University of Nebraska Lincoln Department of Mathematics

1
University of Nebraska Lincoln Department of
Mathematics

• Matt Koetz
• Jim Lewis
• John Meakin

2
First year Introduction to discipline and
department

• Fall Orientation Dinner at Chairs home
• Common core of courses
• Common office location
• Initial teaching experience/calculus reci
• Social opportunities for faculty and students
• Mathematical Landscape Seminar

3
Introduction to the research enterprise

• Performance in core courses and exams
• Participation in research seminars
• Read selected research papers
• Weekly meetings with research advisor

4
Significant Transition

• The Qualifying Exam
• 85 who pass get a Ph.D.
• Transition from basic coursework to research
• Tests broad knowledge at level of a strong
  undergraduate degree/1st year graduate work

5
Dissertation and defense

• Long-term problems vs fall-back problem
• Search for counterexample vs a proof
• PhD Supervisory Committee has a minor role
• Mathematical taste is a byproduct of good
  mentoring
• Thesis should result in two good papers

6
Learning to teach

• Calculus and calculators workshop
• Mentoring of recitation instructors
• Teaching your own course
• Creating a culture that values teaching
• Special opportunities
• Awards

7
Innovation

• Qualifying Exam Workshop
• Summer introduction to research

8
Novel Idea

• Graduate student exchange