Math Department (Thesis/2008-09)

To: All Junior Mathematics Majors

As you are probably aware, all mathematics majors are required to write a senior thesis to fulfill the college-wide senior writing requirement. Interdepartmental majors may elect to write a mathematics thesis or choose to satisfy the requirement in their other department.

The purpose of this letter is to explain your options and ask you to consult the Thesis Topics Page on the Math Department Web site. There you will find a list of potential thesis topics and a thesis preference form where you will be asked to rank your top four choices for your thesis. Feel free to discuss these alternatives with any of us in the department and please complete the preference form as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, May 2.

You will need to choose among the following two options:

1. ONE-TERM THESIS: A one-term thesis carries one course credit and normally is completed in the fall or winter of your senior year. Because of the short period of time, those selecting this option will be expected to do some preliminary work (chosen in consultation with their thesis advisor) before the start of their thesis term.
2. TWO-TERM THESIS: A two-term thesis carries two course credits and normally is completed in the fall and winter term of the senior year. A pass or fail grade will be assigned in the first term, and an ordinary letter grade will be given in the second term. This option is considerably more substantial and demanding than a one-term thesis and is most often chosen by students hoping to graduate with honors.

A student pursuing honors in mathematics must write an honors thesis. See me for details. A list of additional honors requirements is available on line and in the mathematics department office.

Please feel free to contact me or any other member of the department with questions or concerns about the thesis requirement. We hope that your thesis experience will be a rewarding and stimulating one.

Sincerely, Davide P. Cervone, Chair Department of Mathematics

Math Department web pages Created: 25 Apr 2007 Last modified: 25 Apr 2008 15:33:00 Comments to: math@union.edu

Thesis Topics - K. Black Thesis Topics for 2008-2009