Math 109 (Mathematical Reasoning) - Winter 2017

Professor: CRISTIAN D. POPESCU
Lectures: TTh 8:00-9:20am, in MANDE B-210.
Office Hours: TTh 9:30-10:30 in AP&M 6256.
Office: AP&M 6256. Phone: 858-534-6297. E-mail: cpopescu@math.ucsd.edu

Teaching Assistants: RYAN COOPER and NANTAWAT (NAN) UDOMCHATPITAK
Discussion Sections: A01 F 4-4:50 in AP&M 5402; A02 F 5-5:50 in AP&M 5402; A03 - F 6-6:50 in AP&M 5402.
Office Hours: Ryan 11-1 MW in AP&M 6436B; Nan 2-3 MW in AP&M 5801.
E-mail: rfcooper@ucsd.edu nudomcha@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, January 31, 8:00-9:20am, in MANDE B-210. Topics: Chapters 1-4. Sample (50 minute) exam.
Midterm II - Tuesday, February 28, 8-9:20am, in MANDE B-210. Topics: Chapters 5-8 . Sample (50 minute) exam.
Final Exam - Thursday, March 23, 2017; 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.