Number Theory, M328K

Fall, 2002

Instructor: Professor Ted Odell (phone: 471-4157; email: odell@math.utexas.edu; office: RLM 11.124) Office hours: 11:00-12:00 MWF.

Class: Unique # 56785; meets: MWF 10-11 in RLM 5.120.

Rules of the game: The class will be conducted using a method of instruction called the modified Moore method. This method fosters creativity and independent thinking. It is also fun. You will receive lists of questions and theorem statements and present your answers and proofs in class. These presentations are a major part of the course. There is no book for the course, we will hand out the lists of questions. You may not consult books while creating your answers and proofs.

The ideal model to follow is to settle the questions and prove the theorems independently and write-up your solutions before the answers are presented in class. Each day, students will present solutions at the board in class. When you are presenting your proofs or solutions, strive to make your explanations clear and organized. If you are observing a presentation, it is your responsibility to follow the logic of the solution and verify for yourself that it is correct. If you cannot follow something, it is your responsibility to ask a question of the student presenting. If you are truly stuck on a question, do not hesitate to ask the instructor for help. You should be working far enough ahead of the classroom presentations so that there is time for this consultation.

Homework: Your standing homework assignment is to write up and submit solutions to all the questions and theorems on the sheets. You might want to keep copies for yourself so that you can refer to your solutions during your presentations. Each day, we will pass around a sheet where you record which questions you can do and which you have turned in. Each question is awarded from 0 to 3 points. You will receive 3 points if you submit your correct solution before it is presented in class. You will receive 2 points if you submit a correct solution after it is presented in class. Your goal is to write up all solutions to all the questions, because writing up the proofs and solutions is a good way to help yourself learn the mathematics. At the conclusion of the course, your solutions will be a personal textbook for number theory.

Exams: There will be two hour-exams during the semester. Each will be announced at least one week in advance. The final examination will be comprehensive and will take place on Thursday, December 12 from 9-12 in the morning.

Grade: Homework 20%

Presentations- 20%

Hour exams - 20% each

Final - 20%