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SCHEDULE
- Class will meet on Tuesday and Thursday, 11:00 AM–12:15 PM in LOV 201.
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PREREQUISITES
- MAS 4302 or permission by the instructor.
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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 material from Chapter 6 to 11 of the book. In slightly more detail:
- Ideals in Rings;
- Groups;
- (Possibly) More topics in group theory;
- Integral Domains;
- Field Extensions;
- Galois Theory.
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.
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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.
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COURSE FORMAT and STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
- This being abstract algebra, there will be a 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.
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HOMEWORK
- Homework is assigned but not graded. 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.
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GRADING
- Your grades will be determined by your performance in weekly quizzes, two midterm, and the final exams, each contributing
equally, i.e. 25%, to the final score.
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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WEEKLY QUIZZES
- On Thursday, usually the last 10 or 15 minutes, at the end of class, starting the second week. The quiz score is
computed as the average of all the quiz grades, with the lowest one dropped. There will be no quiz on a midterm
day.
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MIDTERM EXAMS
- There will be two midterm exams. The tentative dates (subject to change with advance notice) are as
follows:
- Thursday, Feb. 11.
- Thursday, Mar. 24.
There will be no quiz on a midterm day.
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FINAL EXAM
- Monday, April 25, 5:30–7:30 pm, same location as class meetings.
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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.
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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)
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.
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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.