Syllabus for MA 225, Fall 2013

A.  Instructor: John Franke

Office Hours:  10:15 - 11:15 MWF, 1:30 - 2:30 Th and by appointment
E-mail address: franke@math.ncsu.edu
Office: SAS 3222
Phone Number: 919-515-2381
Class meeting times: 9:10 - 10:00 MWF

B. Course Pre-requisites

C. GER Designation

This course does not satisfy the Math GER.

D. Learning Outcomes

Students will
1. Learn to use the basic language of mathematics (logic, sets, relations, functions).
2. Learn to outline, write and criticize mathematical proofs about numbers, sets, functions, and cardinality.

Description: This course was designed for math majors as a bridge between the lower level problem solving courses (calculus and differential equations) and the required upper level proof-based courses (MA 407 and MA 425). In MA 225 the course content includes the basic proof techniques and the logical basis of those proof techniques as well as the special technique of math induction. In addition, we go over relations and equivalence relations, functions and cardinality which are all topics that will be needed in later courses. More importantly, the student is expected to begin to think mathematically and to write proofs and problem explanations in a clear, concise and logical fashion.

E. Textbook Information 

F. Organization and Scope

Topics and Times

Chapter 1: all (3-4 weeks)
Chapter 2: 2.1-2.5 (3-4 weeks)
Chapter 3: 3.1-3.2 (1-2 weeks)
Chapter 4: 4.1-4.3 (2-3 weeks)
Chapter 5: 5.1-5.3 (2-3 weeks)

 

G. Projected Schedule of Reading Assignments

 Students should read the next section in the book before coming to class.

H. Projected Schedule of Homework, Quizzes, and Exams

There will be three tests, weekly quizzes and a final exam.
The final exam is from 8:00-11:00 on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

There will be approximately 10 - 14 homework assignments, due about every week or week and a half.
There will be individual and group assignments.

I. How Grades are Determined

Range	Grade
97.6 <= X <= 100	A+
92.3 <= X < 97.6	A
90.0  <= X < 92.3	A-
87.6 <= X < 90.0	B+
82.3 <= X < 87.6	B
80.0 <= X < 82.3	B-
77.6 <= X < 80.0	C+
72.3 <= X < 77.6	C
70.0 <= X < 72.3	C-
67.6 <= X < 70.0	D+
62.3 <= X < 67.6	D
60.0 <= X < 62.3	D-
X < 60	F

J. Policy on Incomplete Grades and Late Assignments

 Late homework will not be graded.

K. Policy on Attendance, Excused Absences, Missed Work

Attendance is expected in all classes.  Students  who miss 3 or fewer classes may count their lowest test as half a test.

If you miss a test, I will need a letter documenting the reason. Makeup tests can only be given for reasons such as illness, family emergency, participation in a University-sponsored event, required court attendance or military duty, or religious observances as certified by the Department of Student Development.

If you know you will be absent on a test date, you must clear the absence with me in advance and schedule a makeup date. In the case of an unanticipated absence on a test date, you must give me documentation and schedule a makeup date as soon as possible. See the University policies.

NCSU policy, including what constitutes an 'Excused Absence,' is at this link.

L. Academic Integrity Statement

Students are required to follow NCSU policy available at www.ncsu.edu/provost/academic_regulations/integrity/reg.htm.  "Academic dishonesty is the giving, taking, or presenting of information or material by a student that unethically or fraudulently aids oneself or another on any work which is to be considered in the determination of a grade or the completion of academic requirements or the enhancement of that student's record or academic career." (NCSU Code of Student Conduct)

The Student Affairs web site has more information (http://www.ncsu.edu/student_affairs/osc/AIpage/acaintegrity.html).

Utilization implication of the Honor Pledge

"I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment."

Expectations concerning honesty in the completion of test and assignments.

This has been outlined above

M. Students with Disabilities.

N. Laboratory Safety

O. Pass-through charges

P. Transportation

Further Information:

NCSU Academic Regulations can be found at http://www.ncsu.edu/studenthandbook/policies/index.php  (link)

Q. Homework

Last updated December 24, 2010