Number Theory, M328K
Instructor: Professor Ted Odell
(phone: 471-7711; email: odell@math.utexas.edu; office: RLM 11.124)
Office Hours: MWF 11-11:50
Class Meets: MWF 10-11 in RLM 5.120
Unique Number: 57265
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.
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 that it is correct for yourself. 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 solutions to all the questions and theorems on the sheets before they are presented in class. In addition, you must write up solutions to all the questions and theorems, most of which you will have done for homework and a few of which you will learn from other students’ presentations, and assemble them in a loose-leaf notebook to create a personal textbook for the course. The notebook will be examined from time to time. Writing up the proofs and solutions is a good way to help yourself learn.
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 Saturday, December 13 from 7 to 10 PM.
Grade: Homework, notebook, and presentations - 30%
Hour exams - 20% each
Final - 30%