Presenters: Beth Newton, Mary Abkemeier, Anne Grice and Kay Graves, Fontbonne University
Title: Undergraduates Communicating Mathematics - Writing and Presentation at the Core of the Undergraduate Mathematics Curriculum
Abstract: Leamnson and others have written about the critical role that the use of language plays in the development of critical thinking by undergraduates. Future employers of these students, upon graduation, emphasize the need for effective written and oral communication of technical material. In accord with these ideas, and in the belief that critical thinking and effective mathematical thinking go hand-in-hand, the Fontbonne University mathematics curriculum incorporates formal writing and presentation assignments into virtually all undergraduate courses. The department has developed, publishes in-house, and distributes to students the standards by which faculty evaluate student writing of mathematics in all lower division courses. Additional specific standards exist for the written exposition of statistical analyses, which are used in the department’s statistics courses at both lower and upper division levels. A similar set of standards has been devised for written exposition of mathematical models in a course on this topic.
Student oral presentations are also included in many courses, although this aspect of the curriculum has not been developed as systematically as the writing component. However, student presentations on historical developments in mathematics and/or on applications of specific topics are common. The department has developed rubrics for the evaluation of such presentations. Both the writing and oral presentation components reach their culmination in the department’s senior capstone course. In the break-out session, the presenters propose to share their published standards, examples of typical assignments, and discuss the apparent results to date. Suggestions of similar assignments and related considerations from the audience will be welcome.



Presenter: Lisa Mantini, Oklahoma State University
Title: "One part geometry, two parts algebra, and a dash of chemical physics -- an undergraduate course at OSU on Finite Groups and Representations."
Abstract: We discuss the outline of an undergraduate course introducing the subject of finite groups and their representations to a diverse audience including majors in mathematics, secondary education, chemistry, and mechanical engineering. A substantial portion of the course treats three-dimensional geometry and symmetry in a hands-on way, using three dimensional models of archimedean solids and of actual and hypothetical molecules, emphasizing integration of student understanding from several different perspectives (algebraic manipulation of matrices and the corresponding physical motions induced on the models). The course also treats the algebraic theory of representations and characters, from computational and theoretical viewpoints. Finally, the application of using group theory to analyze molecular vibrations is treated in detail. Course topics will be illustrated with sample assignments and exam questions.



Presenter: John Lopez and Bruno Welfert, Arizona State University
Title: Trials & Tribulations In Establishing A New B.S. Degree In Computational Mathematical Sciences At A.S.U.
Abstract: This session discusses our experiences in establishing a new bachelor of science degree in computational Mathematical Sciences at Arizona State University, including the following topics:
1. an historical background motivating the introduction of the new degree;
2. an overview of the program curriculum;
3. a description of internal an external constraints on the program - how to balance flexibility with specific goals;
4. details of newly developed core courses in Differential Equations, Linear Algebra and Scientific Computing.



Presenter: Kathy Heid
Title: The CBMS MET Report: What does it mean for the mathematics education of secondary school mathematics teachers?
Abstract: This breakout session will open discussion of the implications of the MET Report for the preparation of secondary teachers of mathematics at the algebra level and beyond. The presenter will open discussion with a brief summary of highlights in the MET Report and a few models for thinking about the mathematics needed by secondary teachers. Participants will have some time to share short examples of approaches to mathematics for secondary teachers.



Presenter: Dennis DeTurck, University of Pennsylvania
Title: Examples of courses designed to attract students to mathematics – one for liberal arts majors and one for math majors
Abstract: This session will focus on two courses that serve to attract students to the study of mathematics. The first is a version of the old "liberal-arts math" course that uses Web-based computing as a paradigm for mathematical thinking. The second course, "Mathematics in the Age of Information", is intended for students who, after completing the calculus requirement for another major, rarely take further math. It uses a case-study approach to show majors and non-majors how to use and learn computing and mathematics in the context of real-world problems.



Presenter: Arthur Heinricher, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Title: Industrial Mathematics: A Different Kind of Real Analysis
Abstract: First Question: What is Industrial Mathematics? One answer is real problems of immediate interest in business and industry. I'll describe how industrial projects fit into WPI's undergraduate program. I will also describe the process used at WPI in developing and maintaining connections with business and industry.

Second Question: Can undergraduate students solve mathematical problems of interest to business and industry? The answer is yes. I'll describe the Center for Industrial Mathematics and Statistics at WPI and several industrial projects recently completed by students. I will focus on the role of the faculty advisor in keeping mathematics and student learning at the center of the project experience.



Presenter: Steven Krantz, Washington University
Title: Opening Up The Math Curriculum And Major
Abstract: The tradition in mathematics instruction at the university level has been (implicitly) to suppose that the members of the class are little future mathematicians. Certainly the reform movement has taught us that such is not the case. It is appropriate, and long overdue, for us to teach our classes with our true audience in mind. Likewise, it is incorrect to suppose even that mathematics majors are headed towards being academic mathematicians. Today, a math major could end up working on the genome project, or for Hewlett-Packard, or for the Social Security Administration (to name just a few of the great many possibilities). Again, we must adjust our curriculum to come to grips with these new realities. I would like this breakout session to discuss ways to help our basic math classes and our math majors meet and engage the students that we actually have.



Presenter: Amy Cohen, Rutgers University
Title: Reconfiguring a Major in Biomathematics
Abstract: Rutgers has recently revised a moribund major in Biomathematics. This session will discuss (1.) how we inherited it from Biological Sciences; (2.) how we discovered that much needed fixing; (3.) how we negotiated the fix; (4.) what the new program and new course offerings look like. Other topics will include (5) advertising it on a communication-challenged campus; (6) REU opportunities; and (7) keeping in touch with related disciplines, grad programs and potential employers.



Presenter: Eric Robinson, Ithaca College
Title: Helping Teachers to Help Students
Abstract: In this session we will take a closer look at some of the different things teachers are being asked to accomplish in the high school mathematics classroom by looking at some examples of mathematics curriculum. We will then discuss how these might be incorporated or supported in an undergraduate mathematics program.