The homework is one of the core components of the course. All required readings and (almost all) problems will be taken from the text ISM. The weekly assignments will consist of multiple parts which we describe here.

• Reading: Typically (with the notable exception of the first week) you will be reading one chapter each week. It is expected that you do an initial reading of the chapter prior to the relevant lectures, and then read it through more carefully after the lectures. It is essential that you are actively engaging the text both before and after that material is presented in lecture.


• Exercises: Interspersed throughout the text are various Exercises (which are distinct from the Problems at the end of each chapter). It is expected that you will do all of the exercises in the course of your giving that chapter a careful reading.


• Written Problems: Each week a number of problems (and occasionally exercises) will be assigned for you to carefully write up and hand in. These problems are the heart of the course. These assignments will be graded and returned to you in a timely manner.

Students are very strongly encouraged to work together on the homework, however each student must write up his/her assignment individually, in their own words. The emphasis in the homework will be twofold. It will contribute significantly to the understanding and development of the new material which we will encounter each week. Secondly, it will be a forum for students to hone their skills at writing clear precise proofs.

Due to the fundamental importance of the homework, it will account for a very large portion (2/3) of the course grade. .

Homework assignment #1

• Reading: Chapter 11
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, April 7 in class
  Problems: 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 and 10.5

Homework assignment #2

• Reading: Chapter 12
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, April 14 in class
  Problems: 11.10, 11.14, 11.15, 11.16 and 11.18
  Take note of (but do not hand in): Problem 11.12

Homework assignment #3

• Reading: Chapter 12 & 13
• Written Assignment: Due Wednesday, April 23 in class
  (Delayed due date in deference to the religous holidays this week.)
  Problems: 12.1, 12.6, 12.9, 12.11, 12.13

Homework assignment #4

• Reading: Chapter 13 and 14
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, April 28 in class
  Problems: 13.4, 13.5, 13.7, 13.8

Homework assignment #5

• Reading: Chapter 14
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, May 5 in class
  Problems: 14.2, 14.6, 14.7, 14.8, 14.11

Homework assignment #6

• Reading: Chapter 17 & 18
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, May 12 in class
  Problems: 17.1, 17.4, 17.9, 17.10, 17.11

Homework assignment #7

• Reading: Chapter 18 & 19
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, May 19 in class
  Problems: 18.1, 18.2, 18.4, 18.5, 18.6

Homework assignment #8

• Reading: Chapter 19 & 20
• Written Assignment: Due Wednesday, May 28 in class
  Problems: 19.1, 19.2, 19.9, 19.12, 19.13

Homework assignment #9 (last assignment)

• Reading: Chapter 15
• Written Assignment: Due Friday, June 6 in class
  Problems: 20.4, 20.5, 15.1, 15.2, 15.9