Department of Mathematics of the Pennsylvania State University runs a yearly semester-long intensive program for undergraduate students seriously interested in pursuing a career in mathematical sciences. The Mathematics Advanced Study Semesters (MASS) program started in the Fall of 1996 and is held during the Fall semester of each year.
The principal part of the program consists of three core courses chosen from major areas in Algebra/Number Theory, Analysis, and Geometry/Topology respectively, specially designed and offered exclusively to MASS participants, and a weekly MASS seminar.
Additional features include colloquium-type lectures by visiting and resident mathematicians and mathematical research projects.
The following courses will be offered in the Fall of 2011:
Schedule
- Introduction to Ramsey Theory
Instructor: Jan Reimann, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Teaching Assistant: Matt Katz
113 McAllister Building, MWRF 10:10-11:00 - Spaces: from geometry to analysis and back
Instructor: Anatole Katok, Raymond. N. Shibley Professor of Mathematics
Teaching Assistant: Paul Siegel
113 McAllister Building, MWRF 11:15-12:05pm - From Euclid to Alexandrov: a guided tour
Instructor: Anton Petrunin, Professor of Mathematics
Teaching Assistant: Allan Yashinski
113 McAllister Building, MWRF 1:25-2:15 - MASS Seminar
Instructor: Sergei Tabachnikov, Professor of Mathematics, Director of MASS Program
113 McAllister Building, Tuesday 10:10-12:05 - MASS Colloquium
Instructor: Multiple invited speakers
113 McAllister Building, Thursday 2:30-3:30
Course Outline
Math 497A - Honors MASS Algebra
Introduction to Ramsey Theory
Instructor: Jan Reimann, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
TA: Matt Katz
MWRF 10:10 - 11:00
Description: The course gives a basic introduction to Ramsey Theory and its applications in number theory, logic, and combinatorics
Readings: No textbook will be used only lecture notes.
Math 497B - Honors MASS Analysis
Spaces: from geometry to analysis and back
Instructor: Anatole Katok, Raymond Shibley Professor of Mathematics
TA: Paul Siegel
MWRF 11:15 - 12:05
Description: We will show how to translate problems of analysis, i.e. properties of functions such as differentiation, integration, expansion into series of various kinds and suchlike, into geometric problems in certain infinite-dimensional spaces. Geometry of those spaces will be studied using both analogies and insights coming from the familiar finite-dimensional situations (such as convexity) and new features associated with infinite dimension, e.g. reflexivity or its absence.
Readings: N/A
Math 497C - Honors MASS Geometry
From Euclid to Alexandrov; a guided tour
Instructor: Anton Petrunin, Associate Professor of Mathematics
TA: Allan Yashinski
MWRF 1:25 - 2:15
Description: Flexible and rigid polyhedral; piecewise linear isometries; Nash—Kuiper type theorems; intrinsic metric of convex surface; beginning of Alexandrov geometry.
Readings:
- A. Alexandrov. Convex polyhedra.
- D. Burago, Yu. Burago, S. Ivanov. A course in metric geometry.
Calendar of Events
| Arrival Day | August 21 |
| MASS Welcome Party & Orientation | August 23 |
| Classes Begin | August 22 |
| Labor Day — No Classes | September 5 |
| Midterm Exams | October 10-12 |
| Thanksgiving Holiday — No Classes | November 21-27 |
| Classes End | November 30 |
| Final Exams | December 8,10,12 |
| MASS Graduation Ceremony | December 13 |
Enrollment
Participants are selected from applicants who will be juniors or seniors in the following academic year (sophomores may be admitted in some cases). All participants are expected to have demonstrated a sustained interest in mathematics and a high level of mathematical ability and to have mastered basic techniques of mathematical proof. The expected background includes a full calculus sequence, basic linear algebra, a transition course with proofs (such as discrete mathematics) and advanced calculus or basic real analysis. The search for participants is nationwide. International applications are invited as well. Each participant is selected based on academic record, two recommendation letters from faculty, and an essay (international applicants should demonstrate their mastery of English).
Candidates should submit:
- Application Form
- Transcript
- Record of Mathematics Courses
- A short essay describing their interest in mathematics
- Two letters of recommendation
- Financial disclosure form
- Transfer Protocol form
Application materials may be retrieved off the web, or requested by mail, fax, or e-mail.
Applications should be submitted through MathPrograms.org, ID: PSUMASS or sent by mail, fax, or e-mail to
107 McAllister Building
Department of Mathematics
Penn State University
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 863-8730 / Fax:(814) 865-3735
E-mail: mass@math.psu.edu
Financial Arrangements
Successful applicants currently enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities will be awarded the Penn State MASS Fellowship which reduces the tuition to the in-state level. Best efforts will be made not to increase their out of pocked expenses. See the Financial Information for more details.
Housing
All participants not enrolled at Penn State will be provided an opportunity to live in one of the residence halls on campus.
Credits
The program elements total 16 credits, all of which are recognized by Penn State as honors credits and are transferable to participants' home universities. Students will also receive a certificate from the MASS Program at Penn State. Additional recognition may be provided through prizes for outstanding performance and for best projects.
Administration
The overall supervision of the MASS program is provided by the Scientific Advisory Board which includes senior members of Penn State's mathematics faculty, and several outstanding mathematicians from other institutions.
The program is managed by the Director Sergei Tabachnikov.
Stephanie Zerby is the Administrative Assistant for the MASS program.
Participants are chosen by the Selection Committee headed by a member of the Scientific Advisory Board.