Spring 2016 Course Syllabus - Mathematics 3003.002
Course: Mathematics 3003.002.
Course Title: Number Theory.
Time: TR 9:30-10:50.
Place: WACHMAN 406.
Instructor: Datskovsky, Boris A.
Instructor Office: WACHMAN 632.
Instructor Email: boris.datskovsky@temple.edu
Instructor Phone: 215-204-7847.
Office Hours: TR 1:00-2:30.
Prerequisites: Math 2111, Basic Concepts of Math, with a grade of C- or higher.
Textbook: Elementary Number Theory (6th Edition), by Kenneth H. Rosen.
Course Goals: To introduce students to classical number theory, the second oldest (after geometry) and arguably most illustrious branch of mathematics.
Topics Covered: We will study the divisibility properties of integers, prime factorization, distribution of primes, linear and quadratic congruences, primitive roots, quadratic residues, quadratic reciprocity, simple Diophantine equations, and cryptology.
Course Grading: The grade will be based on the two midterms, the final, and written homework assignments. The midterms will count for 20% of the course grade each, the final for 30%, and the written homework for 30% of the grade.
Exam Dates: Midterms: Thursday, February 18 and Thursday, April 7. Final: Thursday, April 28, 8:00-10:00.
Attendance Policy: Missing classes is entirely at your own risk. If you miss a class without a very good reason, please ask your classmate for his/her class notes and be prepared to learn the material on your own.
Calculator Policy: No calculators will be allowed on the midterm or the final. In fact, it would be best if you do not bring them to class at all.
Letter Grade scale: 93-100 A, 90-92 A-, 87-89 B+, 83-86 B, 80-82 B-, 77-79 C+, 73-76 C, 70-72 C-, 65-69 D+, 55-65 D, 50-54 D-, 0-49 F.
Homework: Homework will be assigned at the end of every class but will not be collected. Instead, I will begin each class by answering homework questions. In addition, at the end of every two weeks of classes, excluding the weeks preceding the two tests, I will give you a written homework assignment consisting of selected homework problems to be submitted the following week. The assignments will be graded and returned to you for revisions. Your homework score will be based on the written homework assignments. Please note that it is very important to do all your homework, the problems that I collect in writing as well as those that I do not, as the exams will be based on homework.
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 dropped by the Drop/Add deadline date given below.
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.