Graduate programs like Perimeter Institute for math?

[cmb5858]

Main Question or Discussion Point

Hello all, I was wondering if anyone knew if there are programs like Perimeter Scholars International for mathematics (rather than largely physics)?

 

[mapkan]

You could try some of the erasmus mundus courses, for example the ALGANT (algebra geometry and number theory) http://www.algant.eu/

 

[VantagePoint72]

Like in what sense? No two programs are exactly alike, so what are the features of PSI you're looking for in a mathematics program?

 

[Clever-Name]

The Perimeter Institute models its Physics Masters program after the Mathematical Tripos III at Cambridge. So if you want a direct comparison then Cambridge's program is appropriate.

 

[VantagePoint72]

If they modeled PSI on Part III at Cambridge then they did so very loosely. Aside from covering similar material over a similar time period, the two programs are very different.

 

[Clever-Name]

I do not mean that they copied the exact structure and progression course by course. I mean the structure of the Masters program itself is similar in style to Part III. Typical Masters programs take 2 years with concurrent courses and research spread out over the 2 years similar to undergraduate course taking. PSI is an intensive 'throw everything at you in a short period of time' type environment, just look at the curriculum. Part III is similar in the sense that it is a intensive 1 year program where the student selects 6-9 courses to study and be examined on in addition to an essay requirement, just like PSI.

 

[VantagePoint72]

Except that PSI and Part III are actually organized in about as different a manner as possible. In PSI, students take courses in short, intensive modules; in Part III, classes follow a typical term schedule. In PSI, all assessment is based on coursework and there are no exams; in Part III, all assessment is based on exams and there is no (graded) course work. Aside from the material they cover, they really couldn't be more different in how they're organized.

Typical Masters programs take 2 years with concurrent courses and research spread out over the 2 years similar to undergraduate course taking.

That's a pretty frivolous comparison. There are plenty of one-year taught Master's programs at many institutions. That aspect of both PSI and Part III is completely unremarkable.

I'll take your word for it that the creators of PSI used Part III as their model, but, as I said, if they did so, it was a very loose inspiration. They are radically different programs.

 

[nonequilibrium]

The creators of PSI were indeed inspired by Part III, but more in the negative sense: trying to do it opposite to Part III. Even though they are similar in their intensity, there are the differences that LastOneStanding stated, but even more so there is a much greater emphasis on student interaction at PSI (and also interaction with the lecturers or assistants for that matter), why Tripos III is known for making you work on your own, with pretty much no possible interaction with lecturers. That is not to say that Part III is better (or worse), just considerably different in a lot of respects. But despite this, I would indeed still think "Part III" is a good answer to the OP's question, assuming he is looking for something with the same standards & intensity.

(As for there being no exams at PSI, that is mostly true, but since the fourth year (this year) they have introduced something that is akin to it, albeit much more informal and without grades.)