Independent Studies

When time permits, I enjoy supervising independent studies for Carleton students on advanced topics not covered in our regular curriculum. If you are interested in doing an independent study with me, then there are a few things you should know about my independent studies.

They typically last one term, though they can be extended to a second term in some rare cases.
They are typically for 2 or 3 credits.
They must be arranged with me during the term before they take place.
They almost always involve exactly two students. So if you would like to do an independent study with me, then you should first find another student to partner with you for it.
They almost always have the same format. Namely, we either meet once a week for an hour and a half (2 credits), or we meet twice a week for an hour (3 credits). During these meetings you and your partner take turns presenting the material at the board to me, while I ask questions and make comments.

Here are some topics that I especially enjoy for independent studies, and that have worked well in the past.

Introduction to Symmetric Functions and their Combinatorics

In this independent study we cover as much of my book An Introduction to Symmetric Functions and their Combinatorics as we can. This subject is a beautiful blend of linear algebra and combinatorics. You do not need to know anything about abstract algebra, but you do need to be familiar and comfortable with ideas from linear algebra like bases of a vector space and linear transformations, as well as with ideas from combinatorics like partitions, permutations, and generating functions.

Introduction to Lie Algebras

In this independent study we cover as much of the book Introduction to Lie Algebras, by Karin Erdmann and Mark J. Wilson, as we can. The study of Lie Algebras brings together ideas from linear algebra and abstract algebra, so you will need to be familiar and comfortable with the ideas and approaches in both of those courses.