Undergraduate Special Topics Courses
Identifying Special Topics courses
Beginning with the 2016-17 academic year, undergraduate Special Topics courses in Mathematics are designated MATH 396T or 496T, depending on the level of the course. Either course can be used toward upper-division unit requirements in the math minor. MATH 496T can be used as the fifth 400-level MATH course in math major emphases that have a flexible course, pending faculty advisor approval.
Starting in 2022, DATA 396T or 496T designations are also available. Either course can be used as the elective course for the SDS major. Either course can also be used toward upper-division unit requirements in the Statistics & Data Science minor.
The Math Department will try to run one undergraduate Special Topics course per year, in the Spring. If there is sufficient student demand for the course (12 or more undergraduates), and the department has the resources to cover all its other teaching obligations, the course will be scheduled. Otherwise the course will be cancelled.
Looking for information about graduate-level Special Topics courses? See the Graduate Program page.
Spring 2025:
MATH 496T-001 - From Dynamical Systems to Generative Artificial Intelligence, taught by Michael Chertkov. (more details to be posted before October 2024)
Prerequisites: Linear Algebra (Math 215 or Math 310 or Math 313) with a grade of A or B, Calculus and Analysis (Math 223) with a grade of A or B, Differential Equations (Math 254 or Math 355).
Archive
Spring 2024: MATH 496T-001 - Differential Forms and Calculus on Manifolds, taught by Jon Fortney.
Spring 2023: MATH 496T-001 - Random Walks on Networks, taught by Michael Conroy.
Fall 2022: DATA 496T-001 - Linear Algebra for Data Science, taught by Kevin Lin. This course is now offered in fall semesters as DATA/MATH 412.
Spring 2021: MATH 496T-001 - Certainty and Chance, taught by Jan Wehr.
Spring 2020: MATH 396T-001 - Elementary Fourier Analysis and Signal Processing, taught by Robert Sims.
Spring 2020: MATH 496T-001 - Advanced Linear Algebra for Data Science, taught by Keaton Hamm.
Spring 2019: MATH 496T-001 - Introduction to Algebraic Topology (with applications), taught by Rachel Neville.
Spring 2018: MATH 496T-001 - Set Theory and the Foundations of Mathematics, taught by Jason Aubrey.
Fall 2017: MATH 396T-001 and 002 - Sports Analytics taught by Antonio Iniguez, Joseph Watkins, & Moysey Brio.
Note: We have submitted a proposal to make this a regular course (MATH 367); MATH 367 will be available starting in Spring 2018.
Spring 2017: MATH 396T-001 and 002 - Sports Analytics taught by Antonio Iniguez, Joseph Watkins, & Moysey Brio.
We have submitted a proposal to make this a regular course (expected to be MATH 367); until the new course is approved and in the schedule, 396T will be used.
Spring 2017: MATH 496T-001 - Computability/Recursion Theory taught by Jason Aubrey.
Prerequisites: This course is a natural successor to MATH 402 (Mathematical Logic). Students will need the same background as required for 402 (but not need 402 itself).
Course objectives: Students will be introduced to the theory of recursive functions and its connections to other areas of mathematics. In addition to standard introductory computability theory, the course will also consider more advanced topics such as degree structures, forcing, priority methods, determinacy, and complexity theory as time permits.
Spring 2017: MATH 496T-002 - Financial Mathematics taught by Bruce Bayly.
Prerequisites: linear algebra (MATH 310 or MATH 313) and differential equations (MATH 254 or MATH 355).
Course objectives: This course is intended to help prepare students for the FM Actuarial exam. We have submitted a proposal to make this a regular course and anticipate MATH 462 to be offered in spring semesters beginning in Spring 2018.
Spring 2016: MATH 399 - Mathematical Computing taught by Tyler Kloefkorn and Joshua Lioi
For details, see the course policy (Chapters 1 - 12 covered).