MTH4000 Spring 2026
Bridge to Higher Mathematics
Instructor: Ivan Matic
email: Ivan.Matic@baruch.cuny.edu
TAs:
Jiaheng Han (jiaheng.han.baruchmfe@gmail.com) and
Lorenzo Senatori (lorenzo.senatori.baruchmfe@gmail.com)
Class time: MoWe 12:25PM - 2:05PM
Section code: JMWA
Grading formula
Homeworks and academic integrity quiz: 10% (AI quiz = 3%, HW2-8 = 7%)*
Midterm 1: 30%
Midterm 2: 30%
Final: 30% **
* If the scores from the proctored exams (midterms and final) are consistent with the homework score, then the homework will count 7% of the grade. If the scores from the proctored exams are significantly lower than the homework score, then the homework score will be replaced with the average score of the proctored exams.
** If a student receives a failing grade on the final exam, then the grading formula will not be used and the student will get F.
1. Content of the course
This class introduces the fundamental and unifying concepts of contemporary mathematics. Topics covered divide into four categories: 1) fundamental concepts of mathematics: definitions, proofs, sets, functions, elementary number theory; 2) discrete structures: graphs, counting; 3) discrete probability theory; 4) elements of analysis and topology. The underlying goal is to teach students about careful mathematics: precisely stating assertions about well-defined mathematical objects and verifying these assertions using mathematically sound proofs. Prerequisite: MTH 3007 or MTH 3010.
Textbook:
Martin Liebeck: A Concise Introduction to Pure Mathematics, 4th Edition, Chapman and Hall/CRC (2015), ISBN:978-1498722926
2. Learning goals
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: write rigorous mathematical proofs, analyze proofs written by others, and construct advanced mathematical arguments.
3. Grading Policies
3.1. Homeworks and quizzes
The weekly homeworks and quizzes contribute to \(10\%\) of the course grade.
There are 8 graded assignments that count as homeworks and quizzes. The first quiz is "Academic Integrity Quiz" and is given during the first class. The academic integrity quiz is worth \(3\%\) of the grade. The remaining 7 homeworks are worth \(7\%\) of the grade. Their due dates are maintained in the table on the website. The homeworks are due 5 minutes before the class starts.
Each of these assignments belongs to one of the following categories: graded homeworks, written reports, in-class quizzes.
3.1.1. Graded homeworks
It is illegal to use artificial intelligence (such as ChatGPT), and it is illegal to post the questions on websites or public forums. Homework questions are confidential, copyrighted, and intellectual property of Baruch College. You do not have a permission to copy the homework questions and show them to anyone who is not an instructor at Baruch College.
Homeworks are due 5 minutes before the class starts. In other words, at the time the class starts, students are already 5 minutes late to submit the homework and the submission will not be accepted. This rule will be strictly followed. The homework grade represents the ability of students to complete and submit the homeworks on time. The solutions will be posted shortly after the homework is collected, and late submissions would mean an unfair advantage over the students who are submitting the homeworks on time.
3.1.2. Written reports
If the assignment is the written report, then the students are required to do the individual study. They must use the assign texts and practice problems. They must write a report in a pdf file and submit the file using the appropriate dropbox link. The file must have the name of this format
LastnameFirstnameHomeworkNumber.pdf
Use of artificial intelligence is strictly prohibited for any part of the submission. The students are also required to certify that they did the assignment and that they did not use artificial intelligence. The deadline for submission and certification is 5 minutes before the class starts.
With a well-documented reason, a student may miss one homework during the semester. In that case the score for the missed homework will be replaced by the re-scaled score from the final exam.
3.2. Midterms
There are two written midterm exams (\(M_1\) and \(M_2\)).
The score from each of the midterm exams contributes \(30\%\) to the grade. The midterms are scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026 and Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
3.3. Grade and Curve
The course grade will be determined according to the formula
\begin{eqnarray*}T &=&
\frac{10}{100}\mbox{min}\left\{H, 0.33\cdot M_1+0.33\cdot M_2+0.34\cdot F + 10\right\} \\
&& + \frac{30}{100} M_1+\frac{30}{100} M_2+\frac{30}{100} F.
\end{eqnarray*}
In the end the curve will be used so that at least \(20\%\) of the class gets \(A\) and \(A-\), and at least \(40\%\) of the class gets the grade \(B-\) or higher.
4. Recording policies
Students who participate in this class with their camera on or use a profile image are agreeing to have their video or image recorded. If you are unwilling to consent to have your profile or video image recorded, be sure to keep your camera off and do not use a profile image. Likewise, students who un-mute during class and participate orally are agreeing to have their voices recorded. If you are not willing to consent to have your voice recorded during class, you will need to keep your mute button activated and communicate exclusively using the "chat" feature, which allows students to type questions and comments live.
5. Proctoring of exams
Students taking in-person or hybrid classes who fail to follow the vaccine mandate per CUNY policy will be subject to potential academic withdrawal that could also impact their financial aid and might not be eligible for refunds for the course.
The midterm exams and the final exam are planned to be in person. Make sure that you plan accordingly and arrive on campus with sufficient time to comply with the requirements of the Campus Security. If the Campus Security does not grant you the access to the building because you failed to follow the rules and policies, you will receive 0 points for the missed exams.
6. Missed classes
If a student misses a class, it is his/her responsibility to find out the contents of the class, watch the video recording if it is made, and read the notes.
Course policies may be introduced, discussed, or clarified during the classes. A student cannot use a missed class as an excuse for not obeying the policies.
7. Missed exams
All students must take the written exams at the same time. This rule will be strictly enforced to ensure the fair grading.
Late homeworks will not be accepted. Homework is a grading instrument that needs to determine the ability of students to complete and submit the assignments correctly and on time.
In the case of a missed written in-class exam, the student will be required to submit a written appeal with a well-documented reason for missing the exam. If the appeal is approved, the re-scaled score on the final may be used as the score for the missed exam. Two missed exams result in an automatic F.
The math department's policy states that any score on the final below 50% may result in an automatic failure in the course, regardless of scores received during the semester. Thus, students who miss the final will receive an F. In the case of an extraordinary circumstance resulting in the missed final, a student who had a term average of at least 55% may appeal to the Mathematics Department. If that appeal is accepted, the student may receive an INC grade. A student who misses the final and has term grade lower than 55% will receive F regardless.
8. Disability accommodations
To receive special accommodations for the lectures and exams, students with disabilities need to contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities at (646) 312‑4590. More information can be found at
Student Disability Services Website.
9. Academic integrity
Any act by a student that provides an unfair advantage to themselves or to an accomplice constitutes academic dishonesty. If, during an exam, a student has within reach any object that could be used to gain an unfair advantage, the student is in violation of academic integrity policies, regardless of whether they are observed using it. For example, electronic devices (including, but not limited to, phones, headphones, earbuds, smartwatches, or smart glasses), even if turned off, must not be on desks or on the student’s person during exams.
The use of artificial intelligence to generate any content submitted for grading is strictly prohibited. This ban applies to all homework submissions and in-class exams. Using AI during an in-class exam is a serious violation of multiple academic integrity policies, as students are prohibited from using both AI and electronic devices.
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Depending on the severity of the offense, cheating on an exam will result in a grade of 0 on that exam, a final course grade of D, or a final course grade of F. Cheating on any homework assignment will result in a score of 0 on all homework assignments. All offenders will be reported to the Office of the Dean of Students, which may impose administrative sanctions in addition to the academic penalties.