Guide to Graduate
Studies
APPLIED MATHEMATICS
Florida State
University
Last modified: 1 October 2006
Contents
Foreword
1. Advanced Degrees:
Synopsis of Requirements
1.1
MA or MS
1.2
PhD
1.3
Areas of Specialization for A Master's Degree or Doctorate
2. Your First Semester
2.1
Adapting to Your New Environment
2.2
Preparing To Be a Graduate Student
2.3
Preparing To Be a Research Assistant
2.4
Preparing To Be a Teaching Assistant
3. Planning Your
Course of Studies
3.1
Regular Courses
3.2
Special Topics Courses
3.3
Directed Individual Study (DIS)
3.4
Sample Schedules
3.5
Colloquia and Seminars
4. Beyond Your First
Semester
4.1
What Constitutes Normal Progress
4.2
Your Supervisory Committee
4.3
Revising Your Plans
5.Examinations
5.1
Master's Comprehensive Examination (MCE)
5.2
Master's Thesis Defense
5.3
Doctoral Preliminary Examination
5.4
Doctoral Dissertation Defense
6.Writing a Thesis,
Prospectus or Dissertation
6.1
General Requirements
6.2
Master's Thesis
6.3
PhD Prospectus
6.4
PhD Dissertation
7. Getting the
Most Out of Your Graduate Studies
7.1
Becoming a Scholar
7.2
Broadening Your Professional Horizons
8. Recreational
Activities
9. Application for
a Degree
9.1
Degree Requiring a Thesis or Dissertation
9.2
Receiving a Doctorate at Commencement
APPENDICES
A.
Faculty and Their Research Projects
B.
Computer Resources in Mathematics
C.
Using the Library System
D.
Checklists of Degree Requirements
E.
Obtaining an Application
Foreword
Welcome to Florida State University's Graduate Program
in Applied and Computational Mathematics. The faculty hopes that your
time in the program
will be both productive and enjoyable.
The program is designed to transform you from
student to professional mathematician, mathematical scientist,
computational
scientist, or simply a
professional with specialized knowledge in applied and computational
mathematics. The award of a master's degree signifies
that you have specialized knowledge of mathematics from which to
advance
to positions of responsibility in education, government or industry, or
with which to enter a doctoral program. The award of a doctorate degree
signifies
that you are recognized as an authority in applied and computational
mathematics and are
qualified to join the international community of scholars as a member
of
faculty in a college or university, or as a research scientist in a
university,
in industry, in a government organization or in a variety of other
institutions.
The purpose of this guide is to facilitate your
progress through graduate school by providing details of the program,
its
faculty and staff, and its degree requirements. It is intended to be
read
once in its entirety on admission to the program, and subsequently to
be
consulted for specific information through the index at the back. The
guide
complements the 2005-2007 FSU Graduate Bulletin and the
2005-2007 FSU General Bulletin. But it does not replace them,
and
the ultimate
responsibility for being in compliance with university regulations is
yours.
This is the fifth edition of the Guide to
Graduate Studies in Applied and Computational Mathematics at FSU.
The originals were
due to the efforts of Dr. Michael Mesteron-Gibbons, and his efforts are
hereby acknowledged. The guide will be updated from year to year, and
suggestions
for improvements are always welcome.
1
Advanced Degrees: Synopsis of Requirements
The graduate program in applied and computational mathematics at FSU
provides a course of studies leading to the degree of Master of Arts
(MA),
Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mathematics.
This
section contains a synopsis of degree requirements. Checklists of
degree
requirements appear in Appendix D. You can also find information at the
University's
Web site.
To obtain a master's in applied and computational mathematics you must
complete the required number of semester hours of graduate courses (See
Section 1.1.3 below), including at least 22 semester hours in courses
offered
by this department. These courses must include the core courses
outlined in (a), (b), and (c):
a. Method of Applied Mathematics I, II (MAP 5165, MAP
5932*) or Applied Analysis I, II (MAP 5932*, MAP 5932*);
b.
Foundation of Computational Mathematics I, II (MAD 5403, MAD 5404).
c. Elementary Partial Differential Equations (MAP5345, MAP
5346).
In addition, it is required to
complete one of the two options given in 1.1.1.
1.1.1 Complete one of the following two
options, thesis option: either write and successfully defend a thesis;
or
course-type option: pass the Master's Comprehensive Examination (MCE).
The
MCE is part of the prelim examinations, in which the tests on two core
courses are offered twice every academic year (see Section 5.3); and
the specialty part is given by a committee comprised of three
professors.
1.1.2 For a course-type program, the required
number of graduate semester hours is 32; for a thesis-type program the
required number of hours is 30, including at least six (6) in MAT
5971r. However, this must be done in
consultation with the major professor and DAM.
To obtain a PhD in applied mathematics, you must complete the cores
courses outlined above and above all
else you must establish your credentials for independent scholarly work
by making sufficient original contributions to the scientific
literature.
You are considered successful in this regard if you defend your
dissertation
successfully. (See Sections 5.4 and 6.4.) In addition, you must
demonstrate:
- Broad knowledge of applicable mathematics and the
modeling skills to
apply it
- In-depth knowledge of at least one area of application,
together with the ability to identify both unsolved problems and
worthwhile
approaches to their solution
- Proficiency in a minor area of study
- Significant teaching experience
- A high degree of commitment to the mission and integrity
of the academic community
- Reading knowledge of a foreign language at the discretion
of your supervisory
committee.
- Compliance with all other University and College
requirements
In practice, you satisfy these extra conditions as
follows:
1.2.1 You are considered to have demonstrated
broad knowledge of applicable mathematics and associated modellng
skills
if you pass the written part of the Doctoral Preliminary Examination
(DPE) in two core areas,
which is offered twice a year and a specialty part of DPE (see
Section 5.3.1) .
1.2.2 To proceed beyond the DPE you must
prepare a prospectus of your proposed dissertation.
You are considered to have demonstrated in-depth knowledge of at least
one area of application, together with the ability to identify both
unsolved
problems and worthwhile approaches to their solution, if you defend
this
prospectus successfully, it indicates
your aptitude and preparedness for independent research. See Sections
5.3.2
and 6.3.
1.2.3 You are considered to have demonstrated
proficiency in a minor area of study ;if you have completed six
semester
hours in an approved mathematics related minor with a grade point
average
(GPA) of at least 3.0. But see Section 7.1.2.
1.2.4 You demonstrate a degree of commitment
to the mission and integrity of the academic community by - in addition
to all the above - attending seminars and colloquia regularly and
abiding
by the Academic Honor Code (see FSU Graduate
Bulletin) throughout your graduate studies.
1.2.5 You are considered to have reading
knowledge of a foreign language if you pass the corresponding reading
examination. See the FSU Graduate Bulletin.
1.2.6 You have satisfied all other University
and College requirements if you are in compliance with the regulations
described on the FSU Graduate Bulletin.
