Modern Algebra II
Information
Course Description
Continuation of Math 415 (Modern Algebra I). The topics include rings,
fields, ideals, field extensions, group actions, and Galois
Theory.
Prerequisite: MATH 415
The students will be expected to
- Correctly solve problems
- Write complete solutions in a coherent fashion
- Have a conceptual understanding of the material
A student that demonstrates competence only in the first item above can
only expect a C in the course. A student that demonstrates competence
in the first two items can expect a B, and all three an
A. This is a rather rough description of the grading approach and
expectations, and as such it is difficult to implement and interpret.
A quantitative description can be found below in the discussion of the grading scheme.
Textbook
John Fraleigh
|
A First Course in Abstract Algebra |
7th Edition
|
ISBN 0201763907
|
Homework
The purpose
of the homework is to help you learn and understand the subject. No
matter how well you think you
understand the material presented in class, you won't really learn it
until you do the problems.
You are free to devise whatever strategy for learning the material
suits you best. This certainly may involve collaboration with other
students.
However, most people will get the maximum benefit from the homework if
they try hard to do all the problems themselves before consulting
others. Try to find your own solution, expressed in your own words,
even
if you arrived at this solution with help from someone else. The effort
you put in the homework is excellent investment of your time. Remember,
you are doing the homework in order to learn the material; do not try
to defeat the purpose of it.
I will assign problems each week. You need
to solve all assigned problems and
hand in the solutions. Write the solutions
to the homework problems alone (even if you
discussed the homework with somebody) in a neat form and do not forget
to sign the sheets you submit. The problems will be graded on a scale
similar to the one below.
| 2 pts = |
well written correct
solution |
1 pt =
|
mostly correct solution,
or
correct but sloppily written solution
|
| 0 pts = |
everything else (including
correct solutions without justification)
|
Not all homework will be graded.
Exams
It is your responsibility to organize your activities in such a way as
to avoid missing any of the exams. Make up exams will be offered only
in
case of serious and well documented medical or family problems,
religious holidays, or participation in university authorized
activities. Please refer to the
Texas A&M
University Student Rules on attendance
for more precise information. In particular, note the Rule 7.5 which
states that if the student is seeking an excused absence, the student
must notify the instructor as soon as possible after the absence, but
no
later than the end of the second working day after the last date of
absence. If the absence occurs the same day as a scheduled exam or
other
graded procedure, the student must notify his/her instructor or
department by the end of the next working day after the absence in
order
to ensure full rights. The student is responsible for providing
satisfactory evidence to the instructor within one week of his or her
absence return to substantiate the reason for absence.
Students have one week to contest the grading of their graded work
(such as exams or homework), counting from the date the instructor
brings the graded work to the class for the first time and returns it
to
the students in attendance. This rule does not apply to course grade
appeals (see below).
The use of the textbook or any other written reference is not allowed
during the exams. Calculators are not allowed during the exams.
Exam 1
Exam 2
Final exam
Grades
Your grade will be determined based on the following percentages:
Exam 1
|
25%
|
| Exam 2 |
25%
|
Homework
|
15%
|
| Final Exam |
35% |
There will be no extra credit under any circumstances.
The letter grades that can be guaranteed at this point are given
bellow:
A for 90%
B for 80%
C for 70%
D for 60%
It is not impossible that your final grades will be determined on a
scale that
is more favorable to the students than the one suggested above.
A grade of S corresponds to C or better. Incompletes are rarely given,
and then only to people who have a passing grade on a substantial part
of the course but have a good reason (usually medical) for being unable
to complete the requirements.
If a student thinks that the grading
was, arbitrary,
unfair or capricious, there are official ways to deal with grade
disputes. If the matter cannot be resolved between the student and
instructor, the student must send a written statement (e-mail will do)
detailing his or her side of the dispute to the office of the associate
head in Blocker 623. If the case outlined by the student merits further
investigation, then the associate head will contact the instructor to
obtain his or her side of the story and then, if necessary, hold a
meeting with both parties. If the student is not satisfied with the
resolution made by the associate head, then the student can further
appeal to the dean's office of the college of science. The final level
of appeal is to the University appeals panel. Please refer to the
Texas A&M
Student Rules on Grade Disputes
for more precise information
Academic honesty
Cheating during an exam will be sanctioned by assigning 0 points on the
exam. Further action will be taken in agreement with
Texas A&M
University Student Rules on Academic Misconduct and the Aggie Honor System Office.
Academic (dis)honesty is not only about cheating on exams. If you
find yourself in a situation in which you are not sure that what you do
is academically acceptable, first answer the following questions:
- Will I be proud of this tomorrow and ten years from now? Does it
make me feel good?
- Would I do the same if I knew that my teacher will find out? My
classmates? My parents?
- Do I think, on a deep personal level, answering honestly to myself
and my own beliefs, that what I am doing is right?
I would encourage you to read the work of other people and even
implement parts of their work in yours. But you have to give proper
credit and reference. It is not too hard and it makes the whole
difference.
"An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do."
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal
anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights
protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this
legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed
a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of
their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an
accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services
for Students with Disabilities, in Room 126 of the Koldus Building or
call 845-1637.
Miscellaneous information and advice
Come to classes.
I am not the best teacher in the world, but I can still help you to
understand the subject.
Ask questions.
There is no such a thing as a stupid question. If you do not understand
something chances are somebody else doesn't understand it either. Be
the
brave one and ask.
Be active.
If you come to the class it is best if you use the time. If you just
come and look through the window, it will not help a lot. You do not
have to talk all the time to be recognized as active. Answering or
asking only one question during the entire course can sometimes tell me
that you were very active. It has happened before.
Solve as many homework problems as possible.
The problems that will be given on the exams and/or quizzes will be
similar (but not exactly the same) to the problems on the homework
list. Thus, if you solve the
homework problems, the gained knowledge and confidence will be very
helpful on the tests. Also, try to do the problems alone. There is no
problem in asking for help from me, your friend(s), etc. But, on the
end, try to solve the problems again and alone, without any help
or written reference. Remember, you will be on your own during the
tests.
Write carefully.
The grades I assign are based not only on your answer but on your work.
You may get full credit with a wrong answer and no credit with a
correct
answer. You need to give enough supporting work that justifies your
answer. Everything has to be presented in a clear, reasonably complete
and coherent way.
Be prepared when you come to the office hours.
By this I mean that you should know in advance what is it that you want
to ask me.
I will try to answer any specific question you might have and clarify
any specific trouble spot that you struggle with. But you will have to
know what and where it is. In fact, I will be very happy when you
eventually learn how to communicate effectively your troubles with the
subject. That would mean that you learned a lot and that you probably
do
not need me anymore.
Study every day.
The ability to think and study with focus is very important and
exclusively human characteristic. But it has to be nurtured, just like
any other ability. The best thing I can recommend is to come to class,
try to understand as much as possible during the class, spend a
lot of time on reading the textbook and doing the homework problems,
and
visit my office hours when needed. The Webster's dictionary does not
mention the words "overnight" or "a day before" in the entries for the
words "student" and "study".
Smile.
Life is beautiful.
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