What the *#&$ Does a Mathematician Do? Exploring Careers in the Math and Physical Sciences

Instructor:  David Osleger, Department of Geology, College of Letters and Science

Description: The course was organized by, and will be taught by, a group of Davis Honors Challenge (DHC) students in their 4th year. The students will be working in conjunction with Dr. Osleger. This course offers students an opportunity to learn valuable skills and information about internships and possible careers in the Math and Physical Sciences Majors. Students will interact with peers in a small-class environment as the instructors will give presentations to encourage students to explore both on and off-campus resources to help them determine whether or not to further pursue or switch into the MPS majors. Topics will include the history and value of higher education in the MPS field; exploration of potential career paths; the current state of the job market; and skill development for academic and personal success. Class sessions will include presentation and discussion of topics related to higher education and opportunities stemming from the MPS majors. From time to time we will invite guest speakers to present on a particular area of expertise. Education objectives are: To explore what real-world opportunities exist for MPS majors; To practice college-level written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills; To better understand, value and appreciate campus and off-campus resources: and To develop real-world skills that students can integrate into their academic and personal life

Format: There will be very few written assignments assigned outside of regularly scheduled contact hours, in addition to certain articles that the instructor finds appropriate for the course.

Attendance: It is expected that students enrolled in this course attend all class meetings. There is a direct correlation between classroom attendance and grade performance. Since much of the class involves discussion and active participation, students are expected to attend every class (attendance will be taken at each class). Illness, emergency, or religious observances are valid reasons for absence.

Tardiness: Because late arrivers disrupt the class and interfere with the learning process for everyone in the room, students expected to be at class on time. 

Participation: Students are expected to actively participate in each class session through discussion, and to ask questions of the presenters and instructors. Student participation in class is a part of their grade and is therefore critical to their success.

Guidelines for written work: All written assignments must be typed, double-spaced, 10- or 12-point font, with 1-inch margins. Grading: Assignments: Sixty (60) percent of the student’s grade will be based on successful completion of written and creative assignments. Students will be required to complete several short, written or creative assignments related to class sessions, presentations, readings, and their own experience.

Participation: Forty (40) percent of the student’s grade will be based on participation. Classroom participation includes actively engaging in class discussions with instructors, guest presenters, and peers, and prompt attendance.

About the Instructor: David Osleger is a Lecturer w/SOE in he Geology Department, with expertise in stratigraphy and sedimentology applied to ancient climates, oceans, and lakes.  His current projects involve the occurrence of extreme hydrologic events in the Lake Tahoe basin over the past few thousand years as well as the identification of episodes of seafloor anoxia in ancient oceans as recorded in rocks that crop out in the mountains of Mexico.