MATH 501, Introduction to Real Analysis
Fall 2014
Instructor: Tim Chumley
Office: Carver 492
Email: tchumley@iastate.edu
Webpage: tchumley.public.iastate.edu/m501f14
Office Hours: MTWR 2-3pm (and by appointment or any time my door is open)
Text: Real Mathematical Analysis, by Charles C. Pugh
Time and Location: MWF 11-12 in Carver 0290.
Prerequisites: Calculus and Linear Algebra (as well as comfort with proofs).
Course topics: The plan is to study a few fundamental concepts in the theory of functions of a
real variable. We will start with a development of the real numbers, move on to some topology of
metric spaces, and then get to the meat of the course: differentiation and integration of
real-valued functions and sequences of such functions. This equates to roughly the first four
chapters of the textbook.
Homework: There will be (roughly) weekly homework assignments due on Wednesdays in class.
Homework will be posted on the class web page and will consist mostly of proof oriented
problems. Solutions are to be hand-written neatly or typed in TEX. (I encourage trying TEX if
you have the time.) They will be graded for clarity as well as correctness. I encourage
collaboration on homework, but you may not copy another student’s solutions directly. Please do
not waste time trying to Google solutions. It’s terrible for you! Come talk to me if you’re stuck!
Exams: There will be a midterm and final exam. More details will be announced during the
course of the semester.
Attendance policy: You’re expected to come to every class.
Late homework policy: Late homework will only be accepted until the time the assignment
has been handed off to the grader unless some prior arrangement has been made.
Grading policy: The homework assignments are worth a total of 40% of the final grade; the
midterm is worth 20%; and the final exam is worth 40%. Overall grades will be based on a scale
no stricter than
85 − 100 A (possibly ±)
70 − 85 B (possibly ±)
55 − 70 C (possibly ±)
40 − 55
D
0 − 40
F
Help: Ask questions! I’m happy to answer questions both in and out of class; before, during, and
after lectures. My door is open during office hours (and lots of other times); no need to
prearrange a meeting, just stop in. If you can’t make it during office hours, we can schedule
another meeting time.
Academic dishonesty: Please see the standard university policies on academic integrity:
http://www.dso.iastate.edu/ja/academic/misconduct.html
Disability acommodation: Please address any special needs or special accommodations with
me at the beginning of the semester or as soon as you become aware of your needs. Those seeking
accommodations based on disabilities should obtain a Student Academic Accommodation
Request (SAAR) form from the Disability Resources (DR) office (515-294-6624). DR is located on
the main door of the Student Services Building, Room 1076. No retroactive accommodations will
be provided.