Math 300: Mathematical Structures

Instructor:

Andrew Leahy
Office: SMC E-211
Office phone: 341-7439
Home phone: 342-1961
E-Mail: aleahy@knox.edu
AIM: aleahy44

Office hours:

Monday 2rd Hour
Tuesday 6th Hour
Wednesday 5th Hour
Thursday 5rd Hour

You can also set up an appointment (by phone or e-mail) or stop by and see if I'm available. I teach 3rd on MWThF and 6th on MWThF. I also have two student independent studies and miscellaneous meetings and responsibilities, but I'm free most other times and I'm in or near my office most days from 9:00 - 4:45. Please call ahead to be on the safe side.

Course Mechanics:

Meetings: MWThF Period Six, SMC A-207

Text: None

A day-by-day outline of topics covered in the course may be found here.

Assessment:

Exams (approximately 45%)
There will be a midterm exam along with a final exam. It is possible that the exams will have both an in-class and a take-home component. The final exam should be thought of as a second midterm. It will not be "cumulative" (except to the extent that all math is cumulative) and it will most likely not require a full 3-hour final exam period.
Homework Problems/Proofs (approximately 45%)
A primary goal of this course is to become proficient at writing mathematical proofs. One or more proofs will be assigned nearly each day in class. These will most likely be due within two days of the assignment. You will have the opportunity to rewrite some of these proofs. Other proofs may be critiqued in small groups.
Written Assignments (approximately 10%)
The class as a whole will also be responsible for assembling the notes from the class into a final "textbook" for the course. Details will be discussed in class.

Assistance and Information:

Please see me outside of class if you have any questions about the material or the mechanics of the class. You should also feel free to ask questions about material in class as it is being covered.

Course Goals:

The primary purpose of the course is to study the logical foundations of modern mathematics. However, the underlying goal behind this is to develop a sense for how mathematicians convey their knowledge to each other. Since this course is a writing course, we will also be concentrating on how to write coherent mathematical proofs.

Course Notes: