321 Abstract Algebra

MATH 321

Exams

Abstract Algebra
Math 321-001
Krug Hall 19
MW 12-1:15pm

Instructor:	Dr. Goldin
Office:	Exploratory Hall, Room 4214
Office Hours:	Mondays & Wednesdays 11:15-12pm and by appointment
Phone:	The best way to reach me is by email. 703-993-1480. Messages are not checked regularly.
Email:	rgoldin@gmu.edu

Alert!! There IS class on October 16. My government responsibility went away!

Prerequisite
MATH 290 (or the equivalent) and mathematical maturity.

Text
Joseph A. Gallian, Contemporary Abstract Algebra, seventh ed., 2010.

Course Content
Important topics include (but are not limited to):

basic set theory, proof methods and techniques. You should already have a basis for these
from your prerequisite class, of course, but we will refine it further here.
equivalence relations, functions, and properties of the integers
groups
subgroups
cyclic groups
finite groups
permutation groups and Cayley's theorem
isomorphisms
cosets and Lagrange's theorem (a counting principle)
normal subgroups; simple groups; factor groups
goup homomorphisms
rings
integral domains
ideals; factor rings; ring homomorphisms

Exam Dates

Exam 1: October 9, 2013
Exam 2: November 18, 2013
Exam make-ups are only available under extraordinary circumstances. Please contact me as soon as possible (and before the exam date if this is possible) if you believe your circumstances merit this consideration.

Final Exam : Monday, December 16, 2013, 10:30 am – 1:15 pm

There are no make up tests allowed unless you have an extremely serious and well-documented excuse. You must see me in advance if at all possible, such as a religious reason. If this is not possible due to the nature of the event, you must provide written documentation, such as a dated and timed letter from a doctor/hospital in the case of medical excuse, a death certificate in the case of a family death, etc. A flat tire or car trouble is NOT a valid excuse. Oversleeping is not an excuse. Minor medical difficulties such as a headache or flu that does not require being in the doctor's office is not an excuse. A court date to dispute a ticket is not an excuse. If you are not sure if your reason is excusable, and/ or if you can possibly make it to the exam but it's inconvenient, then it is not an excuse.

Grading
Your grade for the course will be calculated based on two exams (worth 15% each), in class participation (10%), homework (worth 30%) and a final exam (30%). I reserve the right at my discretion to increase your grade slightly. However, there is no sympathy for students who do not come to class, do not read in advance, and do not do the homework! Make-up tests are given only in extraordinary situations that require written proof. Solutions will be posted online as soon as possible.

Homework and In-Class Participation
Homework consists of reading the text, and doing problems assigned for an in-class discussion and/or for turning in. Homework is graded, however you are encouraged to work with other students on the problem sets (no other resources, just other students!). You must write up your own work individually and without copying from another student's work. Late homework is accepted up to 1 week late for 1/2 credit, and subsequently not accepted except under extraordinary circumstances. I will post solutions to select problems.

In-class participation consists of attending lectures, having homework ready to discuss whenever we exchange papers and/or have in-class conversations about it, and being prepared for class by having read the text beforehand. Generally speaking, if you come to class and have completed assignments so that you can converse with others, you'll get full-credit for participation. Each student is automatically excused for two absenses (on non-exam days) without need for special permission toward the in-class participation grade. Further absenses are not excused under any circumstances.

Disability statement
If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see me and contact the Office of Disability Resources at 703.993.2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged through that office.

Honor Code
The University Honor Code is to be followed at all times. Sharing information of any kind about exams or quizzes is prohibited. Any violations will be sent to the Honor Committee and will result in a grade of zero. This also applies to take-home quizzes. See the University Honor Code.

Getting Help
Use each other! Use the Internet! Email your professor! Stop by Office Hours!

General Remarks
Please be considerate of other students.
NO LAPTOPS ARE ALLOWED IN THE LECTURE HALL. If you have a specific need, please see me to discuss.
Please get to class on time. If you must arrive late or leave early sit in the back near the door to minimize the distraction.
Please turn off your cell phone before class. Please close your tablets unless you are using them to take notes.
My responsibility as the instructor of this course is to answer questions and organize the material in a logical manner to facilitate learning. Your job as the student is to attend every class, arrive on time and be attentive, meet deadlines and be responsible for your learning.