M 307.01: Introduction to Abstract Mathematics
Eric B. Chesebro · The Mathematics Enthusiast · 2018
This is a course in writing and creative problem solving.Our goal is to develop our skills to write and communicate effective proofs of mathematical facts.You will build on your skills for reading and writing mathematics and work to familiarize yourself with the abstract reasoning necessary in upper division mathematics courses.The skills you will develop in this course are highly valued in the world outside math.No matter the profession you ultimately choose, one of the most important ways you will be distinguished from your peers will be your ability to communicate effectively and to think clearly, critically, and abstractly.We will learn according to an educational philosophy called 'inquiry-based learning' (IBL) in order to encourage you to take a very active personal role in your learning.The IBL philosophy suggests that students should be responsible, as much as possible, for guiding the acquisition of knowledge and validating the ideas presented. TEXTBOOKWe will not use a formal text in this class, instead we will follow a list of problems and tasks adapted for IBL and based on a set of notes written for this purpose by Prof. Dana Ernst at NAU.You will be expected to read and digest the material from these notes.You should be looking for clarification whenever necessary by asking questions.Read your math slowly and with a piece of paper.Use this paper, not only to take notes, but also to figure stuff out, look at examples, and ask your own questions.