Instructor:

Dr. Stephen B. Robinson

Office: 305 Calloway

Phone: x4887

email: robinson@mthcsc.wfu.edu

home page: http://www.mthcsc.wfu.edu/~robinson/

Office Hours:

Tuesdays 2-4, Wednesdays 10-12, Thursdays 2:30-4, or by appointment

Prerequisites:

Multivariable Calculus

Text:

Differential Geometry of Curves and Surfaces, by Do Carmo

Course Content:

We will study most of chapters 1-3 in the text, and then finish with selected topics from later chapters.

Homework:

Every Thursday I will collect homework and hand out an assignment for the next week. Typically, I will grade 3 of the problems on a scale of 0-3 points per problem. It is important that you pay attention to the quality of your written work. Clear explanations are of primary importance. If you provide only "the answer", then you will not get full credit. The total homework score is worth 30% of your grade.

Optional Report:

At the midsemester mark I will invite all students who are earning a strong B or better to pursue an individual project on a topic that is not covered in class. Usually the topic is found in a section of the book that we do not cover in class. Students who choose to do this project will be released from turning in homework for the remainder of the semester. I will expect the student to prepare short written and oral presentations of their work. See me for more details.

Exams:

There will be a midterm, worth 30% of your grade, and a cumulative final, worth 40% of your grade. Both exams will have an in-class and a take-home portion. The in-class portion tests your knowledge of standard topics. I will highlight the topics that I consider standard during lectures and discussions. The take-home portion will include questions that cannot reasonably be answered in a one hour exam period. This portion is where you will confront situations where important ideas are combined or extended. (Exam dates and times TBA.)

Evaluation:

If you consistently demonstrate an ability to perform standard computations and solve standard problems, then you have a good chance of earning a C or better. If you can also solve some more difficult problems, and provide some insight as to why the methods work, then you have a good chance of earning a B or better. If you become adept at solving standard and nonstandard problems, and if you can clearly justify all of the methods that you use, then you have a good chance of earning an A. Hard work is a prerequisite for earning a good grade (A, B, or C), but no amount of work will guarantee you a particular grade. Just do the best that you can, and then be proud of the grade that you have earned. If you are ever unsure about a grading policy, or if you are not sure where you stand, then you are welcome to ask.

Important Remark For Graduate Students: Graduate students are expected to live up to a higher standard than undergraduates. This expectation will be reflected in the grading policy.