Note in particular the residency requirement. Having either completed
30
semester hours of graduate work or obtained a master's degree, you must
be continuously enrolled on the FSU campus for a minimum of 24 semester
hours in any period of 12 consecutive months. The intent of the
residency
requirement is to ensure that you contribute to, and benefit from, the
full spectrum of FSU's educational, professional and enrichment
opportunities.
Note also the time limit: all requirements for the doctoral degree must
be met within 5 calendar years of passing the DPE. Otherwise you may
be required to take and pass the DPE again.
| 1.3 Areas of
Specialization
for Master's Degree or Doctorate |
 |
|
|
Currently, you may write a PhD dissertation or master's
thesis in any area of specialization, working with one of the faculty
as
major professor. Below is a rough list of some of the areas currently
engaged
in by the faculty in Applied Mathematics to give you an idea of the
types
of topics you might choose. It is meant to be neither exhaustive nor
exclusive.
For details of faculty and their research projects, see
Appendix
A and consult the
relevant members of faculty
and their
web
pages. Got talk to them - early and often. In the end, you will
need (i). to find a topic on which you want to work and (ii). to find a
major
professor with whom you want to work, and who is willing to work with
you;
see
Section 4.2.
1.3.1
Computational Mathematics
Computational fluid dynamics with applications in
acoustics, multiphase flows, complex fluids (Hussaini, Kopriva,
Sussman, Tam, Q. Wang, Xiaoqiang Wang)
Computing applications to physical system and information
(Hussaini, Kopriva,
Magnan, Navon, Tam, Horne, Muslimani)
Finite element methods and applications (Gunzburger,
Navon, Peterson)
Computational methods (Erlebacher, Hussaini, Kopriva,
Sussman, Tam, Xiaoqiang
Wang, T. Zhang)
Numerical optimization (Hussaini and Navon)
Scientific Visualization (Hussaini and Erlebacher)
Computational rheology (Q. Wang)
Empirical modeling and data analysis. (Magnan)
Numerical methods for stochastic differential equations
(R. Tempone)
1.3.2 Fluid
dynamics
Acoustics and jet noise (Tam, Hussaini,
Kopriva)
Turbulence (Erlebacher, Hussaini and Tam)
Multiphase flow (Sussman, Q. Wang, Xiaoqiang Wang)
Combustion (Hussaini, Sussman)
Kinetic theory and continuum mechanics theory for complex
fluids and soft
matter (Q. Wang)
Fluid mechanics and rheology of complex fluids (Q. Wang)
Geophysical fluid dynamics (X. Wang)
1.3.3 Geophysics
and Astrophysics
Applications in Geophysics and Physical Oceanography
(Hussaini, X. Wang)
1.3.4 Methods of
applied mathematics and nonlinear waves
Asymptotic analysis and Perturbation theory (Q.
Wang, Z. Muslimani, R. Horne)
Bifurcation theory and applications (Magnan, Q. Wang, R.
Horne, Z. Muslimani)
Dynamical systems (Q. Wang, X. Wang, R. Horne, Z.
Muslimani)
Nonlinear dynamics and chaos (Magnan, Q. Wang, Z.
muslimani, R. Horne)
Nonlinear waves (R. Horne, Z. Muslimani, Q. Wang)
1.3.5
Applications
Computing applications in biology (Gunzburger)
Multiscale modeling and simulation of complex biological
systems and biofluids (Q. Wang, Xiaoqiang Wang, T. Zhang).
Applications in financial mathematics (R. Tempone)
Applications in atmospheric and geo-physcial sciences (Y.
Hussaini, M. Navon, X. Wang)
Applications in optical materials (Z. Muslimani, R. Horne,
Q. Wang)
PDEs with random variables (R. Tempone, Y. Hussaini)
2
Your First Semester
| 2.1 Adapting to Your New Environment |
|
|
|
2.1.1 Familiarizing yourself with your inanimate
surroundings. The day you arrive in the Mathematics Department, you
should find out where your office is and obtain a key for it from the
Program Assistant in Room 225 of the Love Building. You have a mailbox
in 208 Love,
and you are expected to check it daily. You also have a computer
account
and electronic mail address; see Appendix B. Later in the semester (but
as early as possible) you should familiarize yourself with the library
system - not just where it is but how to use it (see Appendix C) - and
similarly for the computing system.
2.1.2 Telephone-number prefixes. All telephone
numbers should be preceded by 4 when dialed on campus, by 644 when
dialed
from elsewhere within the Tallahassee area, and by 850 644 when dialed
from elsewhere in the United States.
2.1.3 Faculty, students
and staff. You should get to know the faculty and other students as
soon as possible; they are all your colleagues. Every professor is a
potential
advisor, every student a potential collaborator for a research project.
Consult the departmental staff for help with administrative problems,
about
which they are very knowledgeable. The staff, along with their areas of
specialization can be found at the on the departmental web
pages. Currently the program involves twelve faculty as follows:
Current Applied Math Faculty
| Name |
Title |
Office |
Phone |
| Erlebacher,
Gordon |
Professor |
489 DSL |
644-0186 |
| Gunzburger,
Max |
Professor |
402 DSL |
644-7060 |
| Horne,
Rudy |
Assistant Professor |
217 LOVE |
644-2488 |
| Hussaini, M.
Yousuff |
Professor and Thinking Machines Chair |
411 DSL |
644-0601 |
| Kopriva,
David |
Professor |
219 LOVE |
644-0185 |
| Muslimani,
Ziad |
Assistant Professor |
218 LOVE |
644-2295 |
| Magnan,
Jerry F. |
Associate Professor |
121 MCH |
644-2580 |
| Navon,
I. Michael |
Professor |
483 DSL |
644-6560 |
| Peterson,
Janet |
Professor |
488 DSL |
644-1979 |
| Sussman,
Mark |
Associate Professor |
002C LOVE |
644-7194 |
| Tam,
Christopher K.W. |
Professor |
314 LOVE |
644-2455 |
| Tempone, Raul |
Assistant Professor |
442 DSL |
644-4589 |
| Wang,
Qi |
Professor and Director of Applied/Comp Mathematics |
318 LOVE |
644-8712 |
| Wang,
Xiaoming. |
Professor |
312 LOVE |
644-6419 |
| Wang,
Xiaoqiang |
Assistant Professor |
469 DSL |
644-5792 |
| 2.2 Preparing To Be a Graduate
Student |
|
|
|
You are expected on arrival to know calculus, linear
algebra, some differential equations, some numerical analysis and a
programming
language, and to have some experience of mathematical modeling -
altogether,
you are expected to have taken the equivalents of at least the
following
courses (described in more detail in the 2005-2007
FSU General
Bulletin):
Complex Variables (MAA 4402), Numerical Analysis I (MAD 3703), Ordinary
Differential Equations (MAP 2302), Mathematical Modeling (MAP 4103) and
Applied Linear Algebra (MAS 3105). For fluid dynamics, you are also
expected
to have taken the equivalents of General Physics (PHY 3048-9C) and
Vector
Calculus with Introduction to Tensors (MAP 4153). Any deficiencies in
this
regard must be identified and remedied at the earliest opportunity; see
Section 2.2.1. The effect of a
deficiency will depend
on the degree you are seeking.
