Spring 2011 Course Syllabus

Course: Mathematics 4096.001.
Course Title: Senior Problem Solving Seminar (Knot Theory).
Time: TR 2:00-3:20.
Place: BB 401.
Instructor: Atkinson, Christopher.
Instructor Office: 419 Wachman.
Instructor Email:
Instructor Phone: 215-204-3975.
Course Web Page: http://math.temple.edu/~ckatkin/knots.html
Office Hours: T 11:00-12:00 or W 11:00-1:00 or by appointment.
Prerequisites: Mathematical maturity, some proof writing ability.
Textbook: "The Knot Book" by Colin C. Adams.
Course Goals: In this course, we will study introductory knot theory and some fundamental ideas in topology. A major goal for this "writing-intensive class" is to gain experience with mathematical writing.
Topics Covered: We first will introduce the notion of mathematical knots and links. The main topic in the course is developing methods to determine when two knots are actually distinct. Our main technique will be to introduce various invariants of knots and links including tricolorability, unknotting number, bridge number, crossing number, genus, and various knot polynomials. Along the way, we will have an opportunity to stop and look at surface topology, three-manifold topology, and if we're lucky, a bit of hyperbolic geometry.
Course Grading: The points will be distributed as follows: 1/2 homework and projects, 1/4 midterm, 1/4 final exam. As this course is designated as "writing-intensive," all work is expected to be carefully written.
Exam Dates: Midterm: TBA, Final Exam: May 5, 1-3.
Attendance Policy: Students are responsible for all material covered in class. The best way to learn about this material is to come to class.

Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me privately to discuss the specific situation as soon as possible. Contact Disability Resources and Services at (215) 204-1280, 100 Ritter Annex, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.

Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has adopted a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy # 03.70.02) which can be accessed here.

Students will be charged for a course unless a withdrawal form is processed by a registration office of the University by the Drop/Add deadline date given below. For this semester, the crucial dates are as follows:

• The first day of classes is Tuesday, January 18.
• The last day to drop/add (tuition refund available) is Monday, January 31.
• Spring recess is the week of Sunday, March 6.
• The last day to withdraw (no refund) is Monday, March 28.
• The last day of classes is Monday, May 2.

During the first two weeks of the fall or spring semester or summer sessions, students may withdraw from a course with no record of the class appearing on the transcript. In weeks three through nine of the fall or spring semester, or during weeks three and four of summer sessions, the student may withdraw with the advisor's permission. The course will be recorded on the transcript with the instructor's notation of "W," indicating that the student withdrew. After week nine of the fall or spring semester, or week four of summer sessions, students may not withdraw from courses. No student may withdraw from more than five courses during the duration of his/her studies to earn a bachelor's degree. A student may not withdraw from the same course more than once. Students who miss the final exam and do not make alternative arrangements before the grades are turned in will be graded F.

The grade I (an "incomplete") is reserved for extreme circumstances. It is necessary to have completed almost all of the course with a passing average and to file an incomplete contract specifying what is left for you to do. To be eligible for an I grade you need a good reason and you should have missed not more than 25% of the first nine weeks of classes. If approved by the Mathematics Department chair and the CST Dean's office, the incomplete contract must include a default grade that will be used in case the I grade is not resolved within 12 months.