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:
One of the most pleasant parts of my job is working with students one-on-one outside of class. Please feel free to drop by for help during my office hours. I am also happy to talk to you at other times, but it is a good idea to call ahead or check with me in class to see if I am available.
Mondays and Wednesdays: 10:30-11:50,
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 2:30-3:30,
or by appointment
Prerequisites:
Multivariable Calculus
Text:
Differential Geometry of Curves and Surfaces, by Do Carmo
Course Content:
Our goal for this semester is to reach the Gauss-Bonnet Theorem in section 4-5
During each class meeting I will suggest several homework problems. I expect you to begin working on them promptly, and I expect you to ask questions if you do not achieve a complete understanding of the problems and their solutions. Every Monday I will collect and grade one of these suggested problems. You will be told on the previous Friday which problem is to be collected.
Of course you should be working through all of the suggested problems and more. The purpose of this homework policy is to provide me with a regular sample of your work, and to provide you with a regular commentary on the quality of your solutions. The solution that you hand in should represent your best work and I will return it to you for a rewrite if it does not represent a complete, clear and correct solution of the problem.
Each succesfully completed problem will add a point to your overall homework score, which will be worth 20% of your grade.
Exams:
There will be a midterm and a final, each 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.
The in-class part of the midterm will be held during the usual class period on Friday, March 5. The take-home portion of the midterm can be completed during any two day period of the same week, March 1 through March 5. The in-class portion of the final exam will be held at noon on Wednesday, May 5. The take home portion of the final can be completed during any two day period during finals week.
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 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.