18.112, Fall 2008, Sigurdur Helgason
Text: Lars Ahlfors: Complex Variables (third edition, 1979). I plan to cover up to p.232 with many omissions and some additions, including a proof of the prime number theorem in connection with the Riemann zeta function. The book is a graduate text but the treatment in the lectures is meant to be easier.
Since the lectures deviate so much from the text, regular attendance is
strongly advised.
Lectures: Tuesday, Thursday 9:30 -11:00
Instructor: S. Helgason, 2-182, x 3-3668. Office Hrs. Tuesday,
Thursday 11-12. Also 2:30 on Tuesdays.
e-mail: helgason@mit.edu
Teaching Assistant: Wenxuan Lu in 2-085. Tel: 617 452 .1192. Office
hr. Wed 2-3. You should consult him for questions concerning the
homework.
e-mail: wenxuanl@math.mit.edu.
Problem sets: Given out every other Thursday, due the next
Thursday.
Tests: Two class tests. Oct. 16 and Nov. 18. Also a final
examination.
Grading: The final grade is based on a cumulative point total. The
final counts 50%, the two tests 20% each and the homework 10%.
General remarks: Working on the homework problems is very important
for your understanding and command of the subject. Be sure you allow plenty
of time for this. It is OK for you to discuss the problems with another
student, but you must give your own exposition of the solution. In the
process you will often be lead to a better solution. It is very important to
do this exposition in a neat fashion. This is the right place for you to
develop a clear mathematical writing style. (Tex of course most welcome).
Sloppy homework might not be accepted.