Description: This course was designed for math
majors as a
bridge between the lower level problem solving courses (calculus and
differential
equations) and the required upper level proof-based courses (MA 407 and MA 425). In MA 225 the course
content includes
the basic proof techniques and the logical basis of those proof
techniques as well
as the special technique of math induction. In addition, we go over
relations and
equivalence relations, functions and cardinality which are all topics
that will be
needed in later courses. More importantly, the student is expected to
begin to think
mathematically and to write proofs and problem explanations in a clear,
concise and
logical fashion. Students should plan on taking this course
concurrently with MA
242 and prior to MA 407 and MA 425. The prerequisite
is MA 241.
Text: A Transition to Advanced Mathematics by Smith,
Eggen and St.
Andre, sixth edition. ISBN 0-534-39900-2. We will cover the following
sections:
Chapter 1: all (3-4 weeks)
Chapter 2: 2.1-2.5 (3-4 weeks)
Chapter 3: 3.1-3.3 (1-2 weeks)
Chapter 4: all (2-3 weeks)
Chapter 5: 5.1 -5.3 (2-3 weeks)
There will be 3 hour exams with the dates to be announced later (but
I'll give you
at least a week's notice). The final exam is on Monday, December 10,
2007, from 1 pm - 4 pm. There will be approximately 10 - 12 homework
assignments, due about
every week or week and a half. In addition there will be weekly
quizzes on definitions and/or statements of theorems.
Grading policy: Each hour exam is worth 20%, turn-in homework
and quizzes count 10% and the final exam is worth 30%. Turn-in
homework assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day
due. No late homework will be accepted. Practice problems
will be assigned every day but do not need to be turned in.
However, to do well on the exams generally requires that students do
the practice problems in addition to the turn-in homework problems. You
are expected to attend all classes on time. If you have to miss an exam
for reasons of illness or some other excused absence, please contact me
prior to the exam so we can arrange for a makeup. Incomplete grades
will be handled on an individual basis. Reasonable accommodations will
be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to
take advantage of available accomodations, students must register with
Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus
Box 7509, 515-7653. For more information on NC State's policy on
working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation
(REG02.20.1). It is my understanding and expectation that your
signature on any exam or assignment means that you have neither given
nor received any unauthorized aid. Students may discuss assignments
with other students in this section of the class and with me, but no
other persons. Students are expected to write up their assignments
individually.
How to reach me:
Office: HA 202
Office Hours: 10:15 - 11:15, MWThF or by appointment
Office Phone: 515-2598
Home Phone: 782-8190 (8:30 AM - 9:00 PM)
web page: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~sopaur/
email: sopaur@math.ncsu.edu