Math 415 (Section 200) – Fall 2022

Modern Algebra I

MWF 11:30-12:20
BLOC 148


Course Description:


This is a course in abstract algebra.   Topics we will cover this semester corresponds roughly to the first half of the textbook, including

  • Groups and permutations

  • Cosets, homomorphisms, quotient groups

  • Group actions

  • Rