Syllabus - Math 346 - Number Theory
Winter 2016, Western Oregon University
Instructor:
Office:
Credits:
Masaki Ikeda
Maaske 226
4
E-Mail:
Phone:
Website:
ikedam@wou.edu
(503)838-9712
http://www.wou.edu/math/people/ikeda/
Class Schedule: MTWF 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM, MNB 104
Office Hours: MTWF 9:45 AM - 10:50 AM or by appointment. If, at other times, you find my office door open
and me in my office, I will usually be available, at my discretion, for a discussion of reasonable length.
Prerequisite: A grade of C− or better in Math 280.
Text: Elementary Number Theory (7th Edition), by David M. Burton.
Course Outline: The course will be cover the basic concepts of number theory such as the Euclidean algorithm, the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic, and modular arithmetic and associated theorems.
Expected Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of Math 280, students should:
• Develop the ability to perform basic proof techniques to solve problems.
• Establish skills of writing in the mathematics profession.
• Learn how to present proofs in class by working as a group.
• Understand the proofs of the Euclidean Algorithm and the theorem of the linear Diophantine equation as
well as how to apply them.
• Learn essential theorems on prime numbers including the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic and the
Sieve of Eratosthenes.
• Learn the theory of congruences.
Homework and Presentation: Homework consisting of 10 problems is assigned weekly on every Tuesday.
Each student is placed in an assigned group of two or three to work on an assignment. Groups change every
week. One student from each group must present one assigned problem on the following Monday, and also
Tuesday, if necessary. Instructors assign each presenter which problem to present. Students who do not present
are required to type three problems in LaTeX and submit them on Wednesday. One of three problems has to
be the problem his/her group member presented in class. For groups of three, the choices of problems between
two students cannot be the same except the presented problem. By the end of the term, every student will have
written six assignments and presented four problems. Participation to presentations is graded. In particular,
you are not allowed to take notes during presentations.
Exams: There are two mid-terms and one final exam in class, closed books and notes. You are expected
to show your work and proof in the same manner that it is modeled in the lectures. Each one will be based off
of material that has been covered in lectures and homework problems. Make-up exams are not allowed unless
you have spoken with the instructor beforehand and it is an unusual circumstance.
The estimated dates of each test are below:
Exam 1
Exam 2
Final Exam
January 29th , Friday
February 19th , Friday
March 18th , Friday at 8:00 AM
Grading: The weighting for each component of the final grade for the course is as follows:
Submission of Homework
Presentation & Participation
Exam 1
Exam 2
Final Exam
Total
20%
20%
20%
20%
20%
100%
F
D−
D
D+
C−
C
0.00%
60.0%
63.0%
67.0%
70.0%
73.0%
-
59.9% or
62.9%
66.9%
69.9%
72.9%
76.9%
C+
B−
B
B+
A−
A
77.0%
80.0%
83.0%
87.0%
90.0%
93.0%
- 79.9%
- 82.9%
- 86.9%
- 89.9%
- 92.9%
or greater
Incomplete Policy: An Incomplete can only be granted for a student who is passing a class and has a documented emergency that prevents them from completing a very small portion of the course (e.g. the final exam).
Appropriate Classroom Behavior: You are ultimately responsible for your own attendance and performance. Disruptive classroom behavior of any kind, such as talking during lecture or consistently coming to class
late etc., is not appropriate. This prescribed conduct for all students is described in the University Catalog. In
particular, academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated, and will be reported to the university. Also,
leave your cell phone off or on silent when you come to class. They are not to be used at all during class. If
for some reason you absolutely need to be contacted (in some emergency situation), inform the instructor before
class and an arrangement can be made.
Disability Support: If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation,
you are encouraged to contact both the instructor and the Office of Disability Services, APSC 405, or at 503838-8250, as early as possible in the term. Students needing medical or mental health care can access the Student
Health and Counseling Center by calling 503-838-8313, emailing at health@wou.edu, or by walking in to schedule
an appointment.
Veteran Services: Veterans and active military personnel with special circumstances are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor.
Wolf Connection System: If the instructor determines your performance in this class is placing you at
academic risk, you may be referred to Jesse Poole, Western’s Student Success Specials. Jesse will offer to work
with you to address issues and develop a student success strategy. Regardless of whether a referral has or has
not been made, you are ultimately responsible for tracking your own progress in this course. If you would like to
meet with Jesse regarding any academic struggles you are experiencing, please contact the Academic Advising
and Learning Center at 503-838-8428.