Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Math 4800 - Undergraduate Research Topics
This course provides a research experience in a familiar course setting. Topics vary every semester.Spring 2013 Math 4800: Polynomials, Instructor:Aaron Bertram.
Description: This course will be a mixture of algebraic geometry, number theory and some topics of a contemporary nature. It is about polynomials in one and several variables: their algebraic properties, the geometry of their real, complex and tropical solution sets, and the number theory of their rational and integer solution sets. Polynomials have fascinated mathematicians for thousands of years, and yet most people probably can't say a single intelligent thing about them. You will have lots to say after taking this course.Introduction to research projects
The student works with a faculty mentor on exploring an area of mathematics not usually taught in standard classes. Mentor and advisor meet weekly throughout the semester to discuss topics from relevant text or journal article readings. These projects may sometimes be appropriate as preludes to independent projects, in cases where the ultimate research area requires a lot of prerequisite knowledge. At the end of the semester, the REU student produces a final expository paper on aspects of their research.VIGRE Independent REU Program
Students from different academic disciplines (mathematics, engineering, biology, physics, computer science, etc.) are encouraged to participate in a research project with a faculty member or in a summer program at the University of Utah or elsewhere. We offer both summer and academic year Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs).For more information: consult with a faculty member you would be interested in working with, or the Undergraduate Research Coordinator/Director of Undergraduate Studies:
Fernando Guevara Vasquez
212 LCB
801/581-7467
fguevara(AT)math.utah.edu
Undergraduate Research Scholar Designation
Students fulfilling certain qualifications may have the designation of "Undergraduate Research Scholar" appear in the awards section of their transcript.Why? An independent research project is excellent preparation for graduate school, teaching, research, or a job in industry. It is also fun and challenging. You'll learn things in a completely new way when you work independently, but with the help of a faculty mentor.
How? Choose an undergraduate research advisor (a faculty member) and a problem or topic to work on. If you desire, you may apply for funding, either through the math department's VIGRE REU program or the Office of Undergraduate Studies' UROP program. Visit our REU pages to see past research projects, possible projects, and potential mentors.
What? Whatever you do --- solve a problem, prove a theorem, develop a computer model, find a new way of teaching or explaining a topic -- you will write up the results in a paper accessible to other undergraduate students.
When? Usually during the junior or senior year.
Research Related Links