FRESH 1020:  The Joy of Discovering Mathematics     Fall 2010
Instructor: Dr. Shuzhou Wang
Class Time, Location:  R 12:30P-1:20P, Boyd 410 
Office Hours: MWF 11am-12noon, Boyd 507, or by appointment.
Phone, E-mail: 542-0884, szwang at math dot uga dot edu
Course web Page: http://www.math.uga.edu/~szwang/teaching/FRESH-1020-f10.html

Prerequisites: Some High School Algebra and Geometry

Syllabus and Objectives of the Course: This seminar aims to help you to discover and appreciate mathematics on your own through carefully selected interesting mathematical problems on divisibility of numbers, prime numbers, mathematical induction, Pythorean triples, areas problem, etc, chosen based on the interest of the participants. You will learn strategies in approaching mathematical problems as well as how to correctly write/communicate mathematics.  

There will be two types of assignements:  Projects/Problems for Individuals and Projects/Problems for Groups. Each seminar participant will write solutions to Projects/Problems for Individuals and present solution(s) to one of such Project/Problem to the class. Each seminar participant will also participate in a group and contribute to one Project/Problem for his group. Each group will present its solution(s) of theProject/Problem to the class.  

Grading Policy (Partly based on class participation): Projects/Problems for Individuals 70%; Projects/Problems for Groups 30%.

Important Dates From UGA Calendar:

Classes begin Aug. 16, M
Drop for undergraduate-level courses (1000-5999)Aug. 16-19, M-Th
Add for undergraduate-level courses (1000-5999) Aug. 16-20, M-F
Holiday (Labor Day) Sept. 6, M
MidtermOct. 7, Th
Withdrawal Deadline Oct. 21, Th
Fall Break Oct. 29, F
Last Day of Classes (prior to Thanksgiving Break)Nov. 19, F
Holiday (Thanksgiving) Nov. 22-26, M-F
Classes Resume Nov. 29, M
Friday Class Schedule in Effect* Dec. 7, Tu
Classes End Dec. 7, Tu
Reading Day Dec. 8, W
Final Exam None               

Class Attendance and Participation are very important in this class and I will take attendance randomly. The official attendance policy of the university states: "Students are expected to attend classes regularly. A student who incurs an excessive number of absences may be withdrawn from a class at the discretion of the professor." We interpret "excessive" to mean four or more unexcused absences. In order to protect class from distraction,  coming-later-for and leaving-early-from classes are discouraged. Please let me know in advance if you must come late or leave early. You are responsible for all information and announcements given in class, even if your absence is excused. 

Collaboration and Academic Honesty: You are required to form study groups to work on group projects but you must do independent work on projects/problems forindividuals. Above all, UGA Academic Honesty Policy applies. Excerpts from the UGA Academic Honesty Policy: "Every student has an obligation to be informed concerning the terms of this policy. Accordingly, lack of knowledge of the provisions of this policy is not an  acceptable defense to a charge of violating this policy."

If your circumstance requires special arrangement, please let me know. I will be glad to accomodate.

Disclaimer: This syllabus provides a general guide for the course. Deviation may be necessary  (also see Class Attendance and Participation above).