Math Camp

Camp meets for one work week, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. A typical day at Math Camp starts with a tutorial session with the teaching assistants, solving problems and discussing strategies. We then move to lectures, introducing new concepts, and discussing how those concepts are used in professional pursuits. To help you connect your math studies to your courses, we will have visits from the faculty who teach those courses. After a morning of meeting as a class, you will spend your afternoon putting your new skills to practice on mathematical exercises and application problems. Teaching assistants will be available for consultation throughout the afternoon. 

Both Math Camp and Advanced Math Camp are ungraded. By the end of the week you may be tired, but you will be surprised how much more comfortable you are with tackling quantitative problems! 

On the first day, all you need to bring is a basic calculator, pencil, and paper. We will provide course materials.

We strongly recommend a scientific calculator for Math Camp, but a graphing calculator is not necessary.

Incoming students may have access to preparatory materials posted online to internal sites.

If it’s been years since you’ve looked at math, check out a basic algebra book from the library to brush up before camp begins. Here are some suggestions:

• Raymond A. Barnett, M.R. Ziegler, and K.E. Byleen, Finite Mathematics for Business, Economics, Life Sciences and Social Sciences (10th edition), Prentice Hall (2004)
• Ajai S. Gaur and S. S. Gaur, Statistical Methods for Practice and Research: A Guide to Data Analysis Using SPSS, Sage Publications.
• Margaret L. Lial, J. Hornsby, and D. Schneider. College Algebra (9th edition). Addison Wesley.
• James Stewart, Calculus: Early Transcendentals (Stewart's Calculus Series) Check out the author’s excellent website.
• Michael, Sullivan, College Algebra (7th edition). Prentice Hall.
• Waner & Costenoble. Finite Mathematics (2nd edition). Brooks & Cole.

• Polynomials (adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing)
• Percent change
• Summation
• Factoring
• Solving linear and quadratic equations
• Solving systems of equations
• Solving inequalities
• Functions (linear, quadratic, polynomial)
• Graphing Functions
• Logarithmic and exponential functions
• Derivatives
• Rules of differentiation
• Higher order derivatives
• Application of derivatives
• Integration (indefinite and definite)
• Rules of integration
• Word Problems
• Application problems

• Solving equations
• Solving simultaneous equations
• Functions (linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic)
• Review of trigonometry
• Unit analysis
• Percent change
• Time value of money
• Limits
• Probability and statistics
• Overview of mathematical software
• Preview of differentials
• Differentiation
• Rules of differentiation
• Applications for derivatives
• Interpreting higher order derivatives
• Riemann sums
• Integration (indefinite and definite)
• Rules for integrals
• Applications for integrals
• Numerical integration
• Partial derivatives
• Preview of differential equations
• O’Neill applications for calculus

Q. As an MPA-MSES dual student, am I required to take Advanced Math Camp?

You have the option of taking Math Camp or Advanced Math Camp as a dual degree student. We recommend that students who are not as familiar with calculus concepts participate in Math Camp. If you feel that you are well versed in calculus and need a review, Advanced Math Camp is for you!

Q. I am not familiar with the statistics concepts that are found in the syllabus. Could I get study material online to prepare before I get to the Math Camp?

We will be posting a pre-Math Camp review in Canvas for those of you who want to review concepts prior to Math Camp!

Q. Are there any specific items we should bring to Math Camp?

We will have all of the materials here for you! All you will need to bring is a pen or pencil and a scientific calculator if you have one. A scientific calculator is strongly recommended.

Q. It's been about four years since I've last had a calculus class, but I have taken it. Which course would you say fits that background?

The advanced course covers calculus concepts in more detail, while the other course is mostly focused on a linear algebra review.

Q. How do we successfully complete Math Camp? Is there going to be a test at the end of Math Camp?

There is not a test. You will have daily homework to help through the lessons, but nothing is graded.

Q. How will Math Camp apply to our first semester coursework in practical terms? As we are refreshed on concepts in Math Camp, how will they come into play in the first semester statistics course?

Having a better grip on math (calculus and algebra) will help you understand concepts in any quantitative course at O’Neill (statistics, economics, finances, sciences). Understanding why you use certain formulas in modeling and understanding the proofs gives you a better understanding of what those formulas and models are really explaining. Classes vary with their demand for quantitative skills, but understanding the math will be beneficial.

Q. How much time, on average, outside of the class should we plan on working on the daily assignments?

It depends. The assignments are designed to help you, but they are not graded. I spent more time on some days than others, depending on my understanding of the content. If I understood the concepts I spent less time on the assignments.

Q. To get an idea of what is expected, is Math Camp  more about reviewing math concepts or learning new information?

The information will be new for some and will be review for others. It had been so long for me that much of the review felt like new material again.

Q. What would you say is the most time you spent working on assignments and least? I'm just trying to think through how to allocate my time during that week.

If I remember correctly, I spent 1-2 hours tops on the assignments. The TA's are helpful after class, and they will be willing to help you through the assignments if you have questions.

Q. If we don’t understand a particular concept taught during Math Camp and we need a bit of attention in that particular topic, how do we go about seeking help?

First, go to the office hours of the TA during the week. Also you can ask the instructor. If you are still struggling, they will point you in the direction of good resources for the particular topic you're struggling with.

Q. How soon do we need to make the decision about whether to attend the "Math Camp" or "Advanced Math Camp" version of Math Camp and how do we go about indicating that choice to O’Neill?

You should've received an email with a survey to indicate your math camp preference. The deadline to register is July 1, 2019.

Q. How many students attend Math Camp?

Typically approximately 50% of our incoming class will attend Math Camp each year!

Q. Will Math Camp consist of one continuous 5 hour session each day?

Math Camp will be held from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. each day. However, there will be breaks and faculty lectures integrated throughout the session each day.

Q. Will we be using any statistical programs during Math Camp? Am I expected to know how to use certain programs ahead of time?

Statistical software will not be used during Math Camp.

Q. Will the Advanced Math Camp be more appropriate for specific concentrations? If so, what are those concentrations?

Advanced Math Camp is open to MPA, MSES, and MPA-MSES students. Many students beginning the MSES and MPA-MSES who plan on pursuing a more science-related concentration will attend the Advanced Math Camp. However, students who are thinking of pursuing the more quantitative concentrations under the MPA (i.e. Policy Analysis, Energy, or Environmental Policy and Natural Resources Management) may also consider attending the Advanced Math Camp.

Please feel free to email us at oneillad@iu.edu with any additional questions you may have about Math Camp!