MS 320-01
Margie Hale, Spring 2008
| Contact Information: | Office Hours: | |
| 214-5 Elizabeth Hall | Monday 2:30-3:20 | |
| ext. 7551 | Tuesday 10:30-11:20 | |
| campus box 8340 | Wednesday 10:00-10:50 | |
 |
Friday 10:00-10:50 | |
| http://www.stetson.edu/~mhale/ | or by appointment. |
| Contact Information: | Office Hours: | |
| 214-5 Elizabeth Hall | Monday 2:30-3:20 | |
| ext. 7551 | Tuesday 10:30-11:20 | |
| campus box 8340 | Wednesday 10:00-10:50 | |
|
Friday 10:00-10:50 | |
| http://www.stetson.edu/~mhale/ | or by appointment. |
Course Overview This course is an elective for students working on a degree in mathematics or related fields, and for others who are simply interested. The prerequisites are Introduction to Logic and Proof (MS 255), Linear Algebra (MS 245), and a willingness to think abstractly and work diligently. The emphasis is on theory. By now you should be discovering and writing proofs with some facility.
The text is Rosen, Elementary Number Theory and its Applications, 5th ed. Please read the book as well as participating in class. Some Mathematica programming is required, and some programming instruction will be given. See also the Introduction to Mathematica posted on Blackboard, Course Documents. A graphing or scientific calculator will be useful.
Grading Your grade will be based on three in-class tests (15% each), homework (15%), a talk (15%) and a final exam (25%). The grading scale is A: 90% - 100%, B: 80% - 89%, etc.
Policies and Due Dates You must take the major tests during the scheduled class time unless you have a valid excuse cleared with me ahead of time. The first test is Monday 2/11 and the final exam is Friday 5/2, 9-11 am. Other test dates will be announced at least a week in advance.
Homework should consume about 6 hours per week outside of class. It is collected daily at the beginning of the class period. It must be written neatly on one side of the paper, stapled. No late work is accepted. You may send assignments with a friend if you miss class.
The talk will be on a section of the book not covered by me, and will occur after spring break. Please consult the guide to giving a math talk on the course web page.
Attendance is expected. Previous students have found that loyal attendance (3 or fewer absences) is required for success in my courses.
All work on tests must be your own: no books, notes, or other people. You may receive help on homework from me or classmates, but the final product must be your own interpretation in your own words. The more work you can complete on your own, the better prepared you will be for the tests. I support the Stetson University Honor System.
Communication I use Blackboard to communicate important information about the class. You are responsible for reading your email and configuring Blackboard with your preferred email address.
Assistance This is an upper level course for mature mathematics students. You are responsible for learning the material, identifying your questions and difficulties, keeping up with the syllabus, and knowing class policies. That does not mean that you're on your own. I'm very happy to help, but it's up to you to ask. Please read the text, participate in class, and talk to me, either in class or in my office. Visit my web site to find out more about me and about the course. If you have special needs, please don't hesitate to discuss them, either with me or with the Academic Resources Center.
spring 2008 syllabus
guide to giving a math talk
back to number theory
back to Margie's home page