Math 461 - Mathematical Logic

Instructor / Office hours

Dr. Iian Smythe (i.smythe@rutgers.edu) / M 3:20pm - 4:40pm in 511 Hill Center or by appointment

Lecture

MW 1:40pm - 3:00pm in 218 Science & Engineering Resource Center

Course description

A first course in mathematical logic: the study of formal languages, truth, provability, and definability, using the tools of mathematics. We will cover syntax, semantics, and deductions for propositional and first-order logic, culminating in soundness, completeness and compactness. We will then delve deeper into first-order logic, covering basic model theory, with a focus on definability of sets in structures and axiomatizability of theories. Additional topics (e.g., nonstandard analysis, computability, incompleteness) may be covered if time allows. Set theory will be covered as needed. Students will be expected to understand and write proofs.

See the course syllabus for more information regarding grade evaluation, homework, important dates, etc.

Textbook & Resources

There is no required textbook for our course. Lecture notes will be provided. An optional textbook is: Herbert B. Enderton, A Mathematical Introduction to Logic, 2nd edition, Harcourt/Academic Press, 2001. (It will be made available on course reserve at the Mathematical Sciences and Physics Library in the Hill Center.)

Course material (announcements, homework, lecture notes, etc) will be posted on Canvas.