2.2.1 Initial advisement. During your first
week at FSU you must meet with the Director of Applied Mathematics for
an initial assignment of your academic advisor and discussion of your
program of study with your academic advisor. Each graduate student must
have an academic advisor during the course of his/her study at FSU.
Your academic advisor will assess your background in applied
mathematics, decide whether any
remedial courses are necessary, and offer you advice on planning your
course
of studies (including, in particular, which courses to take during your
first semester) in consultation with the DAM. Research assistants are
normally advised by the professors
with whom they are working.
2.2.2 Minimum and maximum course loads during
Fall or Spring semester. If you are being supported as a research
assistant
(RA) or as a teaching assistant (TA), then a minimum course load is 9
semester
hours. Lighter course loads ("underloads") require special approval
from
the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (request a Graduate
Student
Underload/Overload Permission form). Likewise, more than 15 semester
hours
is technically an overload, and also requires written approval (same
form).
Note that minimum course loads are lower during the summer term; 6
semester
hours for a teaching assistant and 9 for a research assistant are
typical,
but the precise numbers depend on the economy.
| 2.3 Preparing To Be a Research
Assistant |
|
|
|
If you are being supported as a research assistant
(RA), then you should see your employer, who is also your academic
advisor, as soon as possible after arrival
(and certainly within your first week) for initial assignment of duties
and hours of work, etc.
| 2.4 Preparing To Be a Teaching
Assistant |
|
|
|
2.4.1 Initial advisement. If you are being
supported as a teaching assistant (TA), then you are ordinarily
required
to work 20 hours a week in teaching or related duties, e.g., grading
papers.
You should see Professor Stiles in 221 Love as soon as possible after
arrival
(and certainly within your first week) for initial advisement of
duties.
2.4.2 SUSAI forms. If you are teaching
during your first (or any subsequent) semester then your students must
be given the opportunity to evaluate you by filling out SUSAI forms.
Instructions on how to obtain and administer these forms - which is
your
responsibility - will appear in your mailbox quite early in the
semester.
3
Planning Your Course of Studies
Time does not stand still, so don't waste it: Start
planning your course of studies right away. In any event, the
department
requires you during your first semester to complete a form, either the
Tentative
Program of Studies Toward Master's Degree in
Mathematics
or the (tentative)
Doctoral Program of Studies in Mathematics,
depending
of course on whether you have been admitted as a master's or doctoral
student.
So you have no choice but to think ahead. Start thinking about
research,
even if you are only a master's student, because then you retain the
option
of either taking the MCE or submitting a thesis; see Sections
1.2.2 and
6.2. Moreover,
you retain the option of
switching to the PhD track if you later discover that research is your
element. Thinking about research implies talking to the faculty,
reading
lots of books and papers and going to as many talks as possible; many
projects
arise out of chance conversations, so make sure that you have plenty of
them. Eventually, you must find both a topic for your dissertation or
thesis
and a major professor who agrees to supervise your work on that topic.
Then you need to assemble the rest of your supervisory committee
(Section
4.2); don't forget that your initial
advisors need
only be temporary.
To help you plan ahead, there follows a list of
courses in applied mathematics, together with typical schedules for
meeting
the target dates of two years for a master's degree or five years for a
PhD The courses listed in these schedules are only suggestions and much
variation is possible, subject to constraints in the FSU Graduate
Bulletin
(principally, that the course is offered when you want to take it, that
you have the prerequisite(s), and that you end up satisfying all degree
requirements). Any number of reasons might cause you to fall behind the
target dates; after all, research would not be research if you could
guarantee
to complete it within a given period of time. But bear in mind that
only
in special circumstances will the department sponsor you as a teaching
assistant for more than six years.
Information about the scheduling of classes for
a given semester appears in the FSU Directory of Classes for
that
semester. For department offerings, see the math department web
site.
Regular courses mentioned herein whose syllabi appear
in the 2001-2003
FSU General Bulletin (p. 267-268)
| MAA 4402 |
Complex Variables |
| MAP 4153 |
Vector Calculus with Introduction to Tensors |
| MAD 3703 |
Numerical Analysis I |
| MAS 3105 |
Applied Linear Algebra I |
| MAP 2302 |
Ordinary Differential Equations |
Syllabi for all of these courses appear in the 2003-2005 FSU
Graduate Bulletin. F = Fall, S = Spring, Su
= Summer, 2 = every two years, V = variable.
| MAA 5306 |
Advanced Calulus I |
F,S |
| MAA 5307 |
Advanced Calculus II |
S,Su |
| MAD
5403
|
Foundation of Computational Mathematics I |
F |
| MAD
5404
|
Foundation of Computational Mathematics II |
S |
| MAD 5420 |
Numerical Optimization |
S |
| MAD 5708 |
Numerical Analysis II |
S |
| MAD 5427 |
Numerical Optimal control of Partial Differential
Equations |
V |
| MAD 5738 |
Numerical Solution of Partial Differenital Equations
I |
F |
| MAD 5739 |
Numerical Solution of Partial Differenital Equations
II |
S,2 |
| MAD 5745 |
Spectral Methods for Partial Differential Equations |
2 |
| MAD 5757 |
High Order Finite Difference Methods for
Computational
Acoustics and Fluid Dynamics |
2 |
| MAP 5207 |
Optimization |
S,2 |
| MAP 5107 |
Mathematical Modeling |
S |
| MAP 5217 |
Calculus of Variations |
V |
| MAP 5345 |
Elementary Partial Differential Equations I |
F, Su |
| MAP 5346 |
Elementary Partial Differential Equations II |
S |
| MAP 5395 |
Finite Element Methods |
F,2 |
| MAP5165 |
Methods of Applied Mathematics I |
F |
| MAP5932* |
Methods of Applied Mathematics II |
S |
| MAP 5423 |
Complex Variables, Asymptotic Expansions and
Integral Transforms |
V |
| MAP 5431 |
Introduction to Fluid Dynamics |
F |
| MAP 5441 |
Perturbation Theory |
F,2 |
| MAD6408* |
Numerical Stochastic Differential Equations |
V |
| MAP 5513 |
Wave Propagation Theory |
F,2 |
| MAP5932* |
Applied Analysis I |
F,2 |
| MAP5932* |
Applied Analysis II |
S,2 |
| MAP6437* |
Advanced PDE I |
F,2 |
| MAP6437* |
Advanced PDE II |
S,2 |
| MAD6408* |
Numerical Linear Algebra I |
F |
| MAD6408* |
Numerical Linear Algebra II |
S |
Note: * indicates temporary number and a permanent one is in
the application
process.
| 3.2 Special Topics Courses |
|
|
|
In addition, the following special topics courses
are offered from time to time. Note that the same course numbers may be
used for quite different topics on different occasions.
| Course Number |
Title |
| MAD 6408r |
Advanced Topics in Numerical Analysis |
| MAP 6316r |
Advanced Topics in Differential Equations |
| MAP 6434r |
Advanced Topics in Hydrodynamics |
| MAP 6437r |
Advanced Topics in Applied Mathematics |
| 3.3 Directed Individual
Study (DIS) |
|
|
|
If you have particular interests or projects outside
the scope of the regular curriculum, then you may arrange with some
faculty
member to receive direction and credit for your work. The procedure for
this is to submit a DIS Approval form for one of the following two
courses:
MAT 5907r Directed Individual Study for Master's
Degree
MAT 6908r Directed Individual Study for PhD
You may use a DIS course for extended reading
on a particular topic or in a particular field of applied mathematics,
and the credit hours earned may be used to satisfy course load and
graduation
requirements.
