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Schedule
- Class will meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:10 AM–11:00 AM in LOV 102.
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Prerequisites
- MAS 3105 and prior experience with mathematical proofs from MGF 3301 or MAD 2104 or other
proof-based courses.
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Text
- Hungerford, Abstract Algebra: An Introduction, 2nd edition (Brooks/Cole, 1997, ISBN 0-03-010559-5)
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Course content
- Roughly the first six chapters of the book, and, if time permits, some of the “excursions” in Part 3. In slightly
more detail:
- Arithmetic in the ring of integers;
- Congruence classes and Modular Arithmetic with the integers;
- Rings;
- Arithmetic and congruence in polynomial rings;
- Ideals and quotient rings.
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Course objectives
- The purpose of this course is to introduce the elements of modern and abstract algebra with an emphasis on
concepts, methods of proof, and the communication of mathematical ideas. The objective will be to learn:
(1) the foundations of abstract algebra, (2) the methods and strategies applied to prove theorems and to
solve problems, and (3) to clearly express mathematical ideas on paper. All three components are equally
important.
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Course format and Student responsibilities
- The textbook will be followed pretty closely, with only minor variations. This
being abstract algebra, there will be a strong emphasis on the proofs of various mathematical facts, and—equally
important—how to write them.
But Mathematics is learnt by doing, in particular by solving problems in order to cement the theory. Therefore a
substantial part of class time will be devoted to problem discussions. At the same time, students are expected to
attempt to solve (many) problems from the textbook on their own first, in fact as many as possible. Solving
problems is the students’ responsibility in order to attain a maximum degree of practice with the subject
matter.
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Homework
- Homework assignments will be posted on the course web page and/or announced in class, more or less in a continuous
fashion. A couple of problems will be selected weekly to be returned for grading (see “grading” below), and marked
accordingly on the course site. Homork problems marked for grading are to be returned on Friday, before the class meeting,
unless otherwise instructed.
Homework assignments should be considered as suggested lists containing a minimum number of problems to attempt, and
you should always try to solve as many problems as possible by doing those in the list, and more. Students are expected to
work out problems as part of their study routine. An effort will be made to discuss some of the problems in
class, in order to illustrate the material. Therefore students are expected to actively participate in these
discussions.
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Grading
- Your grades will be determined by your performance in the weekly homework assignments, two midterms, and the final
exam according to the following percentages: about 30% for the overall homework score (lowest homework problem set will
be dropped), with the remaining 70% determined in equal proportions by the two midterms and the final
exam.
Letter grades will be determined from numerical grades as follows. A: 90-100%; B: 80-89%; C: 70-79%; D: 60- 69%; F: 0-59%.
Plus or minus grades may be assigned in a manner consistent with standard University practice. This includes factors such as
class attendance and participation.
Partial credit will be awarded only when part of a solution is completely correct. Also, a grade of I will not be given to avoid
a grade of F or to give additional study time. Failure to process a course drop will result in a course grade of
F.
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Midterm exams
- There will be two midterm exams. The tentative dates (subject to change with advance notice) are as
follows:
- Friday, Sept. 28.
- Friday, Nov. 9.
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Final exam
- Wednesday, December 12, 12:30–2:30 PM, same location as class meetings. The final exam will be
cumulative.
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Exam policy
- No makeups. An absence may be excused given sufficient evidence of extenuating circumstances and in accordance
with the University policy stated below. In such a case, extra weight will be attached to the other exams. Barring
emergencies, the matters leading to a possible excused absence should be discussed with the instructor well in advance. An
unexcused absence will result in a grade of zero. Late homework without prior arrangement with the instructor will not be
accepted.
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Attendance
- Students are expected to attend class regularly. A student absent from class bears the full responsibility
for all subject matter and information discussed in class. Attendance (and participation) will be useful to
make decisions in borderline cases. Other situations are discussed under “University Attendance Policy”
below.
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University Attendance Policy
- Excused absences include documented illness, deaths in the family and other documented crises,
call to active military duty or jury duty, religious holydays, and official University activities. These absences will be
accommodated in a way that does not arbitrarily penalize students who have a valid excuse. Consideration will also be given
to students whose dependent children experience serious illness.
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Academic Honor Policy
- The Florida State University Academic Honor Policy outlines the University’s expectations for the
integrity of students’ academic work, the procedures for resolving alleged violations of those expectations, and the rights and
responsibilities of students and faculty members throughout the process. Students are responsible for reading the Academic
Honor Policy and for living up to their pledge to “... be honest and truthful and ... [to] strive for personal and
institutional integrity at Florida State University.” (Florida State University Academic Honor Policy, found at
http://dof.fsu.edu/honorpolicy.htm)
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Americans with Disabilities Act
- Students with disabilities needing academic accommodation should: (1) register with and
provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center; and (2) bring a letter to the instructor indicating the need
for accommodation and what type. This should be done during the first week of class. This syllabus and other class materials
are available in alternative format upon request. For more information about services available to FSU students with
disabilities, contact the:
Student Disability Resource Center
874 Traditions Way
108 Student Services Building
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4167
(850) 644-9566 (voice)
(850) 644-8504 (TDD)
sdrc@admin.fsu.edu
http://www.disabilitycenter.fsu.edu/
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Syllabus Change Policy
- Except for changes that substantially affect implementation of the evaluation (grading) statement, this
syllabus is a guide for the course and is subject to change with advance notice.