Fall 2013 Course Syllabus - Mathematics 4096.001

Course: Mathematics 4096.001.
Course Title: Senior Problem Solving.
Time: TR 3:30-4:50.
Place: Barton BB 407.
Instructor: Lorenz, Martin W.
Instructor Office: Wachman 528.
Instructor Email: martin.lorenz@temple.edu
Instructor Phone: 215.204.5013 (email is preferred).
Office Hours: TR 2:00-3:00 or by appointment.
Prerequisites: Some background in abstract algebra (Math 3096 or 3098) will be useful. However, the foundational material needed for this course will be reviewed.
Textbook: Frederick M. Goodman, Algebra: Abstract and Concrete. This book will only be used as a background reference; it is freely available at http://homepage.math.uiowa.edu/~goodman/algebrabook.dir/algebrabook.html.
Course Goals: This course teaches some basic skills that are essential for mathematical research. Students will gain experience in (1) effective written and oral communication of advanced mathematics, (2) reading mathematical research literature, and (3) using state-of-the art technical typesetting (LaTeX), mathematical software (e.g., GAP) and online tools (e.g., MathSciNet).
Topics Covered: We will explore various advanced topics involving group theory. Some of these may touch on open research problems. Time permitting, we may also investigate other algebraic structures besides groups (e.g., "quantum groups").
Course Grading: Homework 30%, in-class final exam 30%, writing project (with revision) and/or in-class presentation 40%.
Exam Dates: Thursday 12/12, 1:00-3:00.
Attendance Policy: Attendance is required.

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 Monday, August 26.
• Labor Day is Monday, September 2.
• The last day to drop/add (tuition refund available) is Monday, September 9.
• Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 28.
• The last day to withdraw (no refund) is Tuesday, October 22.
• The last day of classes is Wednesday, December 4.

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.