Class: MWF 10:30-11:20 AM, 210 MLH Instructor: Dr. Olga Sokratova
Office: 325J MLH Phone: (319) 335-3873
Office hours: Th 10:30-12:20 and F 11:30-12:20 Fax: (319) 335-0627
E-mail address: sokratov@math.uiowa.edu Mailbox: in Mailroom 15 MLH
Course web page: http://www.math.uiowa.edu/~sokratov/2008m150/150.html.
It will be updated constantly with your homework assignments, exam
dates, and other useful information as the semester progresses.
Students are responsible for checking regularly this web page.
Textbook: Introductory Combinatorics, by Brualdi, 4th ed., Prentice Hall
Prerequisites: 22M:050 or equivalent or consent of instructor.
Course outline: This course covers basic methods of enumerative combinatorics, inclusion-exclusion and generating functions, and applications to group theory (Polya-Burnside theorem). We will cover Chapters 2 through 7 and Chapter 14 of the textbook.
Goals and objectives of the course are to understand the basic and major results in combinatorics and to acquire enough technical skills to be used in subsequent courses.
Class procedures: The majority of each class period will be lecture oriented. I expect that you will read the sections assigned on the syllabus before the indicated lecture. Try to work the problems that appears in the text as you read. After the lecture, reread your notes, and only then do the homework problems. You are encouraged to ask questions at any time.
Homework: Will usually be assigned weekly on Mondays and are due in class the following Monday. Late homeworks will be accepted only for the most compelling reasons, and only if the instructor is informed on at least the day the homework is due. Absolutely no homework will be accepted after the solution is communicated. Two lowest homework grades will be dropped. Presentation of your results is very important. At the top of each homework, write your name, the date, and the homework number. The papers must be stapled. Scratch paper will not be accepted. Do not expect good grades if your solution to a problem is poorly communicated.Correct answers that are not justified by a sound argument will receive no credit. I expect the homework for each section to take about two hours to complete (which makes 6 hours of homework per week). If it takes much longer or shorter, talk to me in class or see me in office hours.
Attendance: Regular attendance will be expected. Poor attendance may result in lowering your final grade. If you must miss a class, you are still responsible for the material discussed in class and for all the announcements made in class.
Examinations: There will be two in-class midterm exams. There will also be a comprehensive final examination, which is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17 2008, 9:45-11:45 A.M. in 210 MLH. Only under exceptional circumstances will a student be permitted to shift the time of the examinations. All exams are closed-book, closed-notes. You may bring in one sheet of notes (one paper, 8.5" x 11.5", both sides) to each midterm exam and two sheets to the final exam. You may not use cell phones, or other electronic devices during the exams.
Grading procedures: The final grade will be based on midterm tests, homework, and final examination as follows:
Midterm Exam I 20%
Midterm Exam II 20%
Homework 30%
Final Exam 30%
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Policies and Procedures
The CLAS policy statements have been summarized from the web pages of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.Academic Fraud: Plagiarism and any other activities when students present work that is not their own are academic fraud. Academic fraud is reported to the departmental DEO and to the Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Services who enforces the appropriate consequences. http://www.clas.uiowa.edu/students/academic_handbook/ix.shtml.
Making a Suggestion or a Complaint: Students with a suggestion or complaint should first visit the instructor, then the course supervisor and the departmental DEO. Complaints must be made within six months of the incident. http://www.clas.uiowa.edu/students/academic_handbook/ix.shtml#5. The Department of Mathematics has offices in 14 MLH. To make an appointment to speak with the Chair of the Department, call 335-0714 or contact the Departmental Secretary in 14 MLH.
Accommodations for Disabilities: A student seeking academic accommodations should register with Student Disability Services and meet privately with the course instructor to make particular arrangements. For more information, visit this site: http://www.uiowa.edu/~sds/.
Understanding Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment subverts the mission of the University and threatens the well-being of students, faculty, and staff. For definitions, assistance, and the full University policy visit: http://www.sexualharassment.uiowa.edu.
Reacting Safely to Severe Weather: In severe weather, the class members should seek shelter in the innermost part of the building, if possible at the lowest level, staying clear of windows and free-standing ex- panses. The class will continue if possible when the event is over. (Operations Manual 16.14.i.)
Resources:
Student Classroom Behavior: The ability to learn is lessened when students engage in inappropriate classroom behav- ior, distracting others; such behaviors are a violation of the Code of Student Life. When disruptive activity occurs, a University instructor has the authority to determine class- room seating patterns and to request that a student exit immediately for the remainder of the period. One-day suspensions are reported to appropriate departmental, collegiate, and Student Services personnel (Office of the Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students).
University Examination Policies: Missed exam policy. University policy requires that students be permitted to make up examinations missed because of illness, mandatory religious obligations, certain University activities, or unavoidable circumstances. Excused absence forms are available at the Registrar web site: http://www.registrar.uiowa.edu/forms/absence.pdf
Final Examinations: An undergraduate student who has two final examinations scheduled for the same period or more than three examinations scheduled for the same day may file a request for a change of schedule before the published deadline at the Registrar's Service Center, 17 Calvin Hall, 8-4:30 M-F, (384-4300).