Comprehensive Problem Set and Problem Solving Seminar

Each MST student will be required to complete a comprehensive problem set developed by a committee appointed by the department's graduate committee in conjunction with the MST directors. This problem set should include problems which require participants to use knowledge gained throughout the MST experience, problems presented in an unfamiliar situation where the students need to use what they have learned to solve the problem, and situations which ask the participants to learn a new mathematical concept or strategy and use this knowledge to solve problems. Students will complete the problem set during their third summer in conjunction with a problem solving seminar.

Problem Set Evaluation

The problem set will be due prior to the last wee of the participant's final summer session. Indvividual oral presentations will be scheduled for each student during the last week of the program. At the oral presentation the committee will have the opportunity to determine the participant's depth of mathematical understanding and ability to communicate mathematics. Questions asked by the committee might include vatiations on the assigned problems as well as other mathematical problems based on the participant's MST experience. If necessary, suggestions for improvement will be given to the student along with a process and deadline for completing the problem set.