Research Tutorial Groups (RTGs)

During the spring semester of the first year, MATH 596G is taken for one unit. Faculty members present short lectures focused on current research topics across the mathematical sciences. These presentations are designed to introduce students to diverse active research areas in the department, provide context for potential RTG projects, and help students identify topics of interest for deeper study. By the end of the spring semester, students will have an overview of several research directions and be prepared to select an RTG project for the following fall.

Spring Course Expectations: Assignments and Duties

• Contact the speaker ahead of time to introduce yourself and confirm seminar logistics.
• Send the title and abstract to the Graduate Coordinator for posting ahead of time.
• Assist the speaker with technical needs such as connections or screen sharing.
• Introduce the speaker to the audience at the start of the seminar.
• Moderate the question session after the talk.
• Prepare at least one question to ensure discussion if needed.
• Remind attendees to upload their seminar sheets to D2L immediately after the session.

In the fall semester following the initial spring course, students enroll in three additional units of MATH 596G. During this phase, each student finds a faculty mentor and research project. The fall term focuses on carrying out a structured research training experience, meeting regularly with the mentor, developing early research skills, and preparing a final paper and presentation delivered at the end of the semester. The goal of this semester is to do a project limited to one semester that has the elements of research training for the given field and is done individually or in a group setting rather than as a class.

Fall Course Expectations: Assignments and Duties