Math 220: Foundations of Mathematics

sects.  901,902
  MWF 10:20-11:20 and 11:30-12:20 
Blocker 148





Instructor: JM Landsberg
Office: Blocker 601H
Email: jml@math.tamu.edu please include "220" in the subject line when emailing me
Professor Landsberg's cv
Office hours: Wed. 3-4pm, Thurs. 10:00-11:00 and by appointment
Math 220 Help Sessions: 7:30-9:30 pm BLOC 113 Tuesdays and Wednesdays (starting after 1/22)

901 grader Huy Bui office hour: 2-3 on Tuesday and 2-3 on Thursday  201E BLOC




 

Extra office hour Monday March 19 3-4pm

Extra office hour Tues. March 20, 3-4pm

 


Texts: An Introduction to Abstract Mathematics, Bond & Keane and Arithmetic for parents, Aharoni, which can be purchased directly from the publisher here.  Readings from Lyons, The House of Wisdom will also be assigned. Both supplementary books are on reserve at Evans library.

Prerequisite: Math 172

CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Foundations of mathematics including logic, set theory, combinatorics, and number theory.

Material Covered: Most of chapters 1-5. Additional topics may be added.

Grading: Midterms (35pts),   Homework (15pts), a Writing Project (15pts), short writings  (10pts), and a Final Exam (25pts)= 100 points total. 

Quizzes will occasionally take place  on days homework is due (unannounced). There are no make-ups for quizzes.

First Midterm: Friday  Feb. 16 on Chapter 1.

Second Midterm: Wed. March 21

Third Midterm: Mon. April 16

 
The Final Exam for Sect. 901 is May 7 8-10am

The Final Exam for Sect. 902 is May 8 10:30am-12:30pm


You may bring up to 7 pages of handwritten notes to the final.

 

Grade complaints: If you think a homework or exam was graded incorrectly you
have one week from the time the graded assignment was returned to you to bring the
issue to the instructor's attention. No complaints after that time will be considered.

 Course Objectives: Understand and communicate in the language of higher mathematics. This course is designed to provide a foundation for further study of mathematics beyond calculus. A major part of this foundation is learning to write proofs, and will be the main objective of the course. A secondary objective is to develop a basic appreciation for higher mathematics.


Writing Project: The writing project will be a research paper of 5-10 pages on a topic in mathematics, for example a famous theorem or conjecture, a branch of mathematics etc. This will be turned in towards the end of the term. The topic must be approved by Dr. Landsberg. More information will be given later.

Short paragraphs:  You will be asked to write short paragraphs on topics. These should be
typed and well written.

Homework: Weekly homework sets will be turned in to be graded. Typically homework will be   due on Mondays and will be posted at least a week in advance.  As writing proofs takes considerable practice, the homework sets will likely be quite time-consuming. Your lowest homework score will be dropped. Late homeworks count as a 0, and may or may not be graded.
Click here for the homework assignments and topics covered/to be covered.

Course Policies: Late homework and make-ups for missed exams will only be allowed for a university approved excuse in writing. Wherever possible, students should inform the instructor before an exam is missed. Consistent with University Student Rules, students are required to notify an instructor by the end of the next working day after missing an exam. Otherwise, they forfeit the right to a make-up.

An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do. Copying work that was done by others is an act of scholastic dishonesty and any instance of it will be prosecuted according to University Student Rules.

Students with disabilities can get assistance from the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities, Tel. 845-1637.

Copyright Policy: All printed materials disseminated in class or on the web are protected by Copyright laws. One photocopy (or printout from the web) is allowed for personal use. Multiple copies or sale of any of these materials is strictly prohibited.



 

TAMU policy statements
Academic integrity
The Aggie Honor Code states: “An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate those who do.” Information about the Honor Council Rules and Procedures can be found at the website of the Aggie Honor System Office.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA
This federal antidiscrimination statute provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact Disability Services in Room B118 of Cain Hall, or call 979-845-1637. For additional information visit the website of Disability Services.
Attendance
See Student Rule 7

Policy regarding absences related to injury or illness: All such absences will be excused
if sufficient documentation is provided as per University policy and
the instructor will help the student make up any missed material.