MAT 300 Mathematical Structures Fall 2006
Line number 96112
1-page abbreviated syllabus
complete version on line at
Location and times: MWF 1:40-2:30in PSA 304
Final ExamWed Dec 13, 2:20 - 4:30
TextbookChapter Zero 2nd edition, by Carol Schumacher, ISBN 0-201-43724-4, 2001.
Instructorcontact:Matthias Kawski, Goldwater Center 354,office hours tbd and by appointment,
, (480) 965-3376 (office -- unreliable), (480) 893 0107 (home) .
Course content and objectives:
Catalogue description.MAT 300 Mathematical Structures. (3) fall and spring Logic and set theory, induction, functions, order and equivalence relations, cardinality. Emphasizes writing proofs.
Prerequisite: 1 semester of calculus or instructor approval. General Studies: L.
Unlike many other math courses, which focus on some specific mathematical topic, the emphasis in MAT 300 is on the general structures and techniques ("how to write a proof", and ``problem solving'') that underlie most higher mathematics. For many students this is their first encounter with "having to write proofs" as opposed to learning and applying computational techniques. This course is an important decision point: Students, shall decide whether they really like this kind of activity (and want to continue with higher theoretical mathematics), or whether they rather may want to continue in a more applied discipline (incl. computational mathematical sciences). At the end of the course, students shall be prepared to take MAT 370/371 Advanced Calculus.
This course carries L-credit. Consonant with the criteria for Literacy and critical inquiry this course contains likely two longer writing assignments based on extended fun problems (with multiple progress reports/drafts)
Expectations and daily routine
All students are expected to attend all classes, and to actively participate in the daily class-discussions. Classes will mix occasional short lectures, discussions, group-work with LOTS of student presentations. All students are expected to give several presentations in class over the course of the semester -- whenever possible, the presentations shall be given by students who volunteer. It is essential that all students come prepared to all classes. The routine work includes reviewing and completing the material from the past class, and preparing the material for the next class: This includes reading the text-book and working (attempting) all exercises and examples. This includes formulating detailed questions about topics that need clarification. If needed, mini-quizzes (announced and/or unannounced) may be given infrequently or daily.
In addition to such routine preparation, homework will be assigned in class (and usually will be posted on-line the same day). Students are strongly encouraged to work in small groups on the exercises and problems -- but each student shall individually write up her/his work for all written assignments. Written homework will be collected weekly -- usually on Fridays (due dates will be announced in class and posted on-line).
Exams and grading policy
The plan is to have 2 mid-term exams (but this may change to either one or three). Unless otherwise stated, these will combine a straightforward closed-book in-class exams. The default scheme for the semester grades will use a standard scale of A for 90% and above (excellent), B between 80% and 90% (very good), C between 65% and 80% (good), D between 55% and 65% (marginal), and E below 55% (insufficient). Approximately equal weights will be given to the final exam (25%), the mid-terms (25% together), and other in-class work (50%) which includes active participation in class, regular presentations, mini-quizzes (if applicable), and written homework (theorems and problems from the textbook), and extended write-ups.