First, however, you must find a professor who
is willing to direct your work. In this regard, you should bear in mind
that DIS courses involve faculty in additional work over and above
normal
teaching loads: The more complete your idea of what you wish to
accomplish
and the higher the reputation you have established as a graduate
student,
the greater your chance that the professor you approach will agree to
direct
you. Professors vary in their methods of handling a DIS - some require
weekly meetings, whereas others prefer written reports or meetings on a
less frequent basis - and so an acceptable arrangement must be mutually
agreed upon in each individual case.
In any event, the grade assigned for a DIS is
either S for satisfactory or U for unsatisfactory.
The following are samples of schedules that could
be followed to achieve either the master's degree by thesis or the
master's
degree in applied and computational mathematics by coursework within
the target time of two
years followed by examinations and the doctoral degree within the
target time of a further four
years. Additional course definitions are
as follows:
MAT 5946r: Supervised Teaching
MAT 5911r: Supervised Research
MAT 5971r : Master's Thesis
MAT 6980r: Dissertation for PhD
MAT 8964: Doctoral Preliminary Examination
MAT 8966: Master's Comprehensive Examination
MAT 8976: Master's Thesis Defense
MAT 8985: Defense of Dissertation
3.4.1 MS in
applied and computational mathematics by coursework: Sample
target schedule
YEAR FALL SEMESTER SPRING
SEMESTER SUMMER SEMESTER
1. MAP 5165 (3) MAP 5932*(3)
MAP 5345 (3) MAP 5346 (3)
MAD 5403 (3) MAD 5404 (3)
MAP 5431 (3) MAP 5107 (3)
MAD 5420 (3) MAD 5738 (3)
MAT 8966 (0) One Elective (2)
2. MAP 5165 (3) MAP 5932*(3)
MAP 5345 (3) MAP 5346 (3)
MAD 5403 (3) MAD 5404 (3)
MAD 5420 (3) Four Electives (11)
MAT 8966 (0)
3.4.2 Master's by
thesis: Sample target schedule
YEAR FALL SEMESTER SPRING
SEMESTER SUMMER SEMESTER
1. MAP 5165 (3) MAP 5932*(3)
MAD 5403 (3) MAD 5404 (3)
MAP 5345 (3) MAP 5346 (3)
MAT 5971r(6) MAT 8976 (0)
Two electives (6)
3.4.3 PhD: Sample
target schedule for students entering
with a master's degree in mathematics
YEAR FALL SEMESTER
SPRING SEMESTER SUMMER SEMESTER
1. MAP 5165 (3) MAP 5932*(3)
MAD 5403 (3) MAD 5404 (3)
One course (3) One course (3)
2. Three courses (9) Three courses (9)
MAT 8964 (0)
3. MAT 5911r (9) MAP 6480r (9)
or MAP 6480r (18)
4. MAT 6980r (9) MAT 6980r (8)
MAT 8985r(0)
| 3.5 Colloquia and Seminars |
|
|
|
The department expects you to attend colloquia and
seminars regularly. You are encouraged to attend both the departmental
colloquium on Fridays at 3:30 p.m. in 101 Love and the advanced seminar
in either applied mathematics (MAP 6939r) or scientific computing (MAD
6939r), or an equivalent, whenever they are held. The schedules can be
found on the departmental
web
site.
In any event, if you have already passed the Doctoral Preliminary
Examination
then you are actually required to enroll for the advanced seminar
whenever
it is held while you are in residence; see Section
5.3.3.
4
Beyond Your First Semester
Some things you did in your first semester may never
have to be done again, e.g., familiarizing yourself with the library
and
computer system; and some things you did in your first semester must
always
be repeated every semester, e.g., satisfying course load requirements,
attending colloquia regularly and administering SUSAI forms (whenever
you
are teaching). By contrast, this and the following section are mainly
about
isolated events beyond your first semester.
| 4.1 What Constitutes Normal
Progress? |
|
|
|
By the start of your second year, you should have
found a permanent major professor (Section
4.2.1.)
and a supervisory committee (Section
4.2.2);
if
you haven't, then you are not making normal progress. You should see
your
major professor at least once a semester to discuss your progress and
revise,
if necessary, your program of studies. Thus, to a large extent, you are
making normal progress if your major professor says you are.
Subject to the availability of funds, the Department
continues its support of students who are making normal progress toward
a degree. The sample schedules in Section 3.4
are indicative of normal progress for students who enter the program
with
no previous graduate work. Students with graduate training elsewhere
should
normally graduate sooner; for example, a student with a Master's degree
would probably be able to begin at the second year of the schedule for
the Doctorate. Once a student has passed the Doctoral Preliminary
Examination,
the student must make an annual progress report to the DAM or Chair.
It should be noted explicitly that there is no
"entitlement" to a certain number of years of support, and, although
there
is certainly a wide range as to what constitutes normal progress,
students
who are not making normal progress may find their support terminated.
Although
taking a year longer than the schedule indicates to complete the
requirements
for the doctorate is within the normal range, support may be extended
beyond
that point only in special circumstances, and only in cases in which it
appears that the student is near completion of the requirements for the
degree.
| 4.2 Your Supervisory Committee |
|
|
|
During their first year, all new students except
research assistants have the same supervisory committee, one of whom
acts
as temporary major professor; see Section
2.2.1.
This arrangement need only be temporary, and expires at the end of the
first year. By that time you should have found yourself a permanent
major
professor.
4.2.1 Choosing a major professor. A good
relationship with your major professor is critical to the success of
your
graduate studies. It is therefore vital that you make an informed
decision
concerning whom you would like to direct your studies. Find out as much
as possible about who the faculty are (see Appendix A)
and what they do (read their publications) before asking one of them to
be your major professor. Remember, however, that few professors will be
inclined to agree until they know you well enough for you to make a
favorable
impression on them. So make one! (Section 7
contains
some pertinent advice).
