MATH-4230 A (CRN 3065) Spring 2020 Course Syllabus

This is an undergraduate level introductory course to Complex Analysis.

When, where, and who

My job is to help you to succeed in this class. I will be happy to discuss issues related to this course (or anything mathematical) in person or via email. In addition to the normal office hours listed above, alternative meeting time may be arranged (please give me at least 48hr advanced notice).

What we will learn

  • The concept of complex numbers
  • Arithmetic involving complex numbers
  • Analytic functions
  • Elementary functions
  • Integrals over complex numbers
  • Complex power series
  • Residue and poles
  • Conformal mappings (time permitting).

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will be equipped with the understanding of the fundamental concepts of complex variable theory.

Prerequisite

MATH-2630 (Multivariable Calculus)

In order to succeed in this class, a solid understanding of calculus and basic algebra is necessary.

Textbook

The following textbooks are recommended.

  • Complex Variables and Applications (Ninth Edition) by James Ward Brown and Ruel V. Churchill (ISBN 9780073383170).

Attendance and participation

Participation in in-class discussions and activities is an important part of the learning process. Therefore class attendance is expected. Students missing 6 or more classes without an approved excuse will receive an F grade.

Code of conduct

Please be respectful of other people in the classroom and use common sense. In particular, please…

  • DO NOT use cell phones
  • DO NOT use social media
  • DO NOT take photos without permission
  • DO NOT sleep

Students who violate these rules will be asked to leave the classroom and will not be allowed to return until they have spoken privately with me.

Policy for calculators and smart devices

Scientific calculators or equivalent software programs can be helpful in doing homework problems. However, all the quizzes and exams are designed so that no calculator will be needed. Therefore calculators or any smart devices with Internet capabilities are not allowed on any of the quizzes and exams.

Daily quizzes and the progression system

Short quizzes will be given in class meetings to test your understanding of the material. You can repeat each quiz as many times as you like, but you can only take a quiz after receiving full scores on all previous quizzes. For example, you can only take quiz (level) 5 after you received full scores on quizzes 1 through 4. If you missed a chance to take quiz for valid reasons (military assignments, medical issues, family emergency, etc), please provide proper documentation, and you will be given an additional chance to take the quizzes during the final week.

For each full score you earn on a new quiz, you will increase your “level” by one. Your course grade is determined by the level you are in at the end of the semester according to the following table

Level Grade
<10 F
10 D
11 D
12 D
13 C
14 C
15 C
16 B
17 B
18 B
19 A
20 A(+)

For example, after receiving full scores on quiz 1 – 13, you become a “Level 13” student, and your course grade will be at least C.

Additional levels

In addition to the daily quizzes, you can earn additional levels by completing concept tests, homework assignments, and final exam, as well as participating in in-class discussions.

Component Points
Concept tests 100
Homework 100
Participation 20

The number of additional levels you will earn is determined by the number of points you received in the components listed in the table above.

Points Additional levels
120 or more +1 level
180 or more +2 levels
200 or more +3 levels

Concept tests

You will complete short online tests on the Blackboard system that are designed to test your overall understanding of the subject. All concepts tests are due on the last day of classes, and no late submission will be accepted. However, it is strongly recommended that you complete them as early as possible.

Homework assignments

Homework problems are more complicated mathematical problems that will guide you to gain deeper understanding of the material we learn in class. These problems are listed on our Blackboard system, and they must be submitted via the Blackboard system. Submission must be in PDF format. Late homework submission will receive lower scores unless valid reasons (military assignments, medical issues, family emergency and other reasons approved by AUM) and proper documentation are provided in advance. Otherwise, the factor of score scaling is $(0.8)^t$ where $t$ is the number of days after the due date.

Other policies

AUM COVID-19 updates. Please follow guidelines detailed in the AUM pandemic plan relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Technology equipment expectation. Access to computers and stable Internet connection are expected. Students who do not have their own equipment can use AUM open labs including labs found in the first floor of the Taylor center and the second floor of the library.

Syllabus contingency plan. Should the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Governor, or Chancellor determine the university discontinue face-to-face (in-person) instruction in the interest of safety, this course would be converted to a virtual-only format. If normal class and/or lab activities are disrupted due to illness, emergency, or crisis situation (such as a COVID-19 outbreak), the syllabus and other course plans and assignments may be modified to allow completion of the course. If this occurs, an addendum to the syllabus and/or course assignments will replace the original materials.

In case the instructor cannot attend due to COVID-related matter, a back-up instructor will be arranged by the Department of Mathematics.

Academic dishonesty. Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. In particular, you cannot copy (totally or partially) someone else’s solutions or allow someone else to copy your solutions on quizzes or exams. If you do, you will receive an “F” in the course. Please consult Student Handbook for additional guidelines.

Disability accommodations. Students who need accommodations are asked to arrange a meeting during office hours to discuss your accommodations. If you have a conflict with my office hours, an alternate time can be arranged. To set up this meeting, please contact me by e-mail. If you have not registered for accommodation services through the Center for Disability Services (CDS), but need accommodations, make an appointment with CDS, 147 Taylor Center, or call 334-244-3631 or e-mail CDS at cds@aum.edu

Academic support. Student Success Advising in the WASC can be scheduled through Advisor Trac, email at wasc@aum.edu, or by calling our front desk at 334.244.3230. ISL: Tutoring appointments can be scheduled online by filling out the form at http://www.aum.edu/tutoringapp.

Student privacy policy. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, (FERPA) requires institutions receiving federal monies to protect the privacy of students’ educational records. For details go to the AUM’s FERPA website: http://www.aum.edu/academics/Registrars-office