Taking an independent study (also known as a reading course) is a key transition point from the standard undergraduate math curriculum to the path to graduate school. During an independent study, a student typically learns about a subdiscipline under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Independent studies are taken for credit and receive a grade. To officially enroll, after receiving approval from the prospective faculty mentor prior to the beginning of the intended semester:
Go to the UVA SIS website
Select "Find Classes" and "Search Classes by Semester"
Enter the intended semester and MATH into the term and subject filter respectively
Scroll to MATH 4993 and enroll in your prospective faculty mentor's section
If your faculty mentor is not listed or there is an issue with the enrollment, contact your faculty mentor
The next step after an independent study, if the student and faculty mentor both agree, is to pursue an undergraduate research project in a subsequent semester (through enrolling in another independent study) or through the Distinguished Major Program.
To learn more about independent studies and undergraduate research, speak with your peers!