Resources in Help of Pursuing a Major in Mathematics - Assignment Example

Preface Contents: The purpose of this guide is to provide a comprehensive, insightful and useful collection of online resources for individuals who are pursuing a major in mathematics. Access to technical data and information which demonstrates relevance to a particular field is indispensible for students, not only to enhance the outcome of their professional qualifications while at the institution but to also employ and incorporate the gathered information with respect to their career choices in the field. For the aim of promoting the value and efficacy of this compilation, the resources which have been featured in this document encompass electronic databases, professional and scholarly journals, government agency publications, research studies, information sources and specialized directories. Audience: The primary audience which this guide aims to serve comprises of the individuals who are pursuing a major in mathematics at Penn State University, from freshman to senior level. Through the compilation of this internet resource guide it is expected that the students would be able to benefit from the selected resources during the course of completion of their degree. Assumptions: This guide has been compiled on the basis of the assumption that the audience benefitting from it possesses adequate prior knowledge of mathematics and comprehends the extent of its applicability in practical scenarios. Moreover, in addition to the required information regarding the discipline, it is assumed that the student or user of this guide also has access to the required sources for benefitting from the provided data which in this case are a computer/laptop/tablet or other internet-supported device and an adequate internet connection. Before, the reader intends to access the presented resources he/she must realize certain limitations of access for example the requirement of signing up with the website before using the available data and information. Organization: This guide has been organized in a uniform manner to provide hassle-free access to required information. Thus, the assessment of each resource follows a similar pattern to aid understanding. The total number of resources which have been incorporated in the resource amount to eight and are associated with the academic discipline of mathematics. Tips: It is recommended that the reader should install the necessary software including Microsoft Office and Windows File Viewer to his/her computer in addition with Adobe Reader. Furthermore, in case of finding any data which does not fall within the spectrum of widely used such as .docx or .pdf, the reader should also install a suitable file converting software to gain access to the material. Technical Databases MathSciNet Location: The access to this database can be gained by following these simple steps: 1. Logon to the . 2. Navigate to the top left tab on the webpage under the ‘Mathematics’ section and click on the tab titled ‘Articles and Database’. 3. Click on the first hyperlink titled ‘MathSciNet’. 4. Upon being redirected to the Penn State webpage enter your USER ID and password for complete access to the database. Description: The administration MathSciNet is conducted by the American Mathematical Society and the collection of math reviews which is featured on this internet resource dates back to the publications which have emerged since 1940 till the present. The database is user-friendly and the interface has been designed to meet the requirements of students who may not have comprehensively explored such platforms previously. The resource allows the user to search for a particular publication by filtering search results on the basis of author or the name of the journal. Furthermore, several advanced filtering options have also been provided to narrow down queries as per time frame, keywords and the format of publication. For example, if a student is expected to find a journal article on the mathematics of computation, the following procedure would have to be adopted. 1. Logon to the database as per the process identified previously. 2. For finding a specific publication on a given topic enter the title word under the search terms of ‘Title’. 3. Provide any desired information to narrow the scope of the search for example time frame and desired format (.pdf or HTML). 4. Press Enter. 5. Download or view the requested publication. Tips: 1. Access to the server can only be granted with the availability of a subscription therefore, it is recommended to access the database through the Penn State University online libraries at: http://www.libraries.psu.edu/ . 2. For clarifying any issues related to gaining access to the database, bookmarking publications or searching for information by author name logon to for tutorials on MathSciNet. Scholarly Journals American Journal of Mathematics Location(s): http://www.jstor.org/journals/00029327.html , http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/american_journal_of_mathematics/ Description: The comprehensive scope and contemporary approach of the American Journal of Mathematics allows its readers to be equipped with the latest advancements in the field. The integral element which is associated with the publications that are featured in the journal is that they do not represent a dedication towards a specific field in the subject but address a range of notions and explorations. A positive element of the online presence of this journal is that it allows the reader to search the journal articles on the basis of a specific keyword by following this simple procedure. 1. Logon to http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/american_journal_of_mathematics/ . 2. On the available search tabs select ‘Search Journal’. 3. Type the desired keyword or phrase to explore current and previous issues. 