Math 109 (Mathematical Reasoning) - Winter 2013

Professor: CRISTIAN D. POPESCU.
Lectures: MWF 8:00-8:50am, in PETER 102.
Office Hours: MF 9:00 - 10:00am, W 3:00-4:00pm in AP&M 6256.
Office: AP&M 6256. Phone: 858-534-6297. E-mail: cpopescu@math.ucsd.edu

Teaching Assistant: JACOB HUGHES.
Discussion Sections: Tu 8-8:50pm (A01) and Tu 9-9:50pm (A02), in AP&M 5402.
Office Hours: T 1-2, Th 2-4, in AP&M 6436.
Office: AP&M 6436. E-mail: jthughes@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 - Monday, February 4, 8:00am, in PETER 102. Topics: Chapters 1-5 (textbook). Exam 1 solutions.
Midterm II - Monday, March 4, 8:00am, in PETER 102. Topics: Chapters 6-9 (textbook). Additional office hr: Popescu, Friday, March 1, 3-4. Review: Hughes, Sunday, March 3, 12-2, in AP&M 6402. Exam 2 solutions.
Final Exam - Monday, March 18, 8:00-11:00am. Location: PETER 102. Topics: Comprehensive (Chapters 1-12 in the textbook.)
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; The TA's website for the course.

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.