(Fall 2019)
Instructor: Dr. Manil Suri
Click here for homework problems assigned
Basic Information
- Dr. Manil Suri, Math/Psych 419, (410) 455-2311, suri@umbc.edu,
office hours: MW 3:30-4:30 or by appointment - Lectures: MW 1:00-2:45 (SOND 111)
- Text: Introduction to Real Analysis by Bartle and Sherbert (4th edition) [Note: If you are using an earlier edition, be sure to match HW problem numbers correctly.]
- Syllabus: Chapters 1-6,11 (some sections excluded – see HW)
- Prerequisites: Math 142 or 152 and Math 221. (CMSC 203 recommended, but not necessary.)
Learning Goals
This course introduces you to proving results (such as some you may have already seen in Calculus) by rigorous mathematical reasoning. The heart of this course is learning how to solve problems by applying such proof techniques. A primary goal is to acquire proficiency in the construction and writing of mathematical proofs. This is the main point on which you will be evaluated. An additional goal is to learn useful mathematical results in analysis (the second point on which you will be evaluated). The techniques of proof and mathematical results you learn in Math 301 will be required in higher-level mathematics courses you take in the future. Since Math 301 is usually the first course that presents such a rigorous outlook on mathematics, the going can be quite challenging. Therefore, it is necessary to do all the problems you can and participate in class discussions.
Tests and Homework
- HOMEWORK is an essential part of the course. A few problems from each section will be assigned to be handed in for grading. These are accessible through my website and the blackboard syllabus site.
To do just these problems and no others might lead to a poor grade in the course. You need to attempt at least a few more problems from the end of each chapter, since they are all different, and can give you valuable practice in constructing proofs.
Homework for sections completed in any given week (M-W) will be due the next Wednesday. On Mondays, the first part of the class will be devoted to discussing problems similar to the ones assigned. ALL HW will be counted – lowest grades will NOT be dropped. Only selected problems from the HW will be graded for credit. LATE HW CANNOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT MEDICAL (or other similar) VALIDATION. The first HW is due on Wed, Sep 11. - QUIZZES will be given every Wednesday, on the same material that the HW turned in the PREVIOUS WEDNESDAY was based on. They will test whether or not you have absorbed the techniques and results from the HW and the class lectures. The lowest two scores will be dropped. The first quiz will be on the material for HW 1, on Wed, Sep 18.
- TESTS will be given twice in the semester. The dates will be announced at least 2 weeks in advance.
- FINAL This will be cumulative. Two finals will be given, the first on Mon, Dec 9, during regular class hours. The second final will be on Wed, Dec 18, from 1 to 3 pm in SOND 111. Only the higher-scoring final out of these two will be counted (so you get two shots at it!). All quizzes, tests and the final are closed book.
- MAKE-UPS for TESTS will only be allowed under special circumstances with written documentation and prior approval if possible. If you miss a test, contact me immediately (i.e. on that day) via e-mail. MAKE-UPS for QUIZZES will not be ordinarily given, since the lowest two scores are dropped. (If your final grade at the end of the course turns out to hinge on a missed quiz, then suitable accommodation will be made, PROVIDED you have a good reason for your absence.)
- EXTRA CREDIT: A few opportunities for extra credit will be assigned during the semester. YOU HAVE TO WORK ON THESE YOURSELF, NOT WITH YOUR STUDY GROUP.
Grading
- Homework: 18%
- Quizzes: 22%
- Tests: 36% (18% each)
- Final: 24%
- Cut-offs: A: 90%, B: 80%, C: 65%, D: 55%, PLUS a minimum of 50% in the Homework for a grade of C or higher.
- NOTE: There will be some opportunities to raise your grade beyond the one calculated by the above formula. I will elaborate later in the semester.
Study Suggestion
Since this course is so challenging, I strongly recommend that you prepare in advance for each lecture by reading the next section to be covered from the textbook – even if you do not understand everything, you will have an overview of what to expect in class. Also, at this point, review any previous section which is in the background needed for the new section. Most importantly, start doing the problems at the back immediately after a section has been completed and you have understood the material – don’t wait.
If you are in a study group, please let me know with whom you are collaborating on the HW. It is essential that you know how to do the problems yourself, since otherwise you will not be able to score well on the quizzes or tests, on which most of the grade is based.
Tutoring Help
There is a departmental tutor, Theodore Weinberg, for this course, available every Tuesday from 4 to 6 pm (room Sherman 142). He would be an excellent source to get help with homework, which is due every Wed.
Free LRC (Learning Resource Center) tutoring is also available for this course. No appointment needed. The Math Lab is located on the first floor of the A.O.K. Library, behind the reference desk. To check the schedule of available tutors visit https://lrc.umbc.edu/tutor/math-lab/. During sessions, peer tutors can help you with learning course concepts and methods of analysis, doing practice problems, and preparing for tests; they can also help with learning strategies and study skills.
Important Dates
Wed, Sep 11 is the last date to drop a class without a W on your transcript. Note that if you are still registered after this date, then this counts as an ATTEMPT at taking Math 301 (even if you subsequently drop the course). YOU ARE ALLOWED ONLY 2 ATTEMPTS to take Math 301 (after this, you can still petition for a third and final attempt, which may or may not be granted). If you feel you may not have the time or energy to put in this semester to pass the class, please be sure to drop the course by Sep 11!
Note that this semester, a pilot course, Math 390, is being offered to help prepare students for Math 301 – so you could also transfer to that course by Sep 11. Math 390 is only open to those who have not attempted Math 301 before.
Tue, Nov 12 is the last date to drop this class with a grade of W. Please do not hesitate to talk to me if you need some guidance on how to proceed regarding these dates.
Academic Conduct
Please inform me of any collaborations regarding HW. Note that copying answers off the web or from another student’s HW is considered plagiarism, see below.
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.
Accommodations for Disability
If you require accommodations for this class based on disability, please make an appointment to meet with me to discuss your SSS-approved accommodations. Please see http://my.umbc.edu/groups/sss/documents/838 for more information.