Math 587 Syllabus
Professor: David Cardon, 326 TMCB,
422-2863,
Class Time and Room: MWF 10:00-10:50 in 301 TMCB
Office Hours: Mon 11:00-11:50, Wed 3:00-3:50, Fri 9:00-9:50
Textbook: Introduction to Analytic Number Theory by Tom M. Apostol
Grading:
| Homework | 50% |
| 2 Midterm Exams | 30% |
| Final Exam | 20% |
| 93% will guarantee an | A |
| 90% will guarantee an | A- |
| 87% will guarantee a | B+ |
| 83% will guarantee a | B |
| 80% will guarantee a | B- |
| 77% will guarantee a | C+ |
| 73% will guarantee a | C |
| 70% will guarantee a | C- |
| etc. |
Course Objectives: The first objective is to obtain a thorough knowledge of introductory analytic number theory. We will study about 2/3 of the topics in Apostol's book and several other topics. The second objective is to learn to express the ideas studied in this course clearly in written form.
Homework: Homework will be collected on most days that the class meets. It is due at the beginning of class on the day indicated on the schedule. Consistent, diligent completion of homework assignments is essential to success in the course.
As one of the main objectives is to communicate mathematical ideas clearly, your homework assignments should be well written. You should write with complete sentences using correct spelling and punctuation, just as you would when writing an essay for an English or history course. Usually solutions should include verbal descriptions in addition to mathematical calculations. You should include enough detail that you would be able to understand your work six months later. Not only is it important to arrive at a correct answer, but it is also important to clearly explain the reasoning used to arrive at the conclusion. Your explanations should be clear enough that a typical classmate could easily understand your work.
Please write neatly and list the clearly labeled exercises in order. Staple multiple sheets. Use standard sized 8.5'' by 11'' paper. Write on the front side of the paper only. Do not use sheets torn from a spiral binder.
Typing homework solutions with LaTeX is not required, but it is definitely okay.
Students are responsible to read all of the relevant sections of the text as part of their studying.
You are encouraged to work together while you study. You may discuss homework problems and how to solve them with each other. However, you should not copy each other's solutions. You should write your solutions in your own words. If your solution and your friends solution to a lengthy exercise are worded nearly identically, then you are not working independently enough.
Late Homework: Homework is due at the beginning of class. Late homework will not be accepted, except that you may turn in three assignments late (within two class periods) without penalty. Also, the lowest three homework scores will not figure into your average at the end of the semester. This accommodates for minor illness or other reasons that might prevent you from completing an assignment on time. If you need to miss homework or an exam due to a serious illness or an event like a funeral, please talk with Dr. Cardon.
Midterm Exams/Assignments and Final Exam/Assignments: 30% of the course grade depends on two take-home midterm exams/assignments, and 20% of the course grade depends on the final exam/assignment. All work on these exams/assignments must be done independently. You may not give or receive help.
Work Load: Graduate courses typically require more effort than undergraduate courses. Most student will probably need to spend at least three or four hours of studying outside of class for each hour in class.