Math 421, Complex Variables
Fall 2008
- Instructor: Eduardo Cattani
- Time and Place: TuTh 2:30 - 3:45 in Lederle GRT 119
- Textbook : Fundamentals of Complex Analysis by
E. B. Saff and A. D. Snider, 3rd. edition, Prentice Hall.
- E-mail: cattani at math dot umass dot edu
- Office: Lederle GRT 1235E
- Office Hours:
- Monday: 2 to 3
- Wednesday: 1 to 2
- By appointment.
Course Description
Introduction to the study of functions on one complex variable and its
applications. Topics include: Complex numbers, functions of a
complex variable and their derivatives (Cauchy-Riemann equations).
Harmonic functions. Contour integrals and residue calculus. Power
series representations. Conformal mappings. Applications: Calculation
of definite integrals, boundary value problems (Dirichlet's problem)
from science and engineering.
The goal of the course is to cover Chapters 1-6, and selected topics in
Chapter 7 of the Saff and Snider textbook.
Course Structure and Grading Policies:
- There will be regular homework assignments. Some of the problems
will
be graded. No late homework
will be accepted. However, the lowest two scores will be
dropped. Homework scores will account for 10% of the final
grade.
- There will be weekly quizzes (usually on Thursday). The
lowest two scores will be dropped. Quiz scores will account for
15% of the final grade.
- There will be two hour-exams and a final exam which will count
for 75% of the final grade. The hour-exams will take place during
class-time and the date will be announced at least one week in
advance. There will be an evening review session previous to each
hour-exam. The final exam will be comprehensive, although weighted
towards the material not covered in the hour-exams It is the
policy of the University of
Massachusetts that final exams must be taken at the date and time
scheduled by the University. Exceptions can be made only in case
of conflict with a scheduled final in a course with higher priority or
if you have three exams in the same day and the M421 final is,
chronologically, the middle one.
Homework Assignments:
Assignments are due on the indicated date.
Exam Schedule:
First Hour-Exam:
Thursday, October 9. In class.
Review: Wednesday,
October 8, 6 pm. LGRT 202. Note change of room!!
Second Hour-Exam:
Thursday, November 20. In class.
FINAL EXAM:
Monday, December 15, 4 pm. LGRT 101