Welcome to Math 347!  This is a brief description of the course structure and the tools which you will need, as well as some helpful advice.

The course is organized by weeks.  For each day, there are assignments to be completed before class time (typically an instructional video and some reading).

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Class meetings:  These will all be conducted online. A typical week will be:

• Monday, Wednesday: Meet as a group.  
• These meetings are required.
• Discuss issues/questions proposed by students.
• Do examples and work on problems.
• Friday:  Office hours/discussion (not mandatory).
  • Answer questions, discussion of any relevant topics
  • You are welcome to come even if you don't have any specific questions.

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Technology:  You will need:

• A computer or tablet to watch instructional videos and to participate in class meetings on zoom.
• The ability to scan homework and exams to a pdf file (for this a smartphone will suffice).
• If you do not have access to this technology, please contact me immediately.

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Homework,  exams and participation

• Written homework will be assigned approximately twice per week and collected and returned through moodle.
• There will be four midterm exams during class time and a final exam.
• Part of the course grade will be based on participation.

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Advice:

• Start assignments early and try to keep up to date.  
• When you are confused about something, ask questions--of the professor, the TA or of your peers.
• When possible, provide help to your peers through campuswire or class discussions.  Engagement is important, especially in this format.
• Good communication is essential--if you encounter issues, please let me know as soon as possible!

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Meeting times: 
 MWF 10-10:50.

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Professor:
Scott Ahlgren
sahlgren@illinois.edu

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Required Text:
Introduction to Abstract Mathematics (Donaldson and Pantano)

Please make sure that you have the version of January 21, 2020.

Course packet available at the Illini Union Bookstore.  Please get a hard copy of the text if you can (it costs about $10 and it's helpful to be able to make notes in the book!)

We will cover all of the topics in this book and will cover other topics during the last month of class.

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Course Description:
This is an introduction to mathematical language, rigorous mathematical thinking, fundamental mathematical structures, and methods of proof. 
Topics include logic, set theory, induction, equivalence relations, functions, number theory, cardinality, and convergence.

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Grades:

The final grade will be computed based on these percentages:

• Highest three midterm exams:  13% each.  Lowest midterm exam:  6%
• Final Exam:  25%
• Homework:  20%
• Attendance and participation: 10%

We will not "curve" the final averages down. For example, if your final average is 80% then your final grade will be some sort of "B".
The precise function which assigns a letter grade to each percentage will be determined at the end of the course. 

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Academic integrity
Violations of academic integrity will be taken seriously, and will be handled under the procedures of Article I, Part 4 of the student code.

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Resources for students with disabilities:
To obtain disability-related academic adjustments or auxiliary aids, students with disabilities should contact the course instructor and Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES). 
To contact DRES, you may visit 1207 S. Oak St., Champaign, call 333-4603, e-mail disability@illinois.edu or go to the DRES website.

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Support resources and supporting fellow students in distress
     As members of the Illinois community, we each have a responsibility to express care and concern for one another. If you come across a classmate whose behavior concerns you, whether in regards to their well-being or yours, we encourage you to refer this behavior to the Student Assistance Center (333-0050) or online at odos.illinois.edu/community-of-care/referral/. Based upon your report, staff in the Student Assistance Center reaches out to students to make sure they have the support they need to be healthy and safe.
     Further, we understand the impact that struggles with mental health can have on your experience at Illinois; significant stress, strained relationships, anxiety, excessive worry, alcohol/drug problems, a loss of motivation, or problems with eating and/or sleeping can all interfere with optimal academic performance. We encourage all students to reach out to talk with someone, and want to make sure you are aware that you can access mental health support at the Counseling Center (counselingcenter.illinois.edu) or McKinley Health Center (mckinley.illinois.edu).