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.
Instructors
Ben Wormleighton, Gregory Knese, Ivan Horozov, James Pascoe, John McCarthy, John Shareshian, Karl Schaefer, Martha Precup, Mohan Kumar, Quo-Shin Chi, Rachel Roberts, Renato Feres, Ron Freiwald, Steven Frankel, Steven Krantz, Xiang Tang, Yanli Song
Reviews
One of the kindest souls at WashU. Tests were from the HW and the final literally had a 94% median. The tradeoff resulting from this class being super easy is that it may not be proper prep for future proof-based math courses. Other than that, you can 100% tell this guy knows what he's talking about and i still learned hella from this class
12/22/2025
Undoubtedly the kindest and warmest professor; accessible in office hours; exams are easy. Lectures from textbook can be a little dry. I think he assumed students' knowledge of certain topics, which made some explanations a little tricky. As a result, I had to solidify my understanding independently.
12/19/2025
Genuinely one of the sweetest professors I've ever had. He'd often give you the pool of problems he would pull from for the exam. Easy A, but his lectures were so engaging I ended up learning a ton. Absolute amazing professor take a class with him any chance you get
12/17/2025
Precup makes this class difficult (as it should be). Her lectures are solid and she provides good study resources, but the tests were challenging. She also left for 2 weeks in the middle of the semester, leaving us with a sub, which wasn't ideal. However, she is super nice and cares about student success.
12/17/2025
So so sweet and super nice guy. Super easy to reach and made a lot of person accommodations. Not the most engaging lectures, but at least for the class I took you did not need to go at all. Tests are super easy and based only off homework. Easy A and cool dude but if you need a prof to learn from in class probably take someone else
12/16/2025
310 is a tough class with every professor. She's doing a fair job, but the thing is: She gives out way too much homework (I need about 2 hours just for copying with Chat's help). There's no curve on the exams, but the exams are hard and there's very little extra credit, so it's bad for your grade.
5/22/2025
She is a great professor. I love her lectures bc she always explains idea very clearly. It is great to have her as your first proof-based class. Attend her office hour, it will be inspirational for you.
5/5/2025
Schaefer taught MATH310 with a lot of passion and really showed us those cute proofs. Tests are reasonable, but hard to study for. Get ready to spend a lot of time on homework and lots of writing (get that notebook ready). That being said, super rewarding and interesting material. It will teach you the ins and outs of math like never before.
1/13/2025
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
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
(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
Very kind guy and one of my favorite professors at WashU. Also very helpful and supportive towards his students.
1/11/2023
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