Math 109 (Mathematical Reasoning) - Fall 2013

Professor: CRISTIAN D. POPESCU
Lectures: MWF 9:00-9:50am, in CSB002 (Note the room change!)
Office Hours: MW 10:00 - 11:00am and F 12:00-1:00pm in AP&M 6256.
Office: AP&M 6256. Phone: 858-534-6297. E-mail: cpopescu@math.ucsd.edu

Teaching Assistant: COREY STONE
Discussion Sections: M 6-6:50pm (A02) and M 7-7:50pm (A01), in AP&M 5402.
Office Hours: M 12-1, T 1-3, W 3-4 in AP&M 5768.
Office: AP&M 5768. E-mail: cdstone@ucsd.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

WHAT IS MATH 109? This course is an introduction to mathematical reasoning. Perhaps the most useful consequence of studying mathematics is an enhanced ability to analyze problems, mathematical or otherwise, logically. In advanced mathematics courses and in mathematics research, this ability is deployed primarily to prove that specific statements are true. The goal of this course is to give the students an understanding of what it means to do mathematics, beyond simply doing calculations. This includes learning what kinds of statements need proof, what constitutes a proof, and how to read and write proofs.

TEXT: PETER J. ECCLES, An Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning. Cambridge Univ. Press, 1997. You are expected to read the text BEFORE each lecture.

EXAMS

Midterm I - Wednesday, October 16, 9:00am, in CSB 002. Topics: Chapters 1-4 (textbook). Exam I solutions.
Midterm II - Wednesday, November 20, 9:00am, in CSB 002. Topics: Chapters 5-9 (textbook). Exam II solutions.
Final Exam - Wednesday, December 11, 8:00-11:00am. Location: CSB 002. Topics: Comprehensive (Chapters 1-9, 15-18.)
No notes, textbooks, calculators are allowed during exams. No make-up exams will be given. Cheating on an exam results in 0 points for that exam, as well as further disciplinary action.

GRADING POLICY

Midterms 1+2: 20% each; Final Exam: 40%; Homework: 20%. The grading will be done on a curve, the median corresponding to a B-/C+.

IMPORTANT LINKS Schedule and Homework.

GETTING HELP

Help with mathematical problems:

Section: Ask questions in section --- this is one of the main reasons why sections exist.
Office Hours: You are strongly advised to take full advantage of your professor's and ta's office hours.
Classmates: Sometimes a classmate can help. Sometimes you can learn by working out problems together with your classmates.

Help with personal problems which affect your class work:

Talk to the professor or, if appropriate, your college provost.