurrences of dishonesty, each individual is principally responsible for his or her own honesty. (//This includes plagiarism, bribery and cheating.//)\n<<<\n\n''Disabilities''\nUNCW Disability Services supplies information about disability law, documentation procedures and accommodations that can be found at [[http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/disability/|http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/disability/]]. To obtain accommodations the student should first contact Disability Services and present their documentation to the coordinator for review and verification.\n\n''Acknowledgement''\nSome ideas have been adapted from the [[Berea College Syllabus|http://community.berea.edu/mathandcomputerscience/sensem/SenSemSyl.html]].

A tentative [[Schedule]] for the class and deadlines for working on your paper and presentation has been provided. A general time table follows:\n\nAs soon as possible, students will meet with their advisor and will select a topic. By the second meeting with the advisor, they will select their primary resource(s). After that time the student is expected to meet at least weekly with their advisor, going over background materials and reading, analyzing, and understanding the selected paper(s). Part of your grade will be based upon input from your advisor as to how often you met, how you carried through with the project, and your final presentation. \n\nThe student will present the topic proposal and name their advisor by the ''second class meeting''. At the ''third class meeting'' they will present a written and detailed description of the research topic. At the next class meeting the student will provide a list of primary resources and orally describe their research topic. The main resource should be a mathematical publication, or preprint, acceptable to both the advisor and instructor. The topic should be of sufficient depth, going beyond what is typically covered in coursework.\n\nStudents are expected to meet the deadline for the first draft of the paper to be turned in to the course instructor. After making the needed revisions, students will give a copy to both the instructor and advisor. Students may receive additional corrections and are to make the corrections and deliver the final paper to the instructor. \n\nAfter completing their papers, students in the Seminar will complete their presentations. They will submit the presentation title, an abstract and pick a date and time for the presentation in consultation with the advisor and instructor. Students will give an an introductory talk after the break, using at least 8 prepared slides. This should include a title page, a bibliography, a statement of the problem, and some background and history.\n\nThe second presentation will follow a few weeks later. These presentations should have at least 16 slides. Final classroom drafts will be presented near the end of the semester. At these designated times the students will practice their talks in front of the class and instructor. (Depending upon class size, additional time outside of class may need to be scheduled.) Any suggested revisions should be made after each presentation. It is advised that students practice the final presentation several times with their advisor as well as practicing without any faculty member present. \n\n''Every student enrolled in MAT 495 must attend all final presentations.'' The final presentations will be open to students, faculty, and the public. Dates will be selected so that all members of the class, the instructor, and the advisor can be present. The schedule for the talks will be posted ast least a week before the presentations.

  [[Syllabus]]   |   [[Time Table]]   |   [[Schedule]]  |   ''[[Letter to Advisor|resources/mat-495-advisor-letter.pdf]]''

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