Fall 2018 - MATH 498 D100

Communication and Research Skills in the Mathematical Sciences (1)

Class Number: 4446

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Jonathan Jedwab
    1 778 782-3337
  • Corequisites:

    MATH 499W

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Students will develop skills required for mathematical research. This course will focus on communication in both written and oral form. Students will write documents and prepare presentations in a variety of formats for academic and non-academic purposes. The LaTeX document preparation system will be used. Course will be given on a pass/fail basis.

COURSE DETAILS:

Learning Objectives

Main Outcome:
At the completion of this course, the successful student should be able to transform and reorganize mathematical ideas across different communication formats.   Additionally, at the completion of this course the successful student should be able to: 

  • Produce professional quality mathematical documents and presentation materials respecting the conventions and requirements of chosen format;
  • Produce a 30 page thesis document based on their research;
  • Present a mathematical topic in a clear, thoughtful presentation;
  • Assess and consider the audience needs, and the goals of the message in order to adapt the presentation of mathematical information, both in oral and written forms; 
  • Solicit and integrate feedback about their work;
  • Support classmates by giving objective, useful feedback. 

Assessment:
The pass/fail grade will reflect your participation during the whole course. Students are expected to be present at all lectures. Should you know that you will not be able to attend certain classes, contact the instructor in advance so that some alternative activities can be found to complete the course. In class participation is essential for a passing grade.  

You will submit a participation portfolio that must contain the following components:
- Output of weekly in-class activities (to be detailed weekly)
- Abstract of honours thesis
- One page outline of honours thesis
- 12 page short form of thesis results
- letter-sized print out of long presentation slides  

In addition, you will be graded on 5 minute oral presentation in-class   The long presentations required for MATH499 credit will occur during MATH 498 class time. To obtain a PASS grade, the student must achieve a mark 75% on both the portfolio, and the presentations components.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS