We have compiled these notes in order to assist you, the first year student, in making the transition from high school to university. This is sometimes a difficult process for various reasons. As far as first year mathematics courses go, there are two main difficulties:Summer research opportunities

This is a deal that is hard to beat: getting paid to learn. These summer opportunities provide opportunities to work on special projects or in special programs throughout the United States. The programs are available in physics, biology, and chemistry as well as mathematics.

Some of our majors, particularly those interested in attending graduate school in mathematics, get a head start by taking some of our first year graduate courses during their junior or senior year. These courses count for undergraduate credit.

Only a few mathematics majors plan to become academic research mathematicians. Most majors simply enjoy the challenge and fascination of mathematics and find the foundation of critical thinking and technical problem solving that they acquire to be an excellent foundation for careers in the computer industry, actuarial sciences, industrial engineering, and business. The study of mathematics also provides great preparation for law school, medical school and, of course, graduate school in the sciences and mathematics.