An accelerated research and study program for undergraduates in mathematics

鼓励本科生选择数学科学领域的职业选择的过程必须尽早开始。在这一过程中，已经走上这种职业道路的研究人员的指导是不可或缺的。七年前，我们在数学系开始了这样一个试点项目。在过去三年NSF的支持和UAB提供的大量新资源的支持下，UAB数学快速通道计划在他们进入大学时(和之前)识别、支持和指导优秀的数学学生。这些学生一直沉浸在一个激动人心的研究型环境中，随着他们能力的增长，他们对数学的兴趣也会保持新鲜。该项目的主要组成部分是由数学研究方面的杰出教师进行密集指导，每个学生每个学期都有一个独立的研究/学习项目，具有挑战性的数学课程，个人和小组服务项目，以及数学和数学研究伦理的研讨会。关键词是互动和参与：学生之间以及学生和导师之间。学生完成数学学士和硕士学位，符合所有文科课程要求，并为进一步进行数学科学的研究生工作和研究做好了充分的准备和热切的追求。在过去的三年里，我们已经证明，我们的概念可以在更多的学生群体中发挥作用。我们正在向NSF申请补充资金，并从UAB获得大量新的匹配，以使该项目达到可持续的数量(每年有4到5名新学生，在该项目的所有阶段都接近20名)。其结果将是一个持续的计划，在UAB的数学科学结构和社区中占据重要地位。

The process of encouraging undergraduates to select career choices in the mathematical sciences must begin as early as possible. Mentoring by research faculty already in such career paths is indispensible in this process. We began such a pilot program in the Mathematics Department seven years ago. With support from NSF the last three years, and substantial commitment of new resources from UAB, the UAB Fast-Track Program in Mathematics has identified, supported, and mentored outstanding mathematics students as (and before) they enter the university. These students have been immersed in a stimulating research-oriented environment, one which keeps their interest in mathematics fresh as their competence grows.The principal ingredients in the program are intensive mentoring by faculty who are outstanding in mathematics research, an independent research/study project each academic term for each student, a challenging mathematics curriculum, individual and group service projects, and seminars in mathematics and in the ethics of mathematical research. The key words are intereaction and participation: among students and between students and mentors. Students complete a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in mathematics, meeting all liberal arts course requirements, and are well-prepared for, and eager to pursue, further graduate work and research in the mathematical sciences.In the past three years, we have proven that our concept can work with a larger group of students. We are requesting supplemental funding from NSF, with substantial new matching from UAB, to bring the program up to sustainable numbers (four to five new students per year, nearing 20 in all phases of the program). The result will be a continuing program occupying a vital place in the fabric of the mathematical sciences at UAB and in the community.