Philosophy and Facilities
The Summer Mathematics Institute at Oakland University will provide an exciting mathematics program to stimulate the mathematical development of bright students from Southeast Michigan. Students are selected based on both exceptional talent and interest in mathematics. Those selected will generally have completed the tenth or eleventh grade, but very bright students at the ninth grade level who have exceptional talent and have accelerated their mathematical studies should also apply.
A major component of The Summer Mathematics Institute at Oakland University is the teaching of advanced undergraduate mathematical concepts from probability theory, number theory, group theory, combinatorics, graph theory, statistics, linear algebra, for college credit, in an creative environment with a high level of mathematical activity. These are interesting topics which can expand the horizons and confidence of bright students, and encourage them to work to their fullest potential. During the program the students also participate in supervised computer lab activity.
The Institute will have the use of a computer laboratory reserved for the participants. Students at the Institute will be given instruction on the use and ideas behind symbolic mathematical software (such as Maple or Mathematica), which enable computers to answer sophisticated mathematical questions. Students will also be encouraged to explore self-directed mathematical investigations independently.