Spring
2008
MATH
415: TOPOLOGY
(1:00 –
1:50 MWF McInnis 121)
Dr. Nicola McLallen
Email: nmclalle@eastern.edu
Office: McInnis
216
Office Phone: 5079
(610-225-5079)
Office
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 11 – 11:30 am; 2 – 2:30 pm
Course
Prerequisites:
Math 240 (Discrete Mathematics).
Course Description: This course is an
introduction to topology. It will
provide a basic introduction to the definitions and concepts of point set
topology, and a brief introduction to algebraic topology (homotopy and the
fundamental group).
The course will cover
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this
course, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding
of the fundamental definitions and theorems of point set topology.
2. Define, construct examples
of, and explore properties of topological spaces and metric spaces.
3. Write mathematical proofs
and reason abstractly in exploring properties of topological spaces.
4. Define and compute the
fundamental group of a given topological space.
Text: Topology, point set and geometric by Paul L. Shick.
Attendance Policy: Attendance is absolutely
essential to success in this class. You are expected to attend every class;
please notify the professor if you know you are going to be absent. All exams must be taken at the scheduled
time.
Student Disability Policy: If you have any documented
special educational needs, you are encouraged to work with the
College Policies: Please note that all college
policies pertaining to academic dishonesty, drop/add procedures, and grade
appeal should be followed by students enrolled in this class. Consult the undergraduate college catalog or
ask the professor if you have questions about these policies.
Teaching Methods: In order to succeed in this
course, you need to be an active participant in learning – both in class and
out of class. Class time will be spent
on lecture as well as discussion of homework problems and some group work. To actively participate in class, you need to
prepare by reading the textbook and doing all assigned homework before class
(homework will be assigned each class period, to be discussed the following
period). You should be prepared to discuss your homework (including presenting
your solutions to the class) at each class meeting.
You
are encouraged to work together with other students and to ask questions and
seek help from the professor, both in and out of class.
Grading and Testing
Procedures: Grades
will be calculated from grades on weekly assignments, three exams and a final
exam, using the scheme
Weekly Assignments 35
%
Exams 1 - 3 45 %
Final 20 %.
Weekly
assignments will be due at the beginning of class on Fridays, according to the
attached schedule. Instructions for each
assignment will be given in advance. These
assignments will consist of a selection of problems, some from homework. These assignments must be neat, clear and
well-written. You may work together with
others on these assignments, but your written solutions must be your own. No late assignments will be accepted.
There
will be three in-class exams, to be given on February 8, February 29 and April
11.
The
final exam is cumulative, and is scheduled for 12:30 PM on Friday, May 2. All exams must be taken at the scheduled
time.
Letter
grades will be assigned using the scale
93-100 A
90-92 A-
87-90 B+
83-86 B
80-82 B-
77-79 C+
73-76 C
70-72 C-
67-69 D+
63-66 D
60-62 D-
0-59 F
|
MONDAY |
WEDNESDAY |
FRIDAY |
|
January 14 |
January 16 |
18 |
|
21 MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY |
23 |
25 Assignment #1 |
|
28 |
30 |
February 1 Assignment #2 |
|
4 |
6 |
8 EXAM 1 |
|
11 |
13 |
15 |
|
18 |
20 |
22 Assignment #3 |
|
25 |
27 |
29 EXAM 2 |
|
March 3 MID- |
5 SEMESTER |
7 VACATION |
|
10 |
12 |
14 |
|
17 |
19 |
21 GOOD FRIDAY |
|
24 EASTER MONDAY |
26 |
28 Assignment #4 |
|
31 |
April 2 |
4 Assignment #5 |
|
7 |
9 |
11 EXAM 3 |
|
14 |
16 |
18 |
|
21 |
23 |
25 Assignment #6 |
|
28 Last Class |
30 |
May 2 FINAL EXAM 12:30 – 2:30 |
|
May 5 |
|
|