Math 311W: Discrete Mathematics -- Spring 2012
Course Description
This is one of the first two courses involving proofs
for most students of mathematics. While the other course concentrates on the
foundations of calculus, we will deal with basic notions of
modern algebra and number theory.
Roughly half the course will be concerned with number
theory. The second half of the course will deal with topics in
group theory and error-correcting codes.
Prerequisite: MATH 141
Textbook: Numbers, Groups & Codes, J.F. Humphreys & M.Y. Pest, Cambridge
Grading: Grades will be based on homework assignments, midterm, and final exams with the following weighting:
Homework: 60%
Midterm Exams: 10% each
Final Exam: 20%
Homework: Homework will be collected and
graded. Homework is due at the beginning of class on each due date.
No late homework will be accepted without approval from the
instructor in advance. You are encouraged to discuss the homework
assignments with other students in the class. However you are
required to write up your own solutions.
In particular, you must
never read another student's solution to a problem before
submitting your own solution.
You may assume without proof theorems that occur
earlier in the course.
Homework solutions must be complete, correct, and well-written, as befits a writing course, to receive full credit. Homework questions can be addressed in office hours of the instructor.
All Penn State policies, in particular
http://www.psu.edu/ufs/policies/47-00.html#49-20
and
http://www.science.psu.edu/academic/Integrity/index.html
regarding ethics and honorable
behavior apply to this course.
General Information
Instructor: W. Dale Brownawell
Office:
328 McAllister Building
Office Phone: 865-7104
Office
Hours: WTh 10-11(Please come at the beginning of time slot or let
me know you are coming. Otherwise I may not stick around if I have
other things to do.)
Course Webpage: http://www.math.psu.edu/wdb/311
Course Meeting Places and Times: M
W F 12:20 PM - 1:10 PM
307 Boucke or
M W F 1:25 PM
- 2:15 PM
116
Osmond Lab.
Click
here to send me (anonymous) comments on various aspects of the
course. Otherwise just email me.