Mathematics Student Resources | University of Portland

Mathematics Student Resources

Student Engagement

Make Peer Collaboration a Part of Your Math Homework and Learning Experience.

The Math Resource Center is located in the Learning Commons (BC 163) and offers drop-in hours and appointments. Our goal is to create a welcoming interaction where everyone can feel free to ask questions, explore ideas, and practice problems together.

Drop In Hours

The Math Resource Center has drop-in hours in the Learning Commons (BC 163) on Monday - Thursday from 3:00pm - 7:00pm.

During drop-in hours, students can work with classmates and ask Co-Pilots for help. Find a time when you can get help in your Math class by checking out the Learning Commons drop-in hours schedule.

 Drop-In Hours Schedule

Appointments

During appointments, students and Math Co-Pilots work together to solve problems and develop a deeper understanding of course content. Click on the link below to make an appointment with a Math Co-Pilot. Students will need to set up an account to use the scheduling website.

Book a Math Co-Pilot Tutoring Appointment

Learn How to Learn Better

There are several ways to go about learning math and our profiled math learning strategies can help students improve their learning (and their grade) while making math more enjoyable.

Mathematics and the Growth Mindset

One key to success in math is the belief that you can learn: that our minds of capable of growth and productive struggle is an important part of the learning process. Students with a growth mindset are more resilient in the face of struggle and ultimately more successful in mathematics.

Fixed versus Growth Mindset Quiz: Do you have a fixed or a growth mindset? Take this short quiz and find out.

Fostering a growth mindset: The good news is that a growth mindset can be grown! One place to start is with your own self-talk:

  • Change “I can’t do this” into “I can’t do this yet.”
  • Change “I always make mistakes” into “What can I learn from this mistake?”
  • Change “I always make mistakes” into “What can I learn from this mistake?”

Study Skills Resources

There are many valuable places to look for improving study skills in math. In brief, to be successful:

  • Don’t just go to class; be engaged while in class. Take notes. Ask questions. Try to make sense of the concepts while you are in the classroom.
  • Don’t just do your homework; master your homework. Start homework early, allow lots of time, and be sure you are focusing on learning the material rather than just getting it done.
  • Expect struggle. Learning takes place when our brains are challenged.
  • Use study groups wisely. Working together can help you learn from one another. Having a set, regular study group time can keep you accountable for doing your homework. However, be wary of a group that is frequently off-task or moves at a pace that doesn’t match your own. It is ok to find a new group!
  • Get help. Make use of your classmates, the Math Resource Center, and your professor’s office hours.

Other Resources for Study Tips

Math Resources

Math Video Resources

Online math videos can be a helpful supplement for understanding procedural examples. Use videos with a note of caution: while seeing a specific example may be helpful for understanding that example, most videos do not emphasize the understanding of the underlying concepts. As you watch, be sure to ask the question why and check your understanding.

  • PatrickJMT has hundreds of helpful videos that range from precalculus to vector calculus. Easy to follow examples with clear explanations.
  • Kahn Academy has a wealth of math sources and videos for all levels of math, including precalculus, calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra.



Research

The Department of Mathematics encourages students to experience research mathematics by participating in research projects both on and off campus. Approximately twenty Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) programs run every summer at colleges and universities around the country. In addition, many of our faculty work with individual students on projects throughout the academic year.

The American Mathematical Society maintains this helpful list of information about REU and other research programs available to undergraduates.

Internships

For those students interested in actuarial science, many local financial and insurance institutions offer internships and summer positions. The Mathematical Association of America maintains this list of other internship and study abroad opportunities.

The College of Arts and Sciences has dedicated staff to assist you with preparation, searching, and applying for a variety of internships related to your field of study. For more information, please visit the internship page on the PilotsUP portal.

Ron Smit Senior Award in Mathematics

  • Class of 2018: Kennedy Courtney
  • Class of 2017: Eli McElroy
  • Class of 2016: Taylor Spooner
  • Class of 2015: Dorothea Nguyen
  • Class of 2014: Adam Eide
  • Class of 2013: Samantha Warren
  • Class of 2012: Reilly Hourigan
  • Class of 2011: Allison Lewis
  • Class of 2010: Sarah Frei
  • Class of 2009: Brett Turner

Emmy Noether Award for Achievement in Mathematic Research

  • Class of 2018: Jennifer Richey
  • Class of 2017: Parkes Kendrick
  • Class of 2016: Nikki Carter
  • Class of 2015: Hannah Biegel
  • Class of 2014: Sebastian Bozlee
  • Class of 2013: Kyanne Mayfield
  • Class of 2012: Aurora Blucher

Helpful Links for Calculus

  • Calculus at MathForum - It's hard to beat this for a list of quality calculus links.
  • Calculus Problem Sets With Step-by-Step Solutions - Calculus problems with possibly the most detailed, step-by-step solutions available anywhere on the internet. Here you will find calculus done the old-fashioned way-- one problem at a time, with problems ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging.
  • Excerpts from "How To Ace Calculus" - Excerpts from "How to Ace Calculus: The Streetwise Guide" a recently published book with an unorthodox humorous approach to learning calculus. For those with a sense of humor only.
  • How to Study Math, Science and Engineering - Excerpts from a study guide on how to study math, science and engineering written by Dr. Phillip R. Rosenkrantz at Cal Poly, Pomona

Links of General Mathematical Interest

Two-Year Course Schedule

Plan your studies by consulting the two-year schedule of course offerings on this page which follow a general pattern for Fall and Spring semesters falling in even and odd calendar years.

  • MTH 301 - Vector Calculus
  • MTH 311 - Discrete Structures
  • MTH 321 - Ordinary Differential Equations
  • MTH 341 - Introduction to Linear Algebra
  • MTH 356 - Math Methods for Science and Engineering
  • MTH 391 - Sports Analytics
  • MTH 401 - Real Analysis I
  • MTH 435 - Topology or Geometry
  • MTH 461 - Probability and Statistics I

  • MTH 301 - Vector Calculus
  • MTH 304 - Complex Variables
  • MTH 311 - Discrete Structures
  • MTH 321 - Ordinary Differential Equations
  • MTH 341 - Introduction to Linear Algebra
  • MTH 345 - Number Theory
  • MTH 361 - Applied Statistics
  • MTH 391 - Fundamentals of Data Science
  • MTH 441 - Group Theory
  • MTH 451 - Numerical Methods

This anticipated schedule may change.

  • MTH 301 - Vector Calculus
  • MTH 303 - Computational Methods
  • MTH 311 - Discrete Structures
  • MTH 321 - Ordinary Differential Equations
  • MTH 322 - Partial Differential Equations
  • MTH 341 - Introduction to Linear Algebra
  • MTH 381 - Math Modeling
  • MTH 442 - Rings and Fields

This anticipated schedule may change.

  • MTH 301 - Vector Calculus
  • MTH 311 - Discrete Structures
  • MTH 321 - Ordinary Differential Equations
  • MTH 323 - Nonlinear Dynamics
  • MTH 341 - Introduction to Linear Algebra
  • MTH 361 - Applied Statistics
  • MTH 401 - Real Analysis I
  • MTH 443 - Cryptography
  • MTH 497 - Industrial Mathematics Internship

*This anticipated schedule may change.

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