4.2.2 Completing your committee. Regardless
of whether you are a master's or a PhD student, you will need at least
two additional committee members. If you are a master's student, then
at
least one of the two additional members must be a math professor (and
both
must have master's directive status). If you are a PhD student, then at
least one of the two additional members must belong to a separate
department
- i.e., must NOT be a math professor (and both must have doctoral
directive
status). A good relationship with committee members is also important
to
the success of your graduate studies, and so the above remarks still
apply.
In any event, you must submit either the Master's
Supervisory Committee form or the Doctoral Supervisory Committee
form, whichever is appropriate to DAM for the purpose of the
specialty exam
for either your prelim exam or MCE.
Although your program of studies must be kept up
to date, you can change it at virtually any time - provided you first
obtain
your major professor's signature of approval. (Don't forget to complete
a
Drop/Add Permit where necessary.) There are several reasons
for
changing plans. For example, you may have begun your graduate studies
as
a PhD student but wish to become a master's student, or vice versa; or
you may have failed to pass Part 1 of the DPE outright (Section 5.3.1)
and wish to adapt your schedule to this circumstance. In either case,
you
should discuss the matter with your major professor.
Again, while studying for the doctorate, you may
lose interest in one subject and become enthusiastic about another, and
therefore need to change your major professor (and perhaps some other
members
of your committee); or your relationship with your major professor may
prove unsatisfactory for a variety of administrative or personal
reasons.
In either case, you should bear in mind that neither your commitment to
conduct research under a given faculty member nor the faculty member's
commitment to serve as your major professor is binding (and the
procedure
for finding replacements is the same as in Section 4.2).
5
Examinations
Beginning Fall of 2004, MCE and DPE are unified, in which a Ph.D. pass
and MS pass are set at different scores. For the MCE and the DPE,
copies of past
examination papers can be obtained from the Director of Applied
Mathematics.
If you would like to review prospectuses written by previous graduate
students,
then it is best to request them from individual faculty members.
Successfully
defended theses and dissertations are available in the Dirac Science
Library.
| 5.1 Doctoral Preliminary
Examination |
|
|
|
The Doctoral Preliminary Examination (DPE) consists
of two parts, a written examination in two of the three core areas
outlined at the beginning, and an examination in a specialty area.
Beyond this, it is required to pass an oral examination concerning
the defense of a prospectus.
5.1.1 Core Examination. Currently, the
written part of the DPE (Part 1) is set twice a year consisting of two
parts (taken on separate days):
1. Foundation of Computational Mathematics I
& II;
2. either Methods of Applied Mathematics I
& II or Applied
Analysis I & II.
For each of the two core sequences on which
the student will
be tested, a three member subcommittee will be appointed by the DAM.
The
committee will include (if possible) the instructors of the course
during the
most recent two years: If a student completes the sequence at FSU, the
instructor will make available to the committee the final examinations
of the
student for each of the semesters. The subcommittee will determine
immediately
after the spring term whether the performance of the student is worthy
of a waiver of the written examination. The normal
standard will be
a grade of
"A-" or better on the examinations, but the subcommittee will use
discretion for borderline situations. In exceptional situations, the
committee
could waive the written exam for transfer students who provide
overwhelming
evidence of their competence in the subject matter. If the waiver is
not
granted, the student must sit for the next preliminary exam based upon
the material in the core
sequence in the fall.
This exam will be constructed by the subcommittee. A re-take exam will
be given
in January.
5.1.2. Specialty Examination. The part 2 of the written DPE
examination is a specialty examination. A student must pass an
examination in a specialty area. The purpose of this exam is to
determine the readiness of the student to begin research in the PhD
program. The format of the examination will be determined by the
supervisory committee. It is expected that students in the same
specialty area who take the examination in the same academic year will
have an examination that contains identical questions on a written
exam; Similar formats should be used for any oral component. The Chairs
of the supervisory committees for the students taking exams will
coordinate the exams. The examination will be broadly based on material
from 1-2 semesters of course material at a level above the core
courses. This exam will normally be taken before classes start for the
beginning of the third year. For advanced students, it can be given
earlier determined by the supervisory committee.
When the Core
and Specialty exams are completed, the student will be considered to
have completed the candidacy exam and be qualified for dissertation
credit provided the university and departmental
requirements for doctoral candidacy are also met. The student will then
prepare for the oral examination for the prospectus defense and
ultimately a dissertation defense in coordination with his/her
dissertation committee.
To be adequately prepared for the examination,
you should have taken at least the required core and specialty sequence
in the
MS and/or Ph.D. curriculum. To pass the examination outright, you must
perform
satisfactorily in all three examinations; otherwise the examiners may
require
you to retake one or more examinations the following semester or year. Examinations
may be retaken
no more than once.
If at your last (whether first or second) attempt
you narrowly fail to pass all three examinations with a DPE pass but
pass them
at the MCE level, then the examiners may recommend
the award of a master's degree without further examination.
5.1.3 Oral Examination or Prospectus Defense. Having
passed Part 1 & 2 of DPE, you immediately get down to finalizing
your research topic and preparing
a prospectus; see Section 6.3. This prospectus should contain an
overview
of your area of study - enough to convince the reader that you are
familiar
with all important work that has already been done in the area - and
identify
the particular problem (s) you propose to work on, thoroughly
justifying
the time and effort you propose to expend. As you explore your area of
study you may wish to increase the size of your committee to 4-6
(typically
5) individuals by adding faculty with relevant expertise.
The oral examination or prospectus defense consists of
defending the prospectus in front of your (recently expanded)
committee,
each of whom should receive a copy of your prospectus at least one week
prior to the date of the examination. As in the case of a master's
thesis,
the defense consists of an oral presentation followed by questions from
your committee; again, although most questions are likely to arise from
the prospectus itself, any question that falls within your general area
of study is legitimate.
Both the presentation of your work and your response
to any questions will be taken into consideration in deciding whether
to
approve your prospectus. If you fail to obtain your committee's
approval,
then you will be allowed one further opportunity to retake the oral
examination at a later date, after suitably revising your prospectus
and arranging
a second defense.
5.1.4 Examination result. If your committee
approves your prospectus, then your grade for the prospectus defense is
P for Pass. If
your committee fails to approve your prospectus, then your grade for
the prospectus is I for Incomplete. This result must be communicated
immediately to
the departmental office through submission of an Examination Results
form.
Having passed Part 1 & 2, you are absolutely required
to enroll in MAP 6939r or MAD 6939r or an acceptable equivalent for at
least three semesters.
| 5.2 Doctoral Dissertation
Defense |
|
|
|
After you have completed your dissertation (
Section
6.4) you must defend it at an oral examination, to be presided over
by your major professor and to include a departmental seminar. This
examination
must take place at least two weeks prior to graduation, at a time to be
arranged in consultation with your major professor.
At least two weeks prior to the date of the examination,
you must submit an abstract of your dissertation (Section
6.1.1), a list of committee members and an announcement of the
dissertation
title and date, time and place of examination to the Office of Graduate
Studies in Room 408 Westcott, who will announce your defense to the
university
at large. All members of the graduate faculty are invited to attend.
