Syllabus: 22M:096:001 Introduction to Mathematics Research

Spring 2010 1:30P - 2:20P MWF 176 SH

Instructor:  Dr. Isabel Darcy                 Office:B1H MLH                     Phone: 335- 0778
Email: idarcy AT math.uiowa.edu
Office Hours: MW 2:30 - 3:20pm, Th 12:30 - 2:30pm, and by appointment. 
Wiki course WWW site:   http://mathwiki.math.uiowa.edu/index.php/Main_Page
Course WWW site:  http://www.math.uiowa.edu/~idarcy/COURSES/96/SPRING10/96.html
Check this for a list of assignments, exam dates, possible changes in the course schedule, and electronic copies of course handouts.

Text: Adams' The Knot Book

Goals and Objectives of the Course:
This course offers undergraduate students research experience. Directed by a faculty member, students first read papers or texts on an elementary topic of current active research, and then learn through discovery by working together in groups. The topic varies from semester to semester. The topic this semester is Applied Knot Theory

Prerequisite:22M:026 (MATH:1860) and 22M:027 (MATH:2700).

Grading system:
HW & Quizzes: 20% 90% <= A- < 91% <= A  
Project: 40% 80% <= B- < 81% <= B < 89% <= B+ < 90%
Invariant Project:  20%  70% <= C- < 71% <= C < 79% <= C+ < 80%
Exam:  10%  60% <= D- < 61% <= D < 69% <= D+ < 70%
Final: 10%  F < 60%

GRADING & EXAMS:  All work must be shown in order to receive credit.  This holds for all exams including the final, all quizzes, and homework.  Important note:  If no work is shown, you may receive zero credit even if your answer is correct. Your grades will be posted on ICON. 

Midterm Exam: in class, Monday, April 19, 2010
Final Exam: 2:15 P.M. Friday, May 14, 2010

Invariant Project: We will develop a web page on knot invariants. Pick a knot invariant and fill out a table of its properties.

Attendance and absences: Your attendance at each scheduled class meeting and discussion section is expected.  You are  responsible for material covered in class and announcements made during class; these may include changes in the syllabus. Absences from exams will require a compelling reason, and must be arranged with your instructor in advance.

You may collaborate with other students on the homework;   however, each individual student is responsible for turning in your own homework in your own words.  Copying is not collaboration and will be prosecuted under scholastic dishonesty.  Any significant collaboration should be acknowledged.

Resources for Students

Writing Center: http://www.uiowa.edu/~writingc/

Speaking Center: http://www.uiowa.edu/~rhetoric/centers/speaking.html

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Policies and Procedures

Administrative Home
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the administrative home of this course and governs matters such as the add/drop deadlines, the second-grade-only option, and other related issues. Different colleges may have different policies. Questions may be addressed to 120 Schaeffer Hall or see the CLAS Academic Handbook.

[www.clas.uiowa.edu/students/

academic_handbook/index.shtml]

Electronic Communication
University policy specifies that students are responsible for all official correspondences sent to their standard University of Iowa e-mail address (@uiowa.edu). Students should check their account frequently. (Operations Manual, III.II.15. 2. k.11.)

Academic Fraud
Plagiarism and any other activities when students present work that is not their own are academic fraud and are considered by the College to be a very serious matter. Academic fraud is reported by the instructor to the departmental DEO who enforces the departmental consequences. The Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Curriculum is also informed. The Associate Dean enforces collegiate consequences which may included suspension or expulsion. See the CLAS Academic Handbook.

Making a Suggestion or a Complaint
Students with a suggestion or complaint should first visit the instructor, then the course supervisor and the departmental DEO. Complaints must be made within six months of the incident. See the CLAS Academic Handbook.

Accommodations for Disabilities
A student seeking academic accommodations should register with Student Disability Services and meet privately with the course instructor to make particular arrangements. For more information, visit this site.
[www.uiowa.edu/~sds/]]

Understanding Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment subverts the mission of the University and threatens the well-being of students, faculty, and staff. All members of the UI community have a responsibility to uphold this mission and to contribute to a safe environment that enhances learning. Incidents of sexual harassment should be reported immediately. See the UI Comprehensive Guide on Sexual Harassment at www.uiowa.edu/~eod/policies/sexual-harassment-guide/index.html for assistance, definitions, and the full University policy.

Reacting Safely to Severe Weather
In severe weather, the class members should seek shelter in the innermost part of the building, if possible at the lowest level, staying clear of windows and free-standing expanses. The class will continue if possible when the event is over. (Operations Manual, IV. 16.14. Scroll down to sections e and i for severe weather information.)

*The CLAS policy statements have been summarized from the web pages of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

"Public health authorities have recommended that people with flu-like illnesses stay home and not return to public spaces until 24 hours after they have no fever. In order to prevent the spread of disease, please do not come to class, meet with other groups of students, attend office hours, or contact offices in person while you are ill. Based on this recommendation, I will not require you to report to a doctor or to Student Health to verify a flu-like illness if you are ill, please complete an illness-absence form (http://www.registrar.uiowa.edu/forms/H1N1_absence_form.pdf ) when you are well enough to do so. Your grade will not be penalized for absences if you are following the recommendations of health authorities."