In most mathematics classes, the problems that you must solve or the proofs you must write are very much tied to the section that you are covering. In this class, you will need to be creative about the methods you use to solve the problems. Sometimes, you may be able to apply an idea or a collection of ideas that you learned in another class; other times, you might come up with an idea on your own. Real research in pure and applied mathematics works this way -- the problems we are confronted with when doing research do not come in a particular section of a book.

1. You need to submit written complete and correct solutions to at least ten problems during the semester. At least three of these must be submitted after fall break.

2. You must present at least one of your solutions orally to the class during the semester.

3. You must attend at least 10 class meetings.

You will get a lot more out of the course by trying a lot of the problems. We get better at solving problems by practice. Also, if you do particularly impressive work, that gives me an extra couple lines to write should you want a recommendation from me.

It is expected that everyone taking the course will take the Putnam exam, which will take place on Saturday December 5. The Putnam is a national mathematics competition for undergraduates, consisting of twelve very challenging problems. Six of these problems are given over a three hour period in the morning, and the other six over a three hour period in the afternoon. This is a difficult exam; getting even one problem correct is impressive. Doing lots of problems in the problem solving seminar will hopefully help you to get one or two problems on the Putnam.