All members of your supervisory committee should
receive a copy of your PhD dissertation (Section 6.4)
at least one month in advance of your defense. After a
mutually
agreed time has elapsed, you should check with all committee members
for
any criticisms they may have. After making any suggested changes, you
should
provide each committee member with a revised copy of your dissertation
and abstract at least one week prior to the date of the defense.
The defense itself consists of an oral presentation,
usually lasting about an hour, followed by an oral examination to which
the remarks in Section 5.1.3 are still
applicable.
Again, both the presentation of your work and your responses to
questions
will play a role in deciding whether the committee approves the
dissertation.
The result of this decision must be communicated immediately to the
departmental
office through submission of an Examination Results form (sign
up for MAT 8985).
If you fail to obtain your committee's approval,
then you will be allowed one further opportunity to retake this
examination
at a later date, after suitably revising your dissertation and
arranging
a second defense.
| 5.3 Master's Comprehensive
Examination (MCE) |
|
|
|
The MCE is identical to the DPE and is set twice a year. A passing
grade for MCE is set at a lower grade than a passing grade for DPE. The
MS student will follow the same course sequence as for the Ph.D.
degree. The student will get a waiver for sitting in the core course's
examinations with a B or better. If the student selects the thesis
option, he/she does not need to take the specialty examination to
complete the MCE.
| 5.4 Master's Thesis Defense |
|
|
|
Your major professor should receive a copy of your
master's thesis at least a month in advance of your defense. After
making
any necessary changes, you should provide all committee members with a
revised copy of your thesis at least one week prior to the date of the
defense.
Your defense consists of an oral presentation,
usually lasting about 45 minutes, followed by an oral examination. All
faculty and students - not just your committee - are invited to attend
the presentation and pose questions afterwards as part of the oral
examination.
Although any question falling within your general area of study is
legitimate,
questions typically arise from the thesis itself. Both the presentation
of your work and your response to any questions will be taken into
account
in deciding whether to approve your thesis.
The result of this decision must be communicated
immediately to the departmental office through submission of an Examination
Results form
(signing up for MAT 8976).
6
Writing a Thesis, Prospectus or Dissertation
If you conclude your graduate studies at FSU with
a master's by coursework, and if no course you take includes a project
as part of its requirements, then you may never need to produce a typed
manuscript for examination; but in all other circumstances you will
have
to do so at least once. For a master's by thesis you will have to
produce
the thesis, whereas for a PhD you will have to produce both a
prospectus
and a dissertation. This section contains advice on all three kinds of
manuscript. A thesis or dissertation must, of course, be produced in
accordance
with university and college degree requirements: see
Section
9.1 and the
FSU Graduate Bulletin.
If you embark on a research career, then at some
stage you will begin to submit work to journals for publication. In a
sense
this is also producing a manuscript for examination, and so many of the
following remarks still apply; but in this case it is best to consult
your
major professor for specific advice - especially since requirements
vary
so greatly from journal to journal. One general piece of advice,
however,
is to browse through the most recent three or four volumes of the
journal
to which you plan to submit your work, and then adapt your paper to
conform
in style and presentation to those you see published.
6.1.1 Abstract. Every thesis or dissertation
must include an abstract, i.e., a concise but independently
intelligible
summary of the contents of the work, normally placed just prior to the
first page of text. Provided it is concise, there is no formal limit to
its length.
In addition to the above abstract, which forms
an integral part of the thesis or dissertation, a second independent
abstract limited to 250 words must be submitted to the Graduate
Office in
Room 408 Westcott for use by FSU. If the thesis or dissertation
abstract
is 250 words or less in length, then with appropriate reformatting it
may
also be used for the FSU abstract.
6.1.2 Format and style. You should consult
your major professor about the format and style of your work. Whatever
style is chosen, however, must be consistent with FSU clearance
guidelines,
as described in the brochure Guidelines and Requirements for
Thesis,
Treatise and Dissertation Writers, a copy of which may be obtained
from the Graduate Dean's office in Room 408 Westcott.
6.1.3 Thesis or dissertation credits. Writing
a thesis or dissertation counts toward your course load for graduation;
see Section 3.4. You must register for MAT 5971r during any semester in
which you do a substantial amount of work toward a master's thesis, and
for MAT 6980r during any semester in which you do a substantial amount
of work toward a PhD dissertation.
A minimum credit of 6 semester hours in MAT 5971r
is required for a master's thesis, and a minimum credit of 24 semester
hours in MAT 6980r is required for a PhD dissertation.
To obtain a master's degree by thesis you must carry
out an independent research project and prepare a thesis - that is, a
written
account of your research and its results - under the supervision of
your
major professor. Your thesis should ideally contain the following:
(i) A clear statement of the problem you
address and its significance.
(ii) A review of related published work.
(iii) A review of mathematical techniques and
terminology.
(iv) A thorough presentation of your solution.
(v) A discussion of your results and a critique
of their impact on your field of study.
(vi) A summary of what was original and significant
in your thesis, together with suggestions for future work.
Nevertheless, it is not essential (though of course
desirable) that your results be original: a work of the survey type,
whose
originality lies in the synthesis of known (but widely scattered)
results
- as opposed to in the results themselves - is acceptable for a
master's
degree (but not a doctorate). Broadly speaking, such a thesis would
place
greater emphasis on (i) and (ii) and replace (iv) by a discussion of
the
difficulties encountered in attempting to obtain a solution.
Before you can begin to work in earnest on your doctoral
dissertation, you must prepare a prospectus, i.e., a written outline of
your proposed research. This prospectus should describe the problems
you
hope to address and their significance, provide sufficient background
material
to convince your committee that the research is worth doing (and has
not
already been done), and demonstrate convincingly that you have both the
mathematical skills and the in-depth knowledge of your field of
application
to undertake the research. You must defend this prospectus in front of
your committee, see
Section
5.4.
One piece of advice: review prospectuses of previous
graduate students (request them from individual faculty members) to
form
an impression of what will constitute an acceptable outline of
research.
To obtain the doctoral degree, you must complete
a dissertation on a mathematical topic in your area of specialization.
To be acceptable, it must be an original research achievement; it must
constitute a significant contribution to knowledge; and it must
represent
substantial scholarly effort on your part. Whether your dissertation
meets
these standards is a matter to be decided by your supervisory
committee.
Your dissertation will ordinarily contain the
following information (though not necessarily in quite the following
order):
6.4.1 Introduction. Your dissertation should
begin with a clear statement of the problem you address, its
significance,
the scope and originality of your solution, and a brief
chapter-by-chapter
guide to the organization of your work.
6.4.2 Review of the literature. A thorough
survey of pertinent published work on your subject not only places your
problem in context, but also provides criteria for judging the
originality
of your results.
