Math HOME ............................ ............................ Duke University |
|
Taking Mathematics While Studying Abroad Duke students make plans for studying abroad through the Global Education Office. See especially the Step-by-Step Guide. Study abroad requires careful planning for a mathematics major or minor, since learning in mathematics is cumulative and the study of mathematics is frequently organized quite differently in other countries. One consequence of this is that many courses offered at foreign universities do not correspond well to any course at Duke. For example a course in country X might cover half of the material in one Duke course and half of the material in another or the material in one Duke course may be treated in greater depth in a two semester sequence at a foreign university. A foreign university may offer fewer electives than Duke. This means that it may be difficult to find courses for which transfer credit can be given. Math 401(121) and Math 431(139) must be taken at Duke except in special circumstances with prior approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Since a first rigorous course in analysis (Math 431(139) or Math 531(203)) is an important prerequisite for many other courses, it is frequently advisable to have taken this course before studying abroad. Math majors planning a trip should begin serious review of the course offerings at foreign universities two semesters prior to the planned semester abroad. Make a short list of courses you would like to take. Then make an appointment with the Director of Undergraduate Studies to discuss the possibility of transfer credit. Courses taken abroad must be approved through the Office of Study Abroad before you go. (See Step 5 of their Step-by-Step Guide and their web page Course Approval and Database.) If a course has not already been approved, the Office of Study Abroad consults with the Director of Undergraduate Studies in mathematics. To obtain approval the student should furnish specific information about the course to the Office of Study Abroad, such as the address of a web site with a catalog description of the course, including prerequisites, and if possible a syllabus for the course and a syllabus for the for the prerequisite courses.
Here is a list of the documentation that the math department usually
needs to determine if a course at a foreign university is eligible
for transfer credit: Regardless of advanced planning, courses scheduled to be offered abroad may be canceled with little advance notice, or they may differ from a student's expectations. In such a case, the student is responsible for contacting the Office of Study Abroad or the Director of Undergraduate Studies for advice and approval of alternate courses. Finally, don't overlook the fact that at least half of the major/minor courses must be taken at Duke. Questions about taking mathematics courses while studying abroad should be directed to the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Chad Schoen. |
||
|
|
||
|
dept@math.duke.edu |
 Mathematics DepartmentDuke University, Box 90320 Durham, NC 27708-0320 |
|
 | Mathematics Home | Arts & Sciences | Duke University |