Math 3283W, Sequences, Series and Foundations
Spring 2010 Course Page


Location and time: 9:05 A.M. - 9:55 P.M., M,W,F, EECsi 3-210
Lecturer: Harvey Keynes, office Vincent Hall 109
(612) 625-2861
keynes@math.umn.edu

Office Hours: Students can attend the office hours of the lecturer or any discussion instructor (TA).

Textbook: Sequences, Series and Foundations,
by Wayne Richter (available at Alpha Print, 1407 Fourth Street SE, Dinkytown, 612-379-8535).

Current Course Syllabus

Student Goals Sheet

The goal of this course is to gain a precise understanding of mathematical analysis for sequences and series, including the ability to read and construct proofs. This sort of analysis is helpful in many important areas of pure and applied mathematics. Reading and reflection, problem-solving, and practice in writing out mathematical expositions are all essential aspects of the course. For more details see the Student Goals Sheet.

Grading procedure : The grade for this course is based on four components:

*Note: Since Math 3283 is a writing-intensive course it is necessary to have satisfactory performance (equivalent to C or better) on the professional problem assignments, in order to pass the course.

All examinations will be closed-book (no books or notes allowed). Calculators will not be permitted.

Homework policies: There will be two types of homework:

    (a) 6 Regular Assignments based on textbook and lecture notes, each worth 30 points
    (b) 5 Professional Problems (the writing intensive component), each worth 20 points

You may discuss homework problems with your classmates. However, when you write up your solutions, you must do this on your own. Collaboration while writing or handing in homework that is almost identical to a classmate's is a form of cheating and may result in a reduced score or a score of zero. This is especially true for the professional problems. If you have discussed a problem with others, then when you write up your own solution you should state with whom you talked.

You are allowed 1 late homework, which must be turned in by Wednesday Noon after the due date. Other late homework will be accepted only under unusual circumstances and only if arrangements have been made in advance with the course lecturer.

Point scores for homeworks (both professioanl and regular problems) will be based on a combination of correct content and clear justifications. The score on each professional problem will also be based on clear and correct spelling and exposition.

Course Content
The lectures are considered a central part of the course, equal to the reading assignments. New and different material may be presented, including different examples and exercises. You are responsible in the homework assignments and the examinations for material presented in lecture.

The reading assignments are equally important. It will greatly benefit you if you read the materials in advance of the lecture presentations.

Both the lecture and the reading assignment have exercises to help you improve your understanding. Many of the homework problems will be taken from these exercises. You should do some of these exercises in advance of the homework assignments.

Office Hours and Questions
Office hour times will be posted on this page after the start of classes. Students can attend the office hours of the lecturer or any discussion instructor (TA). You can also make appointments to see them at other times.

Questions: Contact your TA first; if necessary, contact the instructor.

General Information for this course:

  1. Student Conduct: Academic honesty and respect for others are required in every course. Students are expected to follow the university policy on student conduct. Instructors and students are expected to follow the university policy on class expectations.

Incompletes: The Department policy is: The grade of "I" is assigned when a student has satisfactorily completed all but a small portion of the work of the course and has made arrangements to make up the work. You cannot get a grade of "I" just because you are behind in your work or it appears that you are failing the course.

Handouts:

Week 1 - Set Theory Handout; Lecture Notes
Week 2 - Homework #1, Lecture Notes
Week 3 - Professional Problem #1, Homework #1 Solutions, Lecture Notes
 Week 4 - Prerequisites from Calculus Notes, Homework #2, Lecture Notes
Week 5 - Homework #2 Solutions, Professional Problem #1 Solution, Lecture Notes
Week 6 - Homework #3, Lecture Notes
Week 7 - Professional Problem #2, Homework #3 Solutions, Lecture Notes
Week 8 - Homework #4, Extra Problems/Notes, Lecture Notes, Lecture Notes Supplement

Week 9 - Professional Problem #2 Solution, Homework #4 Solutions, Lecture Notes
Week 10 - Homework #5, Lecture Notes
Week 11 - Professional Problem #3, Homework #5 Solutions, Lecture Notes
Week 12 - Homework #6, Professional Problem #3 Solution, Lecture Notes
Week 13 - Homework #6 Solutions, Professional Problem #4, Lecture Notes , Additional Lecture Notes
Week 14 - Professional Problem #5-corrected, Additional notes on Set Theory, Professional Problem #4-Solution
Week 15 - Week 15 Lecture Notes, Professional Problem #5-Solution

Exam Solutions:
Solutions for Exam #1
Solutions for Exam #2
Solutions for Exam #3