6.4.3 Mathematical background. Not everyone
who reads your dissertation will be as familiar as you are with the
mathematical
methods, notation and terminology you employ, and so an early chapter
of
your dissertation should review them. Not only will this review make
your
dissertation more accessible to your reader, but also writing the
review
will help to clarify your understanding of the material.
6.4.4 Physical, biological or engineering background.
Again, not everyone who reads your dissertation will be as familiar as
you are with your field of application, and so an early chapter of your
dissertation should survey pertinent material.
6.4.5 Presentation of original work. Your
original contribution is the heart of your dissertation. You should
describe
it thoroughly, clearly identifying original results by stressing
differences
with previous related work.
6.4.6 Critique. You should evaluate your
work and assess its impact on your field of study at large. Be honest
and
objective. You should claim to have accomplished neither more nor less
than is actually the case.
6.4.7 Summary and outlook. Your dissertation
should conclude with a concise summary of your most important results,
again distinguishing original results from those that were previously
known,
and offer suggestions for future research in your area.
7
Getting the Most Out of Your Graduate Studies
What you get out of your graduate studies depends
entirely on what you put into them. The ultimate value of your graduate
education at FSU is less your degree than the intangible benefits that
accompany it - the intellectual maturity you develop and the
professional
relationships you establish (neither of which is recorded on your
certificate
at graduation). Indeed if all you do to obtain your degree is satisfy
the
graduation requirements listed in the FSU Bulletin, then you may have
wasted
a golden opportunity. The academic community offers you tremendous
resources
for personal and professional development, but it is your
responsibility
to exploit them while you are here. This section offers advice.
All scholars must read widely, both within their
field of specialization and without - but it is especially important
for
applied mathematicians to read widely in other areas, because good
applied
mathematics is also good science. No matter how talented you are
mathematically,
you cannot do good physical modeling - whether in aero-acoustics,
galactic
dynamics, mechanical engineering, meteorology or oceanography - unless
you are also a competent physicist. Regardless of how much mathematics
you know, you cannot do good biological modeling - whether in
physiology,
population biology, or structural biology - unless you are also a
competent
biologist. And so on. So you must study widely throughout your time in
graduate school (and beyond).
7.1.1 Reading comprehensively. At no time
is comprehensive reading across the sciences more important than during
your first year in graduate school (though it continues to be important
throughout your academic career). This is the time when you need to
discover
which outstanding scientific problems most capture your interest, so
that
you can identify a field of study and make it the focus of subsequent
research.
A good choice of specialization - one that is right for you - is
critical
to your academic success in later years, and so time spent in making
this
choice is time well invested. Recommended journals include American
Scientist, Nature, Science and Scientific American.
For
book recommendations, consult individual members of faculty.
7.1.2 Making good use of your minor. Choose
courses in your minor area of study (Section 1.2.3) for their ultimate
value - the perspective they offer on a separate field of study - and
not
for the ease with which graduation requirements can be fulfilled.
Remember
that 6 semester hours is merely the minimum number of credits, and that
additional courses may be valuable - both for their intrinsic merit and
for the contacts you develop with faculty in a separate department.
Your
major professor is the person to contact for advice in this regard. If
the minor area is in mathematics itself, these hours must be outside
the
list of courses required for the doctoral preliminary examination in
the
student's option.
| 7.2 Broadening Your Professional
Horizons |
|
|
|
7.2.1 Joining a Professional Society. Membership
of a professional society will boost your career prospects by keeping
you
abreast of trends in your field and the employment opportunities that
accompany
them. It can be especially good value for graduate students, with
subscriptions
typically reduced by over 50%. Subscriptions include journals and
newsletters
to keep you up to date as well as discounts on books and conference
fees.
The department has free memberships of the American Mathematical
Society
(AMS) for all graduate students and of the Society for Industrial &
Applied Mathematics (SIAM) for a few, both as a result of institutional
membership. Other relevant societies include the American Physical
Society
(APS), the American Institute of Acoustics (AIA) and the Society for
Mathematical
Biology (SMB). For details of membership, consult members of faculty.
7.2.2 Going to Conferences. Going to conferences
is an excellent way to find out what is happening in your field and to
meet the people who are making it happen. It doesn't have to be
expensive
(especially if you belong to a professional society): greatly reduced
conference
fees are the norm for graduate students, and travel and accommodation
costs
can be kept to a minimum by sharing. Consult your major professor for
conference
suggestions.
7.2.3 Doing an Experiment. Applied mathematics
is often most effective and most impressive when done in conjunction
with
an experiment. Several departments at FSU offer opportunities for
collaboration
with experimenters, e.g., the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Institute, and
the Department of Mechanical Engineering. So think about doing an
experiment
- talk to individual faculty members about the possibilities.
8
Recreational Activities
Tallahassee and FSU offer a variety of recreational
activities; and if you cannot find what you like locally, you probably
won't have to travel too far. FSU sponsors intramural sporting events
every
semester. Among the many sports offered are softball, flag football,
basketball,
soccer, volleyball, tennis, and track. For most of these, the math
department
fields teams consisting of faculty and graduate students. (It's a good
thing we have jobs to do; athletes we ain't!). The Bobby E. Leach
Center
on campus has a
fully equipped weight room, bicycle and stair
machines,
indoor track, aerobics classes, indoor pool, sauna and whirlpool,
racquetball,
squash, volleyball, basketball and badminton courts and ping-pong
tables.
This facility is free to students. Also on campus there are tennis
courts
and outdoor racquetball courts, a pool and a running track. The FSU
Reservation,
located just a few miles from campus, offers facilities for swimming,
sailing,
canoeing and picnics, as well as an occasional free concert. Admittance
is free to students, but there is a small boat rental fee. If you like
hiking, there are nice trails around the Leon Sink Holes, just 15
minutes
away. For cyclists, there is a 16-mile bike trail from Tallahassee to
St.
Marks on the coast. In addition to several city parks, there are many
state
and national parks nearby. Wakulla Springs and the St. Marks Wildlife
Refuge
are within 20 minutes of Tallahassee. There are beautiful beaches along
the Gulf Coast at St. George Island, Port St. Joe, Panama City, Fort
Walton
and Destin, all within 2 or 3 hours away. Besides swimming, Panama City
Beach offers several additional activities. If you like to surf, there
are big waves at Jacksonville Beach on the Atlantic coast, about 3
hours
away. There are many more state parks nearby in Florida and Georgia.
There
are many other things to do in and around Tallahassee, particularly in
music and the arts, and it is hoped that future editions of this guide
will describe them in detail. But first somebody must write about them
from a graduate student's perspective. Would you like to volunteer?
