Scientific Connections RAP Fall 2012

This RAP is ideal for first-year students who have a passion for scientific exploration, creativity and research.

It is open to students who are declared OR interested in a science, math, or engineering major.

As a student in the Scientific Connections RAP you will work with accomplished faculty, participate in innovative projects, and learn about research opportunities.

When you join this RAP you will...

Share your living-and-learning experience with a community of high-achieving students who share your interests.
Work closely with faculty members through a variety of academic opportunities.
Enroll in a unique 1-credit seminar created specifically for this RAP.
Learn about Mathematics, Statistics, and the Physical Sciences from a variety of perspectives and identify ways to pursue your academic and/or career goals.
Take part in activities that will help prepare you to apply for the iCONS program for Spring 2013.

The unique 1-credit seminar created specifically for this RAP provides you with the opportunity to work closely with faculty members who guide you through group projects. In this structured setting, you will work together with your RAPmates to raise questions that are relevant to your new life residing on a college campus.

Faculty will guide you in creating these questions which you will then seek to answer via the scientific method; in doing so, you will learn to use appropriate tools from mathematics and statistics for quantitative analysis of your data.

Learn and refine important scientific skills:

Working in teams
How science works
Developing scientific questions
Data collection and analysis
How to use the techniques of calculus in answering scientific questions and data interpretation

Join a community of like-minded peers who are motivated to explore the Physical Sciences. You will make connections to faculty, and learn about the goals and opportunities available within the participating departments.

Samantha Bell, RAP Mentor Fall 2012

A very special feature of this program is that students in the Scientific Connections RAP will have the advantage of a RAP Mentor, an upper class student who will live in the residence hall with the RAP students to provide academic and personal support. This mentor will work closely with the Scientific Connections RAP faculty and provide programming exclusively for the Scientific Connections RAP students. Read Samantha's welcome letter.

There is a great deal of math involved in many science activities and projects so it is extremely beneficial for student joining this RAP to be well prepared to be successful in calculus. We therefore have a small section of calculus - Math 131 taught in the residential area for the students in Scientific Connections RAP.

Living together gives you a chance to get to know each other and engage in group activities as you begin your academic career at UMass Amherst.

Be sure to visit the How to Join page on this website to learn about the process and important timelines you must follow to become a member of this fantastic program!

Meet the Faculty

Scott Auerbach, Chemistry Professor

Farshid Hajir, Math Professor

Welcome comments from the faculty:

"Congratulations on joining the Science Connection RAP for Fall 2012. This is my 3rd year teaching the seminar for this RAP, and I look forward to joining forces with Prof. Farshid Hajir and Samantha Bell (RAP Mentor) as we work with you to connect math and science to studying ways to improve the lives of students. I'm excited to meet you and work with you this coming Fall!"
Best, Scott

"I am looking forward to my first year of working with students in the Scientific Connections RAP. I'll be joining forces with you alongside Professor Scott Auerbach, Instructor Alden Gassert, and Undergraduate Mentor Samantha Bell to form a strong teaching-learning team." Farshid

Classes

Students will enroll in the following classes, both taught in the residential area:

Fall 2012

RAP Seminar (UNIV 190R)- 1- credit

AND

"Calculus 1" - Math 131 (Gen Ed R2) small section in the residential area. * Students must score at least a 23 on Part A and a 5 on Part B of the Math Placement Test to be prepared for this class.

NOTE 1:

Students whose Math Placement Test scores indicate they should enroll in either Math 104 or 132 may still join this RAP.

NOTE 2:

Due to the diversity of majors who join this RAP and the heavy course requirements in many science and engineering majors, there is no required GenEd class.

Spring 2013

"College Writing" - English Writing 112 - will be offered in the residential area

Location

Students will live together in Mary Lyon Hall in the Northeast area of campus

Home About RAP FAQ RAP Facts & Features Contact Us How to Join Resources & Links Academic Support For Faculty & Instructors Thatcher Language House Accommodation Policy "Exciting field trips!" Scientific Connections RAP Fall 2012 This RAP is ideal for first-year students who have a passion for scientific exploration, creativity and research. It is open to students who are declared OR interested in a science, math, or engineering major. As a student in the Scientific Connections RAP you will work with accomplished faculty, participate in innovative projects, and learn about research opportunities. When you join this RAP you will... Share your living-and-learning experience with a community of high-achieving students who share your interests. Work closely with faculty members through a variety of academic opportunities. Enroll in a unique 1-credit seminar created specifically for this RAP. Learn about Mathematics, Statistics, and the Physical Sciences from a variety of perspectives and identify ways to pursue your academic and/or career goals. Take part in activities that will help prepare you to apply for the iCONS program for Spring 2013. The unique 1-credit seminar created specifically for this RAP provides you with the opportunity to work closely with faculty members who guide you through group projects. In this structured setting, you will work together with your RAPmates to raise questions that are relevant to your new life residing on a college campus. Faculty will guide you in creating these questions which you will then seek to answer via the scientific method; in doing so, you will learn to use appropriate tools from mathematics and statistics for quantitative analysis of your data. Learn and refine important scientific skills: Working in teams How science works Developing scientific questions Data collection and analysis How to use the techniques of calculus in answering scientific questions and data interpretation Join a community of like-minded peers who are motivated to explore the Physical Sciences. You will make connections to faculty, and learn about the goals and opportunities available within the participating departments. Samantha Bell, RAP Mentor Fall 2012 A very special feature of this program is that students in the Scientific Connections RAP will have the advantage of a RAP Mentor, an upper class student who will live in the residence hall with the RAP students to provide academic and personal support. This mentor will work closely with the Scientific Connections RAP faculty and provide programming exclusively for the Scientific Connections RAP students. Read Samantha's welcome letter. There is a great deal of math involved in many science activities and projects so it is extremely beneficial for student joining this RAP to be well prepared to be successful in calculus. We therefore have a small section of calculus - Math 131 taught in the residential area for the students in Scientific Connections RAP. Living together gives you a chance to get to know each other and engage in group activities as you begin your academic career at UMass Amherst. Be sure to visit the How to Join page on this website to learn about the process and important timelines you must follow to become a member of this fantastic program! Meet the Faculty Scott Auerbach, Chemistry Professor Farshid Hajir, Math Professor Welcome comments from the faculty: "Congratulations on joining the Science Connection RAP for Fall 2012. This is my 3rd year teaching the seminar for this RAP, and I look forward to joining forces with Prof. Farshid Hajir and Samantha Bell (RAP Mentor) as we work with you to connect math and science to studying ways to improve the lives of students. I'm excited to meet you and work with you this coming Fall!" Best, Scott "I am looking forward to my first year of working with students in the Scientific Connections RAP. I'll be joining forces with you alongside Professor Scott Auerbach, Instructor Alden Gassert, and Undergraduate Mentor Samantha Bell to form a strong teaching-learning team." Farshid Classes Students will enroll in the following classes, both taught in the residential area: Fall 2012 RAP Seminar (UNIV 190R)- 1- credit AND "Calculus 1" - Math 131 (Gen Ed R2) small section in the residential area. * Students must score at least a 23 on Part A and a 5 on Part B of the Math Placement Test to be prepared for this class. NOTE 1: Students whose Math Placement Test scores indicate they should enroll in either Math 104 or 132 may still join this RAP. NOTE 2: Due to the diversity of majors who join this RAP and the heavy course requirements in many science and engineering majors, there is no required GenEd class. Spring 2013 "College Writing" - English Writing 112 - will be offered in the residential area Location Students will live together in Mary Lyon Hall in the Northeast area of campus
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