Honors Thesis Guidelines and Expectations

Math 197 A/B/C

  • Honors students must complete 6 to 9 units (2 to 3 units per quarter) of Math 197 A/B/C and submit an honors thesis as part of the honors major requirements.  
  • It is expected that when enrolled in Math 197 A/B/C, students and their honors thesis advisor will have regular meetings—at least once every two weeks--discussing the thesis and the student’s progress.

The requirements of Math 197 A/B/C are outlined below.

Important note: Any subsequent substantive change in the topic focus of the thesis must be communicated to the Student Services Office and approved by the DUS before such a change occurs.

Fall Quarter: Math 197A

At the end of fall quarter, the student should provide the advisor with a written 1- page summary that describes what the student has learned or discovered and progress made  toward the intended goals for the term. This write-up is due no later than Monday of the last week of the quarter.

Winter Quarter: Math 197B

At the end of winter quarter, the student should have finished the bulk of the  thesis work (e.g., learning most of the relevant mathematics if the thesis will be expository, or  making substantial progress towards research goals if the thesis aims to prove new results).  Students should begin writing the thesis by the middle of the quarter. Once again, a 1-page summary of what has been accomplished is due to be given to the advisor no later than Monday of the last week of the quarter.

Spring Quarter: Math 197C

Most of the spring thesis work should be focused on writing the thesis and  going through revisions and corrections under the guidance of the advisor. A substantial draft is due to the advisor by the end of week 4. This gives the advisor enough time to read it and provide feedback for revision. The final draft is due on Monday of week 8 of the quarter. 

Thesis Award Considerations

A nearly final draft must be completed by the end of week 6 in Spring quarter if you are interested in being considered for Firestone and departmental honors thesis awards. 

Note: for award consideration, thesis must be original research not expository.

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