Course Materials: Silverman, Joseph H. (2006) A Friendly Introduction to Number Theory, (3^rd Ed.), Upper Saddle River, NJ:  Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Course Goals: This is an introduction to the topics of number theory, including fundamental laws, the linear Diophantine equation, a study of the integers,  the properties of linear and quadratic congruences, and famous problems. The intentions of the course are to provide the undergraduate students of mathematics with an opportunity to discover number relationships, to acquire an appreciation for the historical development of number theory within the realm of mathematics and to to develop insight, computational and numerical skills, and master various proof techniques associated with this subject.

Course Procedures: Mostly traditional lecture, chalk and board. The remaining time will be used for to share reactions to assigned readings, problem sets, and in-class activities; along with working on skills. In addition to working in class students are encouraged to work together outside the class. There will be fewer and more challenging problems. You are expected to read the book and handouts prior to class.
If there is a student in this class who has need for test taking or note taking accommodations, please feel free to come and discuss this with me. 

Class Requirements: Students are expected to attend class regularly, participate in and complete all activities (including board work) and share in the discussions. Extensive absences or lack of participation will result in a lowering of the final course grade. 

• There will be three exams (50 points each) given be the instructor during this semester (see schedule).
• There will be a comprehensive final exam (100 points). 
• We will also have at least 10 quizzes. Each quiz is worth 5 points (usually one short problem, or several very short problems). Top ten will be counted towards the grade for a total of 50 points. 
• Homework: 11 graded assignments, 10 points each, top ten will be counted towards the grade, total: 100 points. The deadline for homework is the beginning of the class on a due day.  Late homework will not receive full credit.
• During the course of this semester some extra credit problems will appear for 10 to 20 points. 

There will be no make-up exams or assignments. If you have an advance warning of a situation that will cause you to miss an exam or assignment, please discuss it with me well in advance. If a situation arises that you cannot control, don't panic. See me as soon as possible. Remember, you can always send me an e-mail. 

There is a total of 400 points for this course. You will be informed of your progress throughout the semester and your grad will be assigned based upon your performance. Your % scores will be posted after every homework, quiz, lab or exam on this Web Page. Past experience shows that grades will be no lower than those based on a 90-80-60-50% scale. 

Academic Honesty Policy: In accordance with the University's Academic Honesty Policy, violations of the Academic Honesty Policy, such as cheating on and/or plagiarizing course work, may result in the instructor assigning a failing grade for that work, requiring the student to redo the work, and/or requiring the student to receive additional instruction as provided by the University Library, Writing Center, or other University resources. Additionally, the instructor may refer the matter to the Department Chairperson, who will inform the College Dean and the Judicial Coordinator. The Judicial Coordinator may impose further sanctions in accordance with the “Code of Student Conduct”. The full text of the University’s Academic Honesty Policy is available on pp. 19 – 22 of the 2006 – 2007 University Bulletin, on pp. 124 – 125 of the 2002 – 2003 Southeast Student Day Planner, or online at  http://www.semo.edu/bulletin/ Click on ‘Academic Policies’ and then scroll to pp.11 – 12 of the pdf document, which is numbered 16 – 17 on the pages of text.

 The full text of the “Statement of Student Rights and Code of Student Conduct” is available on pp. 133 – 141 of the 2002 – 2003 Southeast Student Day Planner or online at http://www6.semo.edu/judaffairs/code.html

Checklist for Assignments: 

• Is the work done neatly? (stapled, no fingerprints, legible) Unreadable and chaotic papers will be returned with a zero credit. To receive partial credit, you must redo your paper in acceptable manner. 
• Did you answer the questions asked? Read the questions to be sure. 
• Have you used symbolic, graphical, numerical and verbal support of your answers? Where possible have you included algebra, numerical examples or tables and a graph (that is clear and labeled) to support your work? Always support your answer. If you used a calculator, say so; write the instruction you typed into the calculator to get your answer. 
• Are your answers readable? Have you used complete sentences and mathematical terminology and notation to describe the procedure by which the answer is derived? Did you justify your answer? Would someone who had not read the question understand what is going on? (Don't rewrite the question.) Read your answer back. Is it clear? 

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Last update on: Monday, January 04, 2010 at 14:06. Copyright © 2008 Jerzy Wojdyło, Southeast Missouri State University Disclaimer

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