Math 415, Modern Algebra I - Course Information.

Fall semester 2013


Section : 502

Class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays  2:20-3:35pm in ZACH 119D.

Instructor: Dr. Rostislav Grigorchuk

Office: Milner, room 228

e-mail address: grigorch@math.tamu.edu

Office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 4:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m., other days and times - by appointment.

Textbook: The required textbook is A First Course in Abstract Algebra, 7th ed., by John B. Fraleigh, Addison-Wesley, 2003, ISBN 0-201-76390-7.

Course Description: (Credit 3.0)

This is a first course in abstract algebra. The main topics the course will cover are the introductory theories and applications of groups, rings, and fields. There will be an emphasis placed on rigorous proofs throughout the semester, including during class and on homework and exams.

This course covers the following topics (with respect sections in the Textbook):

Learning outcomes: This course helps students to develop abstract thinking and learn algebraic techniques that can be used in various applications and further studies in mathematics, physics, computer science and chemistry.

Prerequisite for MATH 415: MATH 222 or MATH 304 or approval of instructor.

Calculators are not generally needed for this course and will not be permitted on exams.

Exam Schedule:


There will be 2 in-class exams during the semester, as well as a cumulative final exam. The dates and times are listed below.


Exam 1

Exam 2

Final Exam

Date/Time

7-th week

12-th week

December 11, 1-3pm

Location

ZACH 119D ZACH 119D ZACH 119D

Grading: Your final grade will be determined by the total number of points obtained on exams and homework. Out of 500 total points, each component contributes to your grade as follows:

Component

Points

Homework

75

Exam 1

50

Exam 2

50

Final Exam

75

Total

250

The following grade distribution will be used in determining final course grades:

Grade

Percentage of Total Points

A

90.0%-100.0%

B

80.0%-89.9%

C

70.0%-79.9%

D

60.0%-69.9%

F

0.0%-59.9%


Course Policies:


Missed Work: Making up missed work (including missed exams, quizzes, and homework) will be arranged according to Univesrity policies only. A university approved excuse must be provided to the instructor in writing (e-mail is sufficient) within 1 working day for exams and within 2 working days for other work.





Academic Dishonesty:

It is not permissible to hand in the work of others for a grade, including work on exams, quizzes, and homework. You are allowed to discuss homework with others, but your write-ups are expected to be done on your own and in your own words. Copying the work of others will be prosecuted to the full extent possible under University policies.

Cheating during an exam will be sanctioned by assigning 0 points on the exam.

An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do

Further action will be taken in agreement with Texas A&M University Student Rules on Academic Honesty and the Aggie Honor System Code.





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.

Getting help:

1. First, feel free to ask questions in class.

2. Next, I encourage you to stop at my office during my office hours; there you can get individual help, and we can spend as much time as needed discussing your questions. If your schedule does not allow you to see me during my office hours, feel free contact me to make an appointment for a more convinient time.

Copyright: Please note that all written and web materials for this course are protected by copyright laws. This means that you can xerox (or download) one copy for your own use, but you are not allowed to make multiple copies.

I wish you an enjoyable and successful semester.