MATH 250

MTH250: Introduction to Geometry

Course Policies and Information

Instructor Information

Mary Cook

E-mail: mcook26@math.rochester.edu
Office: Hylan 1006
Lectures: MW 3:25–4:40 PM , Harkness 115
Office Hours: MW 1:00–2:00 PM, Hylan 1006

Textbooks/Resources

We will use the book The Geometry of Surfaces by John Stillwell as our main text for class. Supplementary resources will be posted as necessary as the semester progresses.

Course Description

We will begin with an overview of classical Euclidean Geometry and the context in which it arose, as well as its relationship to modern foundations mathematics. From there, we will take a more modern approach to geometry.

The course schedule will be used to record our progress.

Exams and Grading

There will be two midterm exams and no final. Both midterms will be held in class:

First Midterm
Wednesday 3/1
Second Midterm
In class, TBD

Your grade for the course will be based on your performance on exams and Homework.

  • Homework 30 %
  • Two Midterm Exams - 35 % each

You will NOT be permitted calculators or other electronic devices (smart phones, smart watches, etc) on any exams. You will NOT be permitted books, notes, or “cheat sheets” on any exams.

The following is a rough indication of how your course grade will be assigned and exact grade cutoffs will be determined at the end of the semester:

> 90% will guarantee at least an A-
> 80% will guarantee at least a B-
> 70% will guarantee at least a C-
> 60% will guarantee at least a D-
< 60% potentially failing

Incomplete “I” grades are almost never given. The only justification is a documented serious medical problem or a genuine personal/family emergency. Falling behind in this course or problems with workload on other courses are not acceptable reasons.

Homework

Homework will be assigned on Mondays and due the Wednesday of the next week by 3:25 PM. No late homework will be accepted. Your lowest homework score will be dropped. Homework assignments will be announced in class and on Blackboard.

Disability Support

The University of Rochester respects and welcomes students of all backgrounds and abilities. In the event you encounter any barrier(s) to full participation in this course due to the impact of disability, please contact the Office of Disability Resources. The access coordinators in the Office of Disability Resources can meet with you to discuss the barriers you are experiencing and explain the eligibility process for establishing academic accommodations. You can reach the Office of Disability Resources at: (585) 275-3424; Taylor Hall. Or, visit Disability Resources.

Please note that to be granted alternate testing accommodations, you (the student) must fill out forms with Disability Resources at least seven days before each and every exam. These forms are not sent automatically. Instructors are not responsible for requesting alternative testing accommodations at CETL or making accommodations on their own.

Academic Integrity Statement

All assignments and activities associated with this course must be performed in accordance with the University of Rochester’s Academic Honesty Policy. More information is available at: www.rochester.edu/college/honesty.

Exams: In MATH 250 calculators, phones, and other electronic devices are strictly forbidden in exams. Notes are also strictly forbidden. You must bring your college ID to exams and show it when you hand in an exam.

Math Dept policy on unauthorized online resources: Any usage whatsoever of online solution sets or paid online resources (e.g. chegg or similar) is considered an academic honesty violation and will be reported to the Board on Academic Honesty. In particular, any assignment found to contain content which originated from such sources is subject to a minimum penalty of zero on the assignment and a full letter grade reduction at the end of the semester (e.g. a B would be reduced to a C). Depending on the circumstances, this may apply even if the unauthorized content was obtained through indirect means (through a friend for instance) and/or the student is seemingly unaware that the content originated from such sources. If you have any questions about whether resources are acceptable, please check with your instructor.

College Credit-Hour Policy

This course follows the College credit hour policy for four-credit courses. This course meets 3 academic hours per week.