Geometry and Topology at Georgia Tech

July 26 through July 30, 2021

Directed Reading Program

The Directed Reading Program (DRP) gives undergraduate students an opportunity to explore some advanced topics in mathematics. The DRP pairs undergraduates with graduate students or junior faculty to undertake independent study projects of various sizes and scopes. Typical DRP projects will be one of the following:

  • An introduction to a subject not covered by the departmental courses.
  • An in-depth reading of a particular theorem or set of theorems.
  • A more advanced treatment of a standard subject.

The precise subject will be worked out between the students and mentor.

Applications for the Fall 2024 DRP are now closed

Check back next Spring!

Each DRP will last for one semester and involve:

  1. Weekly meetings with a mentor and each week approximately four hours of independent study outside the meetings.
  2. A few meetings with all DRP participants where we will discuss topics of interest to the DRP participants and hear about the projects on which others are working. Food will be provided!
  3. A final project. In most semesters this will be a 10 minute presentation about some aspect of the material covered during the DRP. However, one may also produce a write-up, poster, video presentation, or some other means of conveying some of the work done during the semester.

Benefits for students:

  1. An opportunity to explore some area of math outside the standard curricula.
  2. Learn to work independently.
  3. Opportunities to interact with other DRP participants to get a broader perspective of mathematics.
  4. Opportunities to learn about REUs, applying for graduate school, or other topics of interest to the DRP participants.
  5. Practice conveying mathematical ideas verbally (a valuable skill in the work force or graduate school).

Requirements for students:

  1. Meet approximately once a week with your DRP group for one hour to discuss progress towards the goal of the project.
  2. Spend approximately four hours independent work between meetings with the group.
  3. Give a 10 minute presentation at the end of the semester on the work done during the DRP.
  4. (Optional) attend monthly DRP social gathering.

Benefits for the mentors:

  1. Engage with someone passionate about mathematics.
  2. Explore some interesting area of mathematics.
  3. Develop mentoring skills that look great on your CV.

For questions please contact drp@math.gatech.edu