MA1971 BRIDGE TO HIGHER MATHEMATICS D18

MA 1971: Syllabus

Professor: Marcus Sarkis

Office: SH206, msarkis@wpi.edu

Homepage of the course: http://www.wpi.edu/~msarkis/MA1971.html

Check daily the above homepage, everything of the course will be posted there. Homework, suggested problems, topics covered, will be posted there

Office Hours: MR 11:00-13:30am and MTR 3:00-3:30pm or by appointment via e-mail.

Lecture : MTRF 2:00pm-2:50pm SH203

Conference : None

TA : None

Textbook: "Write Your Own Proofs in Set Theory and Discrete Mathematics" by Amy Babich and Laura Person.

Course Description : The principal aim of this course is to introduce and enhance mathematical thinking. The course is intended not only for beginning mathematics, statistics or actuarial students, but also for students seeking to further their mathematical interests and those simply curious about logic and reason. Students in the course will be expected to explain, justify, defend, disprove, conjecture and verify mathematical ideas, both verbally and in writing. One expected by-product of this training is that students will develop concrete proof-writing skills which will improve their prospects for success in more advanced mathematics courses. When appropriate, course discussion will touch on current events in the mathematical sciences, including recently solved problems and open challenges facing today's scientists.

Grades : A: 100% - 90%, B: 89% - 80%, C: 79% - 70%

Grading Scheme: The final grade can be affected by factors such as attendance, participation, effort and progress. The following ingredients determine the final grade:

  • Make up exams will only be allowed in the event of a documented emergency. You are responsible for avoiding conflicts with the exams. Do not plan to leave campus for the term before the final exam.
  • In general you are allowed to work together on homework assignments, but your solutions must be written up independently. Late assignments without prior consent of the professor will not be accepted and will receive a grade of 0. Extensions will be granted only in the event of unforeseen emergencies or extenuating situations that you discuss with the professor in advance.
  • The class is mandatory. If you need to miss a class with a very professional justified reason, let me know before the class, I will see a way to help you with the missing class.

    Academic Dishonety:

    As a student in this course, you are expected to familiarize yourself with WPI's Academic Integrity policies which can be found at https://www.wpi.edu/offices/policies/honesty . All acts of fabrication, plagiarism, cheating, and facilitation will be prosecuted according to the university's policy. If you are ever unsure as to whether your intended actions are considered academically honest or not, please see Professor Sarkis (or check https://www.wpi.edu/about/policies/academic-integrity/dishonesty .

    Students with Disabilities:

    If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you have medical information to share with me that may impact your performance or participation in this course, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. If you have approved accommodations, please request your accommodation letters online through the Office of Disability Services Student Portal. If you have not already done so, students with disabilities who need to utilize accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. This office can be contacted via email: disabilityservices@wpi.edu. See https://www.wpi.edu/about/policies/academic-integrity/dishonesty , or via phone: (508) 831-4908, or in person: 124 Daniels Hall.