Mas 4303.01—Introduction to Abstract Algebra II
Spring 2013


Instructor: Dr. Ettore Aldrovandi.
Office: 215 LOV.
Email: aldrovandi@math.fsu.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday 2:00–3:15 PM, and Wednesday, 11:15 AM–12:05 PM. Office hours are tentative and subject to change with advance notice.

SCHEDULE
Class will meet on Tuesday and Thursday, 11:00 AM–12:15 PM in LOV 201.
PREREQUISITES
MAS 4302 or permission by the instructor.
TEXT
Hungerford, Abstract Algebra: An Introduction, 2nd edition (Brooks/Cole, 1997, ISBN 0-03-010559-5)
COURSE CONTENT
Roughly the material from Chapter 6 to 11 of the book. In slightly more detail:

The course, which is the second part of a two-semester sequence, will introduce and explore groups as well as delve more deeply into rings and fields.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to more advanced topics in modern and abstract algebra with an emphasis on concepts, methods of proof, and the communication of mathematical ideas.
COURSE FORMAT and STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
The textbook will be followed pretty closely, with only minor variations. This being abstract algebra, there will be a certain emphasis on the proofs of various mathematical facts, and how to write them. But Mathematics is learnt by doing, in particular by solving problems in order to cement the theory. Therefore part of class time will be devoted to problem discussions. At the same time, students are expected to attempt to solve problems from the textbook on their own first, in fact as many as possible. Although not graded (see the “homework” section below), solving problems is the students’ responsibility in order to attain a maximum degree of practice with the subject matter.
HOMEWORK
Homework problems will be assigned but not collected for grading. Homework assignments will be posted on the course web page and/or announced in class. In any case, assignments only are a suggestion, and you should attempt as many problems as possible. Students are expected to work out problems as part of their study routine. An effort will be made to discuss problems in class, in order to illustrate the material. Therefore students are expected to actively participate in these discussions.
GRADING
Your grades will be determined by your performance in the weekly quizzes, the two midterms, and the final exams in equal percentages.

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.

GRADING PHILOSOPHY
Communication in writing of mathematical ideas in an important element of both reseach practice and teaching. Hence neatness in writing and presentation of ideas, as well as mathematical correctness, will be taken into account.
WEEKLY QUIZZES
On Thursday, usually the last 10 or 15 minutes, at the end of class.

There will be 12 or 13 graded weekly quizzes. The quiz overall score will be computed as Total quiz points/10, 100% maximum.

MIDTERM EXAMS
There will be two midterm exams. The tentative dates (subject to change with advance notice) are as follows:
  1. Thursday, Feb. 7.
  2. Thursday, Mar. 21.

There will be no quiz on a midterm day.

FINAL EXAM
Thursday, May 2nd, 7:30–9:30 AM, same location as class meetings.

The final exam will be cumulative, with emphasis on the material not covered by the midterms.

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.
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.

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.
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)

The policy is based on the premise that each student has the responsibility 1) to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity in the student’s own work, 2) to refuse to tolerate violations of academic integrity in the University community, and 3) to foster a high sense of integrity and social responsibility on the part of the University community. You have successfully completed many mathematics courses and know that on a “test” you may not give or receive any help from a person or written material except as specifically designed acceptable. Out of class you are encouraged to work together on assignments, but plagiarizing of the work of others or study manuals is academically dishonest.

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/

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.