Math 301: Section [4170]

Introduction to Mathematical Analysis, I

Instructor:

Prof. Thomas I. Seidman
Office: MP 438
E-mail: seidman@math.umbc.edu

Phone: (410) 455-2438
Fax: (410) 455-1066
http://www.math.umbc.edu/~seidman
MESSAGES!

Classes: TuTh 2:30pm - 4:20pm SS-111

Office Hours: TBA

Textbook: R.G. Bartle and D.R. Sherbert, "Introduction to Real Analysis," Wiley.
301 Supplement

Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, you should have

attained a higher level of `mathematical maturity,'
learned how to understand and create proofs,
learned basic facts and techniques for analyzing convergence and continuity.

Course Description: While the earlier part of the course will strongly emphasize proof concepts and techniques (as in Chapters 1,2 of the text and the Supplement), we will expect to learn much of the content of Chapters 3,4,5,6,8,9 as time permits.

Homework There will be weekly homework assignments. These will always be due on Tuesdays, at the start of class. Assignments will be presented through the Messages link and also in class.

Class Exams: There will be two class exams given during the semester. The dates of these tests will be announced in class at least a week ahead of each test. I will provide a preparatory problem set for each. There will be no make up tests.
Final Exam: The final exam is scheduled for Thursday, December 17, 1:00--3:00pm and will cover material for the entire course. As for the class exams, I will provide a preparatory problem set for the Final.

To be turned in at the time of the Final, is a Summary Essay (`take-home' part of the Final), consisting of the following two questions:
(i) What have you learned in this course?
(This should include a selection of some important/useful/interesting thing in the course, with some explanation of your choice.)
(ii) What grade do you deserve for this course? (Acceptable justification only in terms of the answer to (i) in relation to the Learning Objectives.)

Grading policy: Your final grade for the course will be based on the following:

homework--200 pts
2 class tests--100 pts each
Final--200 pts
Summary Essay -- no pts, but it counts!

The usual 90-80-70-60% grading system will be used for assigning course grades (subject to interpretation: class participation and the Summary Essay will strongly influence this interpretation).

Study with a buddy!
It is not only acceptable but encouraged for students to study together and to work jointly on the assignments.
No amount of individual study provides quite the same advantage as the opportunity to explain things in your own words to someone else --- definitions, procedures, how to apply these to concrete examples (problems), etc. This should become a regularly scheduled part of your activity in this and other courses. I believe that If you can't explain it, then you don't understand it and I also believe a partial converse to that: Making an effort to explain will help you to understand.
In addition, you should be prepared for the possibility of missing a class by having telephone numbers and/or e-mail addresses of several classmates from whom you could then get information about announcements, assignments, details of what was covered, etc., beyond what will be available on the web.

"By enrolling in this course, each student assumes the responsibilities of an active participant in UMBC's scholarly community in which everyone's academic work and behavior are held to the highest standards of honesty. Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and helping others to commit these acts are all forms of academic dishonesty, and they are wrong. Academic misconduct could result in disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to, suspension or dismissal. To read the full Student Academic Conduct Policy, consult the UMBC Student Handbook, the Faculty Handbook, or the UMBC Policies section of the UMBC Directory."