9
Application for a Degree
During the first two weeks of the semester in which
you expect to receive a degree, and prior to the deadline listed in the
FSU Directory of Classes, you must apply for the degree
at the Office
of the Registrar in Room 305 of the University Center (Phone 5850). You
will receive a
Final Degree Clearance form together with
instructions
on conditions to be fulfilled for the degree to be awarded. If it
subsequently
becomes clear that you will not complete the requirements by the end of
the semester, then you should notify the Registrar and the College of
Arts
and Sciences as soon as possible; moreover, you must reapply for the
degree
during the appropriate period of the following semester (or the
semester
in which you subsequently plan to graduate, if later).
| 9.1 Degree Requiring a Thesis
or Dissertation |
|
|
|
For a PhD or master's by thesis, early in the term
of graduation you should obtain from the Manuscript and Final Clearance
Advisor in Room 408 Westcott a copy of the brochure
Guidelines and
Requirements
for Thesis, Treatise, and Dissertation Writers, together with a set
of forms described therein and to be completed prior to graduation. In
particular, your thesis or dissertation must be approved by the Office
of Graduate Studies (located in Room 408 Westcott). The procedure you
must
go through to obtain this approval is described in detail in the
brochure.
9.1.1 Minimum credit for thesis or dissertation
in term of graduation. For a PhD or master's by thesis, you must
register
for a minimum of one semester hour of (dissertation or thesis) credit
during
the term in which the degree is awarded, even if all requirements have
already been completed in previous semesters. This credit hour is to
reimburse
FSU for the administrative costs of manuscript clearance and final
degree
procedures. Moreover, if you have not enrolled for the previous two
terms
then you must seek readmission before you can register for the
requisite
semester hour.
| 9.2 Receiving a doctorate
at commencement |
|
|
|
To receive a doctorate in person, you should rent
cap, gown and hood from the University Bookstore at least four weeks
prior
to the relevant commencement ceremony. If, however, you are unable to
attend
this ceremony in person, then the degree can instead be awarded in
absentia.
Appendices
Appendix
A
Faculty and Their
Research Projects
Please refer to each faculty's website for the
information.
Appendix
B
Computer Resources in
Mathematics
The Department of Mathematics has a number of computers,
including Sun SPARC stations, IBM RS6000s, PCs, Macintoshes, and a
Silicon
Graphics Crimson VGXT. The department also has full access to the
Internet.
A complete description of, and introduction to, departmental computer
resources
can be found in a separate document entitled
The Hitchhiker's Guide
to FSU Mathematics Computing, available from the system support
staff.
Departmental resources should suffice at least initially. As your
research
progresses, however, you may need access to specialized equipment -
e.g., SP3 and SP4 or Connection Machine supercomputers - which is
available outside
the department. If so, then you should discuss the matter with your
major
professor.
Your first concern should be to obtain a UNIX
computer account as soon as possible. Such an account will allow you to
communicate with your fellow graduate students and instructors using
e-mail
(electronic mail). Many interdepartmental announcements are made via
e-mail;
thus, even if your research does not require the use of a computer, you
should still obtain an account and check your e-mail regularly. Of
course,
the account will also enable you to prepare documents, program, and use
application packages (e.g., Maple, Mathematica, IMSL) on our machines.
To obtain an account, make an appointment with the system administrator
(Mickey Boyd, Room 004B Love, Phone 7167).
There are two main sources of information concerning
departmental computing resources. One is the aforementioned Hitchhiker's
Guide. The other is called gopher. It is an online
information
system that will allow you to find out more about our computers and
other
computer resources around the world. The Hitchhiker's Guide
will
get you started and instruct you on how to run gopher.
Appendix
C
Using the Library
System
Florida State University's collections are housed
in several buildings, the most important of which are the R.H. Strozier
building and the Science Center Library (Dirac Science Library). The
R.H.
Strozier building contains books and journals on the humanities and
social
and behavioral sciences, whereas the Science Center Library contains
books
and journals on mathematics and the physical and life sciences. Thus
most
of the books and journals you need will be found in the Science Center
Library.
From either building you can obtain copies of
leaflets describing the library system in detail. See also their web
pages. The following, in particular, are recommended:
Computers in the FSU Libraries
Beginning Your Research
Databases on CD-ROM
Introduction to LUIS: Library User Information
Service
LUIS: Keyword Searching
LUIS: Indexes to Articles
LUIS: Remote Access
You can obtain information about the library's
holdings - including whether an item is checked out - by accessing LUIS
(Library User Information Service) via the internet. Even if FSU does
not
own a copy of the item you require, you can obtain it via interlibrary
loans from another library in one of Florida's nine state universities
(whose holdings can also be checked via LUIS) or elsewhere.
Appendix
D
Checklists of Degree
Requirements
| D.1 Checklist
of requirements for master's by coursework |
|
|
|
To qualify for a master's by coursework you must:
- Demonstrate an acceptable standard of spoken English
if English is not your native language.
- Complete at least 32 hours of acceptable course work
- Maintain a 3.0 grade point average
- Teach a class
- Have a major professor and supervisory committee
appointed
- Submit an acceptable program of studies
- Take and pass the Master's Comprehensive Examination
- Be in residence a minimum of 2 semesters
- Complete all requirements within 7 years
- Make formal application for the degree with the Registrar
| D.2 Checklist
of requirements for master's by thesis |
|
|
|
To qualify for a master's by thesis you must:
- Demonstrate an acceptable standard of spoken English
if English is not your native language.
- Complete at least 30 hours of acceptable course work
- Maintain a 3.0 grade point average
- Teach a class
- Have a major professor and supervisory committee
appointed
- Take and pass the MCE
- Prepare and submit an acceptable thesis
- Prepare and submit an acceptable abstract of the
thesis
- Have the thesis approved by the University Graduate
Affairs office
- Register for at least 6 hours of thesis credit
- Successfully defend the thesis
- Be in residence a minimum of 2 semesters
- Complete all requirements within 7 years
- Make formal application for the degree with the Registrar
| D.3 Checklist
of requirements for PhD |
|
|
|
To qualify for a PhD you must:
- Pass a reading examination in French, German or Russian
and demonstrate an acceptable standard of spoken English if English is
not your native language
- Complete an acceptable program of courses including
a minor area of study
- Maintain a 3.0 grade point average
- Teach a class
- Have a major professor and supervisory committee
appointed
- Submit an acceptable program of studies
- Take and pass the written part (part 1 and 2) of the DPE
- Prepare and submit an acceptable prospectus
- Take and pass the oral part of the DPE (defend the
prospectus)
- Be admitted to candidacy
- Prepare and submit an acceptable dissertation
- Prepare and submit an acceptable abstract of the
dissertation
- Have the thesis approved by the University Graduate
Affairs office
- Register for at least 24 hours of dissertation credit
- Successfully defend the dissertation
- Be in continuous residence for a whole year after
taking either 30 semester hours of graduate credit or a master's degree
- Complete all requirements within 5 years of passing
the DPE
- Make formal application for the degree with the Registrar
Appendix
E
Obtaining an
Application
If you are not yet enrolled in the Mathematics
Graduate Program and would like a graduate application packet: for
online
services see FSU
Mathematics Admission Info; or email your name, address and
program(s)
of interest to graduate_admissions@math.fsu.edu