4. Press Enter. 5. Select most appropriate search result from available outcomes. Tips: 1. The American Journal of Mathematics does not grant open access to members which do not possess a subscription. 2. Penn State students must therefore logon to http://muse.jhu.edu/ by using their university USER ID and password before requesting access. Government Resources Catalog of U.S Government Publications Location: http://catalog.gpo.gov/F?RN=92645365 Description: The Catalog of U.S Government Publications can be utilized to access publications which have been produced by the federal government and other government agencies. Even though, mathematics major may hold the perception that government reports may not directly contribute to their research, this assumption is inadequate because it is possible to find information on the practical aspect of mathematical application for providing wider benefits to communities and societies through this channel. For gaining access to a particular publication adopt the following procedure: 1. Logon to the resource via http://catalog.gpo.gov/F?RN=92645365 2. Find the publication via keyword, author, title or subject. 3. Press Enter. 4. For advanced search, enter several keywords or restrict search results via time frame, format, language and catalogs. Tips: 1. It is recommended to use the advanced search method to save time and receive the most appropriate search results. Government Resources Statistical Abstract of the United States Location: http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/ Description: The Statistical Abstract of the United States is a critical resource for obtaining statistical information on a wide range of fields and topics. As a university student, the process of scientific and objective research cannot be fulfilled unless claims are evidenced by data and figures to establish correlations and understand dynamics. For example for exploring the opportunities of further studies in mathematics sciences follow this procedure: 1. Logon to http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/ 2. Click on the Science and Technology tab, then Students and Degrees Conferred 3. Download report on the number of Science and Engineering Doctorates awarded 4. The report shows a slight decline of 200 in Doctorates awarded between 2008 and 2009 Tips: 1. It is recommended that the reports are downloaded in a .pdf for gaining access to more features which may not be available in Microsoft Excel. Professional Organizations American Mathematical Society Location: http://www.ams.org/home/page Description: The American Mathematical Society (AMS) provides a comprehensive and accessible platform for mathematics students and graduates through its online portal. For example for exploring future career opportunities in the field of Mathematics follow these steps. 1. On the top right hand corner of the homepage click on the tab of ‘Employment Services’. 2. Select your desired job portal. 3. Explore job postings and desired qualifications. Tips: 1. To find job openings and vacancies at the American Mathematical Society exclusively search for opportunities under the ‘Notices of the AMS’ section. Potential Employers and Job Search Services MathJobs Location: https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs Description: Mathjobs.org is a credible job portal for applicants and employers that are associated with the field of Mathematics. The website demands an annual fee for access (subject to changes) to ensure that spammers and unauthentic placements are not located on the website to mislead or defraud job applicants. For example to apply for your desired job vacancy after securing online membership: 1. Logon to the website https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs 2. Enter your username and password 3. Create an application 4. Periodically check completion status for application 5. Apply for individual job openings Tips: 1. To ensure maximum advantages and to attract employers, ensure that your credentials are listed. 2. Ensure that reference writers are aware of the online job application system. Assist them if they experience difficulties. Directory of Information Sources/Portals SIAM: Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Location: http://www.siam.org/ Description: This internet resource provides access to a number of platforms and portals related to the field of mathematics including industry reports, conference proceedings, job openings and tips for students at undergraduate and graduate level. To benefit from a desired option presented by the website follow this simple process: 1. Logon to SIAM’s homepage via http://www.siam.org/ 2. Navigate the left menu for links to other sources including conferences, reports, analysis, jobs and proceedings. Tips: 1. For any information which is not present on the primary menu type a keyword under the Search’ button and explore the webpage. Discussion Groups or Chat rooms Mathoverflow Location: http://mathoverflow.net/ Description: This website is community of dedicated, professional mathematicians and assists in problem solving related to advanced mathematics queries and research-level questions. The resource categorizes questions under categories for accessible searching and categorizes recent tags to assist new users. The website itself is hassle-free and does not require the user to create a profile as a mandatory component of joining the experience. For discussing any mathematical query simply: 1. Logon to the website via http://mathoverflow.net/ 2. Click the top right hand corner titled ‘Ask Question’ 3. Wait till your question is noticed and discuss your query with other users/guests Tips: 1. For improving the chances of receiving appropriate and useful responses correctly frame your question by using keywords from the topic. Read More