Fall 2021 - MATH 301 D100

Mathematical Journeys I (3)

Ramsey Theory

Class Number: 2382

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 15, 2021
    Wed, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MATH 152 or 155 or 158, and MATH 232 or 240, all with a minimum grade of C-. There may be additional prerequisites depending on the specific course topic.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A focused exploration of a special topic (varying from term to term) that builds on mathematical ideas from lower division courses and provides further challenges in quantitative and deductive reasoning. Each Journeys course is designed to appeal particularly to mathematics minor students and others with a broad interest in mathematics. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Outline:

  • Week 1 Introduction: Ramsey theory, Frank P. Ramsey, Paul Erdős
  • Week 2 Pigeonhole Principle, Ramsey theorem
  • Week 3 Ramsey theorem (cont)
  • Week 4 van der Waerden's theorem
  • Week 5 van der Waerden's theorem (cont)
  • Week 6 (Feb 10) Reading Break (no classes)
  • Week 7 Schur's theorem, Rado's theorem
  • Week 8 Hales-Jewett theorem
  • Week 9 Students' midterm presentations
  • Week 10 Erdos-Szekeres theorem
  • Week 11 Erdos-Szekeres theorem
  • Week 12 Chromatic number of the plane
  • Week 13 Chromatic number of the plane (cont)

MESSAGE FROM INSTRUCTOR:

The main aim of this course is to give a very gentle introduction to Ramsey theory to a group of students who are interested in mathematics but are not planning to become professional mathematicians. (At least, till completing this course!)

My goal is to communicate with students the basic ideas and problems in Ramsey theory, their history and their place in contemporary mathematics. There will be plenty of proofs, but we will not give complete proofs of all facts that will be mentioned in the course.  By the end of the course, students will have a solid awarness of how proofs in Ramsey theory go.

My wish is to give to the students in the course both challenging and enjoyable experiences in familiarizing themselves with a very dynamic and relatively new mathematical field.

Grading

  • Assignments 15%
  • Quizzes 15%
  • Term Project 35%
  • Final Exam 35%

NOTES:

INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ANY OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION.

Students should be aware that they have certain rights to confidentiality concerning the return of course papers and the posting of marks. Please pay careful attention to the options discussed in class at the beginning of the semester.

This course is directed at math minors. Majors are welcome but they should contact math_advice@sfu.ca.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

No particular book will be required.
All course material and readings will be provided.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.