How To Study As A Mathematics Major Free Pdf

How to Study as a Mathematics Major

Lara Alcock

Description

Every year, thousands of students declare mathematics as their major. Many are extremely intelligent and hardworking. However, even the best will encounter challenges, because upper-level mathematics involves not only independent study and learning from lectures, but also a fundamental shift from calculation to proof.

This shift is demanding but it need not be mysterious -- research has revealed many insights into the mathematical thinking required, and this book translates these into practical advice for a student audience. It covers every aspect of studying as a mathematics major, from tackling abstract intellectual challenges to interacting with professors and making good use of study time. Part 1 discusses the nature of upper-level mathematics, and explains how students can adapt and extend their existing skills in order to develop good understanding. Part 2 covers study skills as these relate to mathematics, and suggests practical approaches to learning effectively while enjoying undergraduate life.

As the first mathematics-specific study guide, this friendly, practical text is essential reading for any mathematics major.

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How to Study as a Mathematics Major

Lara Alcock

Table of Contents

Part 1: Mathematics
Introduction
1. Calculation Procedures
2. Abstract Objects
3. Definitions
4. Theorems
5. Proof
6. Proof Types and Tricks
7. Reading Mathematics
8. Writing Mathematics
Part 2: Study Skills
9. Lectures
10. Other People
11. Time Management
12. Panic
13. (Not) Being the Best
14. What Mathematics Professors Do

How to Study as a Mathematics Major

Lara Alcock

Author Information

Lara Alcock is Senior Lecturer in the Mathematics Education Centre at Loughborough University, UK. An accomplished undergraduate and graduate mathematician at Warwick, her doctorate was in mathematics education before holding various academic posts including Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education and Mathematics at Rutgers University, New Jersey. Her research focuses on the challenges students encounter as they make the transition from calculation-based to proof-based mathematics. She was awarded the 2012 MAA Seldon Prize for Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education. She has been awarded National Teaching Fellows of 2015 by The Higher Education Academy.

How to Study as a Mathematics Major

Lara Alcock

Reviews and Awards

Lara Alcock: Winner of the 2021 IMA John Blake University Teaching Medal

"Students can benefit from just 'picking it up' for a short time - now and then - and reading just about any section. The sections are relatively short - sometimes just two or three pages, but are very informative. One could easily recommend [How to Study as a Mathematics Major] to undergraduates." --Mathematical Association of America

How to Study as a Mathematics Major

Lara Alcock

From Our Blog

How do people read mathematics?

At first glance this might seem like a non-question. How do people read anything? All suitably educated people read at least somewhat fluently in their first language ' why would reading mathematics be different?

Posted on January 6, 2016

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Memories of undergraduate mathematics

By Lara Alcock Two contrasting experiences stick in mind from my first year at university. First, I spent a lot of time in lectures that I did not understand. I don't mean lectures in which I got the general gist but didn't quite follow the technical details. I mean lectures in which I understood not one thing from the beginning to the end. I still went to all the lectures and wrote everything down ' I was a dutiful sort of student ' but this was hardly the ideal learning experience...

Posted on January 16, 2013

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How To Study As A Mathematics Major Free Pdf

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