MATH 450: GUIDELINES FOR FINAL PAPER
Spring 2013
In this paper you are to explore in depth a topic in mathematics. This should not be something from a previous course, though a previous course may suggest a good topic to explore. You are expected to seek out references and to learn about this topic.
However, the paper is to be more than a synthesis of what you find in your references.
You should go beyond that, to contribute something of yourself and show that you have deeply understood the topic.
What are some ways you could demonstrate this deep understanding? It will vary considerably, depending on your topic and on yourself. An actuarial student might apply financial mathematics to a specific situation and discuss the implications for the customer or for the company. Another student might explore engineering applications of a particular theory or technique from differential equations or from stochastic methods. A secondary education student could choose a mathematical subject and plan in detail how to teach it over a term. Perhaps you might examine the use of group theory in factoring large prime numbers and how this has transformed cryptography in recent years. Finding a suitable topic is the first, and perhaps the hardest, part of the paper.
Calendar
1.
Thursday Feb. 21: Submit a one-page proposal.
2.
Tuesday February 26 : Submit your poster abstract to undergradresearch@bellarmine.edu
(and copy me on this email).
3.
Friday March 1 : Submit a list of potential resources for your paper.
4.
Feb. 22 – Apr. 15: Meet with your faculty mentor to work on your paper.
5.
Friday March 1: Submit a list of potential references.
6.
Wednesday March 27 : First draft of the paper is due.
7.
Monday April 15 : Poster presentations in Frazier Hall
8.
Tuesday April 16: Final draft of the paper is due in class.
9.
Apr. 16 – Apr. 29: Prepare your presentation.
10.
Tuesday April 30: Final presentations
The Proposal (15 points)
This should include a tentative title, a paragraph/abstract describing what you plan to write about, a brief outline of possible contents, and the name of the faculty member who has agreed to serve as mentor for your project.
The Resource List (15 points)
This should include at least five potential sources for your paper, properly cited. At least half must be non-Internet sources. You may use additional resources as you work on your project; this is to demonstrate that you have made a substantial beginning.
The first draft (20 points)
This should be at least five pages. Include an introduction, a conclusion, and all section headings.

Some details

The paper should be 10-15 pages, double-spaced in 12 pt. font.

The paper should be written for an audience of your peers, i.e. for senior mathematics majors.

There should be an introduction that informs the reader of where the paper will take them and a conclusion that summarizes the work.

There should be considerable non-trivial mathematical content beyond what you have learned in other classes. The mathematics must be correctly and clearly explained for your audience. Bear in mind that not everyone has taken the same courses you have.

The paper should synthesize information from a variety of appropriate resources. The large majority of your resources should be peer-reviewed journals or books. Let me know if I can help locate some appropriate resources for you.

You should make clear what your own contribution to the topic is. That is, show how you relate or apply the material to an area of interest to you.

Presentation and organization are major concerns.

Style, grammar, and spelling are important and will be included in your grade.

References must be cited within the paper.

You should include complete bibliographic information, with several sources.

Turn in TWO copies of the final draft.
You should also refer to the rubric on the course website. Remember that this project counts for a third of your course grade.