Instructor: Dr. Manil Suri
Click here for schedule.
Basic Information
- Dr. Manil Suri, MP 419, suri@umbc.edu, Phone: 410 455 2311 (email is better!)
Office hours: MW 3:30-4:30 or by appointment - Lectures: MW 5:30-6:45 (SOND 105) Discussion led by Teaching Assistant: Th 3-3:50 (Sherman 013)
- Text: Mathematics: A Discrete Introduction, by Edward Scheinerman. There is a materials fee for this course. You can opt out if you like: look under “My Textbooks and Course Resources” on the Blackboard page for how to do this. Supplementary material for some topics will be available through Blackboard.
- Syllabus: Sections 1-6, 10-12, 14-15, 20-22, 24, 26, 40. Additional material on bijective mappings, images and pre-images, limits of sequences, and limits of functions will be provided.
- Prerequisite: Math 221 with a grade of C or better.
Learning Goals and Objectives
This course is an introduction to proving results rigorous mathematical reasoning. For those of you continuing on this journey, the present course is a precursor for Math 301. Upon completion of this course, you will have made progress towards the following goals:
SLO1 Construct basic proofs of if-then statements about integers and sets.
SLO2 Evaluate the truth or falsity of given statements; defend this decision by providing justifications or counterexamples as appropriate.
SLO3 Manipulate and negate simple and compound mathematical statements using propositional logic and truth tables.
SLO4 Quantify (and negate) precise mathematical statements with proficiency in mathematical statements and propositions.
SLO5 Utilize common proof techniques such as induction, proof by contraposition, and proof by contradiction; recognize the need for these strategies in given problems.
SLO6 Apply skills of mathematical reasoning, as listed above, to such topics as functions and group theory.
SLO7 Evaluate the validity of a given mathematical argument.
SLO8 Demonstrate correct and precise use of mathematical language.
LATEX: This course will utilize LATEX. LATEX is type-setting software utilized by the mathematics (and greater STEM community) for cleanly, clearly and efficiently writing and presenting mathematics. It does take some getting used to, and can be frustrating at first, but in the long run it will save you time and energy, and accelerate your transition to mathematical maturity. You can learn more about LATEX and access it via your UMBC account on the online site for Overleaf by clicking here.
Past experience in this class has shown that successful students attend class and hand in all homework assignments on time. There will be weekly homework assignments over the course of the semester. Each Thursday, students will work in groups on a worksheet during the Discussion session. Each student is then expected to LATEX their solutions to hand in the next Thursday with their weekly homework. The course will also include “Modality Rubrics” that are to be turned in each Thursday.
Grading
Your final grade for the course will be computed as follows:
- Homework: 15%
- Exams: 60% (20% each. These will be held on Mar 5, Apr 9 and May 7)
- Final: 25% (This will be held in our regular classroom on TBA)
- Cut-offs: Will depend on the overall distribution of scores.
You will also be allowed to miss one homework assignment and one modality rubric without penalty, however students are responsible for the contents of all homework assignments. Completion points for the weekly modality rubric over the entire semester will be worth one homework grade. No late homework, including completing the modality rubric, will be accepted.
Tutoring Help
In addition to asking me for help with upcoming HW during office hours, you can also approach the teaching assistant (hours TBA).
The Academic Success Center also makes tutoring available for this course 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
Fri, Feb 7 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 300 (even if you subsequently drop the course). Fri, Apr 4 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
Although you are encouraged to collaborate with others, please note that copying answers off the web or from another student’s HW is plagiarism. Such activity may trigger an academic misconduct report, as would help obtained from others during tests and the final. The following applies:
“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.”
Equity and Inclusion Support Statement