MATH 3010
Foundations for Higher Mathematics
Introduction to the rigorous techniques used in more advanced mathematics. Topics include propositional logic, use of quantifiers, set theory, methods of proof and disproof (counterexamples), foundations of mathematics. Use of these tools in the construction of number systems, and in other areas such as elementary number theory, combinatorial arguments, and elementary proofs in analysis. Prerequisite: Math 233.
Instructors
Ben Wormleighton, Gregory Knese, John McCarthy, Karl Schaefer, Martha Precup, McCarthy, Rachel Roberts, Roberts, Song, Steven Frankel, Yanli Song
Reviews
8-10 hrs/week
First proof-based math class. Homework sets are very challenging but the exams are more doable and the grade works out in the end. Lots of learning and lectures can be challenging.
5/19/2024
2 or less hrs/week
When I took this class it was pretty easy. Light on what we had to learn. Professor song really got me into math: he’s a real inspirational type. Class has changed since- harder now but hopefully more relevant to maths
5/19/2024
(This review is for Math 312, which I could not select): McCarthy is a fantastic lecturer. He can get a bit peeved if you don't answer his questions correctly, but he's a great lecturer. He cold calls, and some of the questions he asks are really simple while others are not.The material was fascinating and I overall really enjoyed taking his class.
5/9/2024
Professor McCarthy gives great, engaging lectures. The content is difficult, yet rewarding to understand. The course is homework-heavy, but it is graded leniently as long as your submission is mostly correct.
5/9/2024
I liked all the times when he wrote on the board and when he wore slippers to class!
2/15/2024
Best math professor I've had at WashU. Explains things extremely clearly and very accessible in office hours. Homework is graded on a combination of completion and accuracy, so it's very manageable. Tests are also pretty similar to homework questions and lecture examples, so they are not too difficult. Highly recommend to to anyone!
12/18/2023
Great at explaining things. You need to go to class, but that's okay, because class is really interesting!
12/4/2023
Song is a pretty decent professor. He teaches concepts fairly well in class but can be a bit unclear if you ask him a clarifying question. The class is only graded on homework and exams; there's very little homework, and the tests are short and not too difficult. He doesn't post any lecture notes though, so it's up to you to make class
12/4/2023
Prof. Roberts is one of the best math professors at WashU. She gives clear lectures and is very accessible outside of class. She's a really nice and caring lady.
5/13/2023
All time favorite math professor at WashU. Actually lectures on the information and gives you time to work on practice problems and ask for help. She truly wants you to understand the material and do well in the class. Highly recommend!! So sweet and a quick responder, overall a great professor!
12/28/2022
Professor Roberts is one of the most brilliant and knowledgeable people in math I have ever met. She does not trick students on exams so the exam questions are very close to textbook problems. Some homework questions are hard so she expects students to have a deep understanding of the material.
12/27/2022
i do not recommend this "teacher" at all. doesn't belong in the classroom.
11/23/2009
This teacher is very fair. His tests are reasonable, and you have pleanty of time to take them. The final has questions from past tests on it. Also, book problems frequently appear on tests, so do the book problems (even though they are not mandatory). Also do webwork, because it helps your grade!
5/22/2007
Amazing teacher. Keeps the material interesting and keeps the class involved. You should be prepared to work in this class.
1/7/2005
His class is hard, but enjoyable if you're in the mood to get deep into mathematical rigor.
11/9/2004
this guy is the worst, most difficult, most confusing "teacher" ever. his notes on the board and his online notes are messy and unclear. he can't teach, so confusing, and pointless class. he doesn't explain anything, he assumes, and goes too
9/11/2004
The numerical grade is low, but the letter grades are high. This course will definitely put you into the proving mindset, and challenge you like no other math course you've taken previously.
7/31/2004