Course Topics:
In higher level math courses (in particular math 414) it becomes essential
to understand theorems at a much deeper level than is typical in a
calculus class. The best way to understand a theorem is to understand its
proof. The point of this course is learn how to understand and write simple proofs. This involves learning the language of mathematics, exactly what the symbols mean, how to make deductions and a number of basic mathematical principles and theorems.
We cover the following:
Introduction to writing proofs in mathematics, logical reasoning (statements, operations, predicates, quantifiers, etc.), methods or proof (direct, contradiction, induction...), topics from number theory, analysis.
We will cover the first six chapters, chapter 10 and other topics as time permits.
Course Policy
The course grade is based upon a midterm exam (20 percent of grade), a final exam (25 percent of grade), turn-in homeworks and quizes (50 percent) and class participation (5percent). The midterm date will be announced at least 2 weeks in advance.
I expect to have approximately a 90-80-65-50 percent scale for determination of grades (A,B,C,D, respectively).
Homework:
I'll assign many problems to work on. Most of these will be
"practice problems" that
will not be collected, but may be discussed in class or be
problems we do as a group on the board. Other problem sets are to be
turned in and graded. You will have either a quiz or homework set most weeks. As a convenience I'll post
assignments and practice probelms on the
Assignements and comments link, but due to delays, data/connection errors, its best to rely on what is given in class.
Late homework will be downgraded.
After I go over it in class it will no longer be accepted for any credit.
No make-up quizzes will be given unless prior arrangements have been made.
If you know you can not make a quiz you must arrange ahead of time.
Practice Problems:
Most fridays will include some time to work some of the problems (PP's) on the board, and may include a short quiz on the
previous week's practice problems. All students are expected to do at least 3 practice problems over the course of the semester. Beyond that, students that
work PP's on the board will get some extra credit (up to a limit to be determined).
Attendance:
Regular attendance is considered an important part of
the course, but will not be factored into the grade in normal situations, e.g., missing up to 2 weeks for illness or other reasons. However, an excessive number of absences (more than 3 weeks) may negatively affect the class
participation portion of the grade.
My Webpage Policy
The classroom is always the
primary source of information. For convenience, I will try to regularly post
the assignments, important comments on the course webpage, but
from time to time, I make some typo or get something wrong. So please
correct me if you think I have something posted incorrectly. (When in doubt, go with what was stated in class, until you hear otherwise.)
Disabilities
If you have a documented disability and anticipate
needing accommodations in this course, please make arrangements with me soon.
You will need to provide documentation of your disability to the Disability
Resources office located on the main floor of the student services building,
Room 1076, 294-6624.
Last updated 1-5, 2010