MAS4302 --- Introduction to Abstract Algebra I --- Fall 2005

• Time and place:Love Building room 104, MWF: 10:10 - 11:00 am.
• Text: ``Abstract Algebra -- An Introduction'', T. W. Hungerford (2nd edition).
• Instructor: Dr. Mark van Hoeij, Love building 211, tel. no. 644-3879, email: hoeij@math.fsu.edu
• Office hours: MWF: 11:00-11:45, and by appointment.
• Course description and objectives: A first approach to the subject of algebra, which is one of the basic pillars of modern mathematics. The focus of the course will be the study of certain structures called `rings', a modern generalization of structures such as the set of ordinary integers. We'll go through chapters 1 through 6 of the textbook. Objectives of the course are solid knowledge of the material, and familiarity with the way abstract mathematics is communicated.
• Prerequisites: MAS3105 (Applied Linear Algebra I) and MGF3301 (Introduction to Advanced Mathematics, recommended) with a grade of C- or better.
• Grading/Exams: We will have two midterms and a final exam. The midterms are scheduled for October 10 and November 14; the final exam is on Thursday December 15 7:30 - 9:30 am (click here for the schedule of all finals). Both midterm tests will count for 20% of your grade; the final will count for 30%.
  I will also assign homework daily, and you will be expected to turn in three problems per week. These assignments will collectively count for 15% of your grade.
  Finally, we will have one weekly quiz, where I will ask you to write down the precise definition of a term, or a very simple proof covered in class in that week. This will count for 15% of your grade---its main purpose, however, is to make sure that you `stay with the class' at all times. In my experience, students who manage to keep up with a class do much better in the end.
  The grade is determined as A = 92-100, A- = 90-91.9, B+ = 88-89.9, B = 82-87.9, B- = 80-81.9, C+ = 78-79.9, C = 72-77.9, C- = 70-71.9, D+ = 68-69.9, D = 60-67.9, F = below 60.

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• ADA statement: Students with disabilities needing academic accommodations should: 1) register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC); 2) bring a letter to the instructor from SDRC indicating you need academic accommodations. This should be done within the first week of class. This and other class materials are available in alternative format upon request.