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 James Downey: 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. In addition to this required text, we will also be using the following auxiliary text (available for free via Bbd link): Foundations of Higher Mathematics by Fendel and Resek.
- Syllabus: Sections 1-7, 10-12, 14-15, 20-22, 24, 26, 40 of Scheinerman, and Sections 9.1 to 9.3 of Fendel and Resek.
- 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:
- Construct basic proofs of if-then statements about integers and sets.
- Evaluate the truth or falsity of given statements; defend this decision by providing justifications or counterexamples as appropriate.
- Manipulate and negate simple and compound mathematical statements using propositional logic and truth tables.
- Quantify (and negate) precise mathematical statements with proficiency in mathematical statements and propositions.
- Utilize common proof techniques such as induction, proof by contraposition, and proof by contradiction; recognize the need for these strategies in given problems.
- Apply skills of mathematical reasoning, as listed above, to such topics as functions and group theory.
- Evaluate the validity of a given mathematical argument.
- 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 onerous 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.
Homework Assignments
These will be of three types.
- Problems like the ones to be asked on exams will be due each week. Most of these are from Scheinerman (and are all posted on Blackboard). Homework based on material covered in any week will be due in LATEX (via Blackboard) on the Thursday of the following week. Only some problems will be graded for credit.
- In addition, there will also be a worksheet that students will work in groups during the Discussion session each Thursday. Each student is then expected to LATEX their solutions to submit (via Blackboard) the next Thursday with their weekly homework.
- The course will also include self-assessments that are to be turned in each Thursday. These are reflective assignments, designed to help students understand how well they are performing, and what needs improvement. These will also be submitted via Blackboard.
Each week, the three components above need to be submitted separately, using the Blackboard portals for each, by 3 pm on Thursday. No late homework will be accepted. However, the lowest grade in each of the three above categories will be dropped.
Classwork and Attendance
Attendance at lectures and discussions is mandatory. Points will be taken off for absences with inadequate cause. To prepare for class, please read the section(s) to be covered before you come.
There will be some unannounced in-class exercises sprinkled randomly during the semester. This classwork will be graded and worth up to 10% of your overall grade.
Grading
Your final grade for the course will tentatively be computed as follows:
- Homework and Classwork: 30%
- Exams: 45% (These will be held on Mar 5, Apr 9 and May 7. Your lowest exam score will be worth 9%, your middle one 15% and your highest one 21%.)
- Final: 25% (This will be held in our regular classroom on Mon, May 19 from 6 to 8 pm)
- Cut-offs: Will depend on the overall distribution of scores
- To pass the course with a C or better, you will need to score at least 65% in the weekly HW (not including worksheets and self-assessments).
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