Topology, Math 5520, Winter 2009

Class data
Professor
Schedule
Requirements and Grades
Assignments
Special circumstances

Class:

Math 5520
117 State Hall
MWF 9:35 - 10:30
Text: A Combinatorial Introduction to Topology, Michael Henle

Professor:

Robert Bruner
Office: 1193 FAB, (313)-577-2499
Math Department: (313)-577-2479
Fax: (313)-577-7596 (shared)
Office hours: MWF 10:45-11:40
Short questions can often be answered after class. In addition, you are welcome to make appointments to see me at other times. Finally, if you are willing to take a chance that I am busy or not in, you can simply drop by my office.

Schedule:

Here is a schedule of the topics and sections we will cover, as well as the timing of the tests.

Introduction to Point Set Topology Chapter 1 3 weeks

Vector Fields Chapter 2 4 weeks

Midterm Exam Wednesday, March 4 (Note change of date.)

The Jordan Curve Theorem Chapter 3 4 weeks

Spring Break March 16 - 21

Classification of Surfaces Chapter 4 3 weeks

Final Exam Friday, May 1 8 - 10:30 in 117 State Hall

Requirements and grades:

First, READ THE BOOK . You should read each section before we talk about it in class, then again after class, before doing the homework for the section. You should read it several times. First, quickly, for an overall idea what the section is about, then in detail, working out the examples the book uses to make sure you know why each statement is true. In this second pass, make a note of any statements you are not certain about after spending a couple of minutes working on them. Then, in your third pass, go back and work hard on the points that weren't clear in the second pass. Only after this should you start the homework. You may be pleasantly surprised how much easier the homework is with this sort of preparation. You will certainly understand the material and retain more of it, if you study in this way.

Second, you will be responsible for material covered in class, whether it is in the book or not. For example, in the first section, the author refers to disks. We will call these $2-disks$ to emphasize that they are 2 dimensional objects.

Regular homework will be assigned and graded. Homework is due at the start of class on the assigned due date. Late homework will not be accepted more than once. That is, the first time it happens I will accept it, but not again.

Grades will be computed as follows:

Homework	40 %
Midterm	20 %
Final	40 %

Special Circumstances

If you have a documented disability that requires accommodations, you will need to register with Student Disability Services for coordination of your academic accommodations. The Student Disability Services (SDS) office is located at 1600 David Adamany Undergraduate Library in the Student Academic Success Services department. SDS telephone number is 313-577-1851 or 313-577-3365 (TTY: telecommunication device for the deaf; phone for hearing impaired students only). Once you have your accommodations in place, I will be glad to meet with you privately during my office hours to discuss your special needs. Student Disability Services' mission is to assist the university in creating an accessible community where students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to fully participate in their educational experience at Wayne State University.

Please refer to the SDS website for further information about students with disabilities and the services we provide for students: http://studentdisability.wayne.edu/.