Introduction to Advanced Mathematics
MGF 3301 Spring 2009
200 LOV
MWF 1:25 -- 2:15

instructor
Prof. Alec N. Kercheval
contact me
113 Love Building; 644-8701 (office); 644-2202 (front desk)
webpage: http://www.math.fsu.edu/~kercheva/
office hours MWF 2:15 - 3pm or by appointment
eligibility
Prerequisite: MAC 2312 Calculus II or permission. Also recommended is experience with additional math courses, such as MAC 2313 Calculus III and/or MAS 3105 Linear Algebra.
texts
Irving Kaplansky, Set Theory and Metric Spaces, AMS Chelsea Publishing, 1977,
plus occasional handouts posted on the Blackboard course site.
objectives
This course is designed to assist in the challenging transition from the computation-oriented mathematics of the lower division courses to the proof-based framework of advanced mathematics. We will begin with the study of propositional logic via truth tables, and proceed to the set theory that most working mathematicians need to know in their daily work. Topics will include functions and relations, infinite cardinal and ordinal numbers, uncountability, transfinite arithmetic, the Axiom of Choice and Zorn's Lemma, as time permits. Emphasis in this course will be on learning to write clear proofs. Students should be prepared to spend concentrated time working on hard problems throughout the semester, and presenting solutions in class.
homework
Homework will be assigned regularly to be handed in, and discussed in class; see homework page.
First Assignment, due Friday January 16: read Section 1 of Handout 1 posted on Blackboard (Course Library section), and do the four Exercises in that section.
exams
There will be two one-hour midterm exams on dates to be announced, and a comprehensive final exam at the University's designated final examination time: Friday, May 1, 10:00 - noon.
grading
Your course grade will be a weighted average of homework and class participation (20%), midterm grades (20% each), and final exam grade (40%). Faithful attendance is expected. Borderline grades will be resolved positively by good class participation and negatively by inconsistent attendance.
makeups
No written makeups are given. An unexcused missed exam receives a zero. Those with prior permission or sufficient documentation will substitute an oral exam.


honor code: The University Academic Honor Code can be found in the current Student Handbook; you are bound by this in all of your academic work. Each student has the responsibility to 1) personally uphold the highest standards of academic integrity, 2) refuse to tolerate violations of academic integrity, and 3) foster a mutual sense of integrity and social responsibility.

In this class, you are permitted to work together with classmates on homework problems, but you must turn in only work written by yourself. All exams and any other assignments must reflect only your own work unassisted by others.


ada statement: Students with disabilities needing academic accommodations should, within the first week of class: 1) register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC); 2) bring a letter to the instructor from SDRC indicating you need academic accommodations. This and other class materials are available in alternative format upon request.