June 2007 Newsletter
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Hi, All,

In this issue of the Mathematics Undergraduate Newsletter:
- Career Center events
- Course Profile: Math 106A - Partial Differential Equations, Fall 2007
- Career Profile: Mathematical Technicians
- Course Substitutions for Summer Classes
- Have a great summer!

Career Center Events http://www2.ucsc.edu/careers/

- Resume/Cover Letter Workshop – June 4
- Grad School Workshop – June 6
- For Industry Jobs and Transitional Skills: Core Job Search Skills Workshop “Strategy” – June 7
- For Industry Jobs and Transitional Skills: Core Job Search Skills Workshop “Resume/Cover Letter” – June 14
- For Industry Jobs and Transitional Skills: Core Job Search Skills Workshop “Interviewing” – June 21
- For Industry Jobs and Transitional Skills: Core Job Search Skills Workshop “Application Process” – June 28

Course Profile: Math 106A - Partial Differential Equations
Instructor: Debra Lewis

The Mathematics Department is offering Math 106A – Partial Differential Equations in the Fall quarter, taught by Debra Lewis. A differential equation is an equation that involves the derivatives of an unknown function represented by a dependent variable. Differential equations arise in many areas of science and technology, whenever a deterministic relationship involving some continuously changing quantities (modeled by functions) and their rates of change (expressed as derivatives) is known.

Differential equations are a powerful tool in constructing mathematical models for the physical world. A large number of fundamental laws of physics and chemistry can be formulated as differential equations. In biology and economics differential equations are used to model the behavior of complex systems. Prerequisites for this course are either Math 21 & 24 or AMS 27, and also, Math 100 or Computer Science 101.

Career Profile:Mathematical Technicians

Mathematical technicians apply math formulas and methods to research problems, with most working in research settings with math and science professionals. They use the principles and theories of math to solve problems in research. They may also use math to improve products or the way things are done. Math technicians begin their work by conferring with their professional staff; together they discuss and plan the project. Data is collected and entered into computers and then examined in order to decide how to process it.

Math technicians select the computing methods that will be most useful for reducing the data to meaningful terms. They modify standard math formulas to fit the needs of the project. For example, a drug company may run trials on a new drug and want to know whether the drug reduces symptoms in allergy patients. Math technicians analyze the raw data from patients and reduce it to numbers that answer that question. Math technicians usually use computers to process the data, and then they analyze it to be sure it is accurate. At this stage, technicians may use additional formulas to examine the data in other ways. Finally, they translate the data into numbers, charts, graphs, or other meaningful forms.

The demand for mathematical technicians is expected to continue to grow over the next ten years. The demand for computer literate mathematicians continues to grow as technology advances. Mathematical technicians are employed in financial institutions, banking, consulting firms, commerce, and any other areas that use mathematical modeling, statistics, and operational research.

Course Substitution for Summer Classes

If you plan on taking math courses over the summer at a community college or another university, you will need to fill out a course substitution form if there is not a standing articulation agreement. Visit www.math.ucsc.edu/undergraduate/articulations/index.html for a list of courses that are articulated. If you do not find the course you wish to take on this page you need to begin the course substitution form. You can find the form at www.math.ucsc.edu/undergraduate/transfer.html (click on “Petition Form”), or you can pick up a form from the Math Department office in Jack Baskin 194.

Fill out the form and attach the course description from the school’s catalogue of classes and the course syllabus. Bring this packet to the Naomi Brokaw, the undergraduate advisor, during open office hours. Review takes 1-2 weeks, so make sure to leave enough time to make enrollment decisions. For any questions on this procedure email nabrokaw@ucsc.edu or come by the Math Department office in Jack Baskin 194.

Enjoy your Summer and remember the Math Department office will be open all summer!

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Naomi Brokaw, Undergraduate Advisor
UCSC Mathematics Office, 194 Baskin
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
Phone: 831-459-4691 Fax: 831-459-3260

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