The examination is usually held in November or December. On the 1991 Putnam Exam, a UMR mathematics major was in the top five nationally. As part of the department's capstone courses, Math 361 - Problem Solving in Pure Mathematics, is designed in part to prepare students to participate in the William Lowell Putnam Competition. Mathematical Competition in Modeling. The Mathematical Competition in Modeling is a national contest for undergraduates designed to stimulate and improve problem-solving and writing skills in a team setting.
Students work together in teams of three over a weekend.
The problems chosen for the competition and the cooperative effort required for their solution serve as an indication of what students can expect in a work environment. Problems will tend to be open-ended and are unlikely to have a unique solution. Prizes are awarded by various professional societies, and some prizes include an opportunity for the winning teams to present their solutions at a professional meeting. The competition is usually held in late February or early March. As part of the department's capstone courses, Math 371 - Problem Solving in Applied Mathematics, is designed in part to prepare students to participate in the Mathematical Competition in Modeling.