Office Hours: TR 3:30-4:30pm, W 1:30-2:30pm or by
appointment. Homework help
session every Tuesday 3:30-4:30pm at Jones 131.
Text: Mathematical Proofs--A Transition to Advanced
Mathematics by Gary Chartrand, Albert D. Polilmeni, and Ping
Zhang (Third Edition).
ISBN-13: 978-0321797094.
Course goal: The primary goal is to learn how to read
and
write rigorous and sophisticated mathematical statements and
proofs.
An integral part of this goal is mastering mathematical
fundamentals
such as logic, sets, functions, relations and numbers. Examples
and
problems are drawn in such a way to survey some different
branches of
"higher" mathematics.
Advice to students:
Excellent advice on how to be successful in the course can be
found in this
document by Professor Doug West, a mathematics professor
at the
University of Illinois.
Quizzes and Tests: There will be 5 (20 min) quizzes on
Sept 12, Sept 26, Oct 24, Nov 7 and Nov 21, all on
Thursdays. There will be one mid-term exam (80 min) on Oct
17 (Thursday). Make-up quizzes
tests are only given in extreme circumstances such as documented
serious illness or personal circumstance. I must review such
cases prior
to the start of the test.
Final
Exam: final exam will be held on Monday Dec 9,
2pm-5pm. Location Morton Hall 342.
Homework:
There will be weekly homework assignments. We cannot emphasize
the
importance of homework enough. Although understanding material
while
you read the text or listen to lecture is certainly important,
your
most important studying will be in completing the homework
assignments.
Perhaps the most fundamental part of this course is learning how
to
write and read precise mathematical ideas. Part of writing
precise
mathematical ideas is writing complete sentences with correct
grammar.
Homework written incoherently will not be judged complete!
Incoherently
includes, but is not limited to, using incomplete sentences,
using
incorrect grammar and overusing unnecessary mathematical
notation. You
are STRONGLY encouraged to discuss your homework with us prior
to
handing in homework. Start homework early and work steadily!
Homework
is usually due 5pm Wednesday. You
are
strongly suggested to use Latex to type your homework.
Latex is
a programming language to type texts with math content. You need
to use
some text editor to compile your .tex file, then use a latex
compiler
to typeset your latex file.Two lowest homework scores will be
dropped.
Help Session: A weekly homework help session will be
offered
every Tuesday at Jones Hall 131. Time: 3:30-4:30pm
Attendance: Regular attendance is critical for your
success in this course. I expect your presence at every lecture.
Grading: Your final grade is calculated as follows:
Quizzes 20%
Homework 20%
Mid-term Exam 25%
Final Exam: 35%
The letter grade is assigned using the scale:
A > 93 > A- > 90 > B+ > 87 > B > 83
>
B- > 80> C+ > 77 > C > 73 > C- > 70
> D+ >
67 > D > 63 > D- > 60 > F
Honor Code: Students will uphold William and Mary's
stated
honor code as it is written, any infractions will be referred to
the
Honor Council.