Mathematical Structures
MATH 211 Sections 1 and 2
SYLLABUS

Spring 2023
Section 1: Hibbs  0328, TR 2:00–3:15
Section 2: Harris 2119, TR 3:30–4:45
 
VCU
Instructor: Richard Hammack
Office hours:
Office: Harris Hall 4166
Tuesday, 11:00–12:30
Work: 828-6237
Thursday, 11:00–12:30
E-mail: rhammack@vcu.edu
and by appointment
VCU Catalog Description: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introduction to mathematical logic and set theory, including applications in Boolean algebras and graph theory.

Prerequisites: Calculus-level placement on the VCU Mathematics Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding enrollment in the course or MATH 151, MATH 200, MATH 201 or BUSN 212 with a minimum grade of C.

This class is an introduction to methods of discrete mathematical structures and systems. Topics include sets, counting, logic, probability, algorithms, methods of proof, and induction. This involves the first 14 chapters of the textbook. You are expected to keep up with the reading and work practice exercises. There are frequent quizzes, three tests, and a final exam. Your grade is determined by scores on assignments, tests, the final exam, and participation.

Text: Discrete Math Elements, by Richard Hammack. Free PDF download at the course web page: www.people.vcu.edu/~rhammack/Math211
Homework: On the course calendar you will find suggested odd-numbered exercises. You should work as many of these as it takes to cement the ideas. Solutions for odd-numbered exercises can be found at the end of each chapter. Some class time will be reserved to discuss exercises.

Quizzes: Frequent short quizzes will be given. Quiz problems will be similar (often identical) to the suggested odd-numbered exercises.
Tests: There are three tests (dates to be determined). I will drop your lowest test grade. In writing the tests, I assume that you have been studying the material at least 6 hours per week outside of class. No calculators or other technology will be used on any test or exam.

Participation/Engagement: Participation means that you in some way demonstrate intellectual involvement in the course. It does not necessarily mean that you ask questions and volunteer answers. Active participation may include your working lots of exercises and displaying preparedness, dedication and intellectual curiosity. Things that could cause you to lose participation points include sleeping in class, using your phone in class, texting in class, missing too much class, etc.

Final Exam: The final exam is comprehensive, covering all material discussed in class. The date can be found on the course calendar. In writing the final exam, I will assume that you have been studying the material at least 6 hours per week outside of class, throughout the entire semester.

Grading:
The 10-point grading scale is used:
A: 90–100
B: 80–89
C: 70–79
D: 60–69
F: 0–59
Your final average will be computed as follows:
Quizzes: 20%
Highest two test grades: 45%
Participation: 3%
Final Exam: 32%
Total: 100%

Extra Credit: For every typo or mistake you find in the textbook, I will give you one extra quiz point.  Please email me any corrections on Fridays. I will then update the textbook based on your feedback and re-post it. To get credit, the typo must still exist when you report it to me (i.e. no extra credit for a typo that I've already fixed). When reading the book, please make sure you've refreshed your screen so that you'll know you're looking at the latest version.
 


Course Policies: 
  • Attendance: I do not take attendance, but I do notice if you are not attending class. If your grades are high, I do not mind if you miss class occasionally; otherwise, excessive absences may result in a reduced participation score. You are responsible for all material covered in class. As a matter of courtesy, you should arrive punctually and stay for the entire duration of each class you attend. Please inform me ahead of time if you must leave early.
  • I may administratively drop or withdraw from the course any student who has not attended class and/or who has not submitted any assignments for four consecutive weeks. Exceptions are be made in the case of illness, provided the student has contacted me about the situation.
  • If I have questions about the work on any quiz or exam, I may request a meeting to discuss the issues before returning the graded work.
  • Important: All exams and quizzes are on campus & in-person.
  • Devices: While attending on-campus class meetings, you are expected to be connected with the course and course material. All devices not related to coursework (phones, etc.) should be put away for the entire duration of any class. Smart Watches or Wearables that are voice or data connected (i.e. iOS and/or Android enabled devices such as an Apple Watch) are not permitted during quizzes, tests and exams. Violation will be considered an honor offense.
  • Make-up work:
    • Quizzes: Under normal circumstances I do not give make-up quizzes. I will drop several of your lowest quiz grades. If you miss a quiz, it will count as a dropped grade (up to the number of dropped quiz grades).
    • Tests: I will consider a makeup test if you have a documented reason for missing it. The request must be made on or before the day of the test. The makeup test will be taken on campus (not remotely). 
    • Final Exam: The final exam cannot be given early. If you miss the final exam because of a documented illness or emergency, then I can give you a grade of incomplete (I) for the course and you will have to make up the final exam by the date set by the University.
  • Email: Any email correspondence concerning this course should be through your official VCU email address. University policy prevents me from discussing many aspects of the course through other email addresses. I may send email messages either to the whole class or individuals. It is your responsibility to check your VCU email regularly.
  • Honor System: Any instance of cheating is considered an honor offense and is dealt with according to University policy.
  • You are expected to work lots of extra problems for practice.


Internet: Information about this course is posted on my web page (not on Canvas). Go to www.people.vcu.edu/~rhammack/Math211. There you will find the syllabus, assignments, the course calendar, and other materials. Solutions for all graded work (quizzes and tests) will be posted after the due dates.

Office: Please feel free to stop by my office whenever you have a question, or if you just want to chat. If my posted hours are inconvenient, I will be happy to schedule an appointment. Tell me if you are having trouble. Catching up can be very difficult once you get behind, so let me know as soon as you think there is a problem.

Last day to withdraw: Friday, March 24.

Read the provost's syllabus statements at https://provost.vcu.edu/faculty/faculty-resources/syllabus/

Use VCU Libraries to find and access library resources, spaces, technology and services that support and enhance all learning opportunities at the university.