Math 109 (Mathematical Reasoning) - Spring 2015

Professor: CRISTIAN D. POPESCU
Lectures: TTh 9:30-10:50, in PETER 103.
Office Hours: TTh 11-12 in AP&M 6256.
Office: AP&M 6256. Phone: 858-534-6297. E-mail: cpopescu@math.ucsd.edu

Teaching Assistant: COREY D. STONE
Discussion Sections: A01 - Tu 5-5:50 in AP&M B412; A02 - Tu 6-6:50 in AP&M B412.
Office Hours: W 1-2, F 2-3 in AP&M 6331.
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 - Tuesday, April 21, 9:30-10:50am, in PETER 103. Topics: Chapters 1-4. Sample (50 minute) exam. Warning: your exam will be an 80 minute exam and therefore it will consist of 5 questions.
Midterm II - Tuesday, May 19, 9:30-10:50am, in PETER 103. Topics: Chapters 5-7. Sample (50 minute) exam. (Please ignore problem 1.)
Final Exam - June 9, 2015, 8-11am, in TBA. Topics: Comprehensive.
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.