MA225-004 Foundations of Advanced Mathematics, Spring 2008

Day/Time: MWF 12:25 - 1:15 pm
Location: Fox 104
Instructor: Lindsay May
Instructor Ofice: Cox 519
Email: lbhilber@ncsu.edu
Office Hours: Mondays and Tuesdays 10:15 - 11:15
Textbook: A Transition to Advanced Mathematics, Sixth Edition, by Smith, Eggen, and St. Andre
Prerequisite: MA241

Grading:

1. WEEKLY HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS (10% of final grade) -- usually due on Wednesdays
2. 3 in-class exams (60%)
    Tentative Dates: Wednesday, February 6; Friday, March 14; Wednesday, April 16
3. Final Exam (30%) Date and Time: Monday, April 28, 2008, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Basic Grading Scale: 90% - 100% : A, 80% - 89% : B, etc. Note: + and - will also be used.

Syllabus:

Chapter 1: All Sections (4 weeks)
Chapter 2: 2.1 - 2.4 (2.5 weeks)
Chapter 3: 3.1 - 3.2 (1.5 weeks)
Chapter 4: 4.1 - 4.5 (3 weeks)
Chapter 5: 5.1 - 5.3 (3 weeks)

Course Objective:
The primary goal of MA225 is to prepare you for upper level courses in mathematics, especially courses that rely on understanding and writing mathematics. This course includes an introduction to the format of definition, theorem and proof, the design and writing of logical arguments and formal proofs, and techniques of problem solving in higher level mathematics. During the semester, fundamental concepts in several areas of mathematics are introduced, partly to show the structure of mathematical writing in different contexts, but also to lay the foundations for higher level courses such as abstract algebra and analysis.

Additional Policies:

1. I encourage you to discuss the homework with other students, or with me during office hours. Since the homework is intended to help you learn from the course, working on the homework, at least in part on your own, will help you master material, keep up with the course, and prepre for tests. Homework will be graded on a scale of 1-10. Points will be awarded for the amount of homework attempted and selected problems will be graded in detail. Late assignments will not be accepted.
2. I expect you to read sections of the book around the time of lectures and homework from those sections. The book has additional examples and discussion that you will find helpful. Some test questions may resemble examples from the book.
3. You are expected to attend all classes on time. Classroom discussion and questions in class help clarify issues in this course, so please feel free to participate by asking questions.
4. Arriving late for a class or leaving early is very disruptive of class. If you need to leave early, please let me know at the beginning of class, and sit near the door so you can slip out quietly.
5. If you are unavoidably absent from a test, you must notify me before class begins on that day (preferably via email). A score will be assessed for the missed exam at the end of the semester based on your performance in homework, other tests, and the final, with an emphasis on the material of the missed test. Attendance regulations can be found at http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/courses_undergrad/REG02.20.3.php

Academic Integrity Statement:

Students are expected to follow university policies on academic integrity and the Honor Pledge, which may be viewed by following the links at: http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/courses_undergrad/REG02.20.7.php

Further Statements:

Further Statements: Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, 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) There are no pass through charges for this course, such as field trip costs. Statement on laboratory safety or risk assumption in courses requiring physical activity or field trips: None