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
Jan 30, Feb 13, Mar 27, Apr 10 all on
Thursdays, and Apr 22 (Tuesday, take home quiz). There
will be one mid-term exam (80 min) on March 11 (Tuesday).
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 Thursday
May 1, 2pm-5pm. Location Jones Hall 306.
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.