Math 390 Video
Geometry

Instructor: Dr. Mark J. Nielsen

E-mail: markn@uidaho.edu

Office Phone: (208) 885-6269 or toll-free (800) 824-2889 (ext 6269)

Fax: (208) 885-5843

Text: Geometry, notes by Dr. Nielsen -- 2008 version.

Catalog description: Topics chosen from finite geometries, Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries, convexity, transformational geometry, and intuitive geometry. Prereq: high school geometry and Math 215 or permission.

Prerequisites:

Email me if you have questions on whether you are sufficiently prepared for the course.

Content: We will develop the basics of Euclidean and hyperbolic geometry from an axiomatic approach, and also examine a few topics from advanced Euclidean geometry. Our major goals are:

  1. To develop an understanding of the axiomatic method.
  2. To learn how to write good geometric proofs.
  3. To develop a working knowledge of the basic facts in Euclidean and hyperbolic geometries.
  4. To understand the relationship between Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries.
  5. To see geometry as an interesting and exciting field of study.

Grades:

Lectures: In the class lectures we will discuss the material in the text, go over examples, and answer questions. Most of the proofs we will cover are in the text. However, we will not have time in class to review everything that is in the text. Usually, we will discuss the proofs in broad outline during the lecture, sometimes filling in portions that are left as exercises in the text. It is your responsibility to read the text for the details! To get the most out of the class discussions you should read the material before class, then read it again after class.

Exams: See the course schedule for the timing of the five exams. Each exam is worth 50 points. Exam questions may include computation problems similar to homework, constructions, essay questions, short-answer and definition questions, and proofs. The exams are closed-book and closed-notes, and the final exam is comprehensive.

Homework: I will assign homework problems from each section of the text we cover. I will not collect or grade most of the homework -- however, you should carefully and conscientiously work all of the assigned problems, keeping a notebook of your solutions so that you can study from them. Solutions will be posted, and we will discuss as many of the homework problems in class as possible. Many of the homework problems will be proofs, and I will collect ten of these proofs over the course of the semester for careful grading. The proofs to be collected are noted on the homework list. These proofs MUST BE WRITTEN CAREFULLY AND NEATLY. I will not grade sloppy or unreadable work.

Solutions: There are solutions to homework and exams available on this web site. They are password-protected, and the passwords will be sent to you as your work is recieved.