Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - MATH 304 D100

Mathematical Journeys IV (3)

Geometry and Symmetry

Class Number: 5292

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Mon, Wed, Fri, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 18, 2023
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.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. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This class focuses on the symmetry of geometric objects in 2 and 3 dimensions with an eye toward understanding symmetry of real-world objects. The central theme is to first establish an understanding of geometric transformations in 2D (and then higher dimensions) and use this to classify symmetries.  Particular highlights include:
- structure of linear transformations
- isometries of the plane
- wallpaper groups
- polyhedra
- isometries in higher dimensions
 
 

Grading

  • Homework (Weekly assignments, equally weighted) 25%
  • Midterm 25%
  • Final Exam 50%

REQUIREMENTS:

This course is delivered in person, on campus. Should public health guidelines recommend limits on in person gatherings, this course may include virtual meetings. As such, all students are recommended to have access to strong and reliable internet, the ability to scan documents (a phone app is acceptable) and access to a webcam and microphone (embedded in a computer is sufficient). 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required textbook. Lecture notes will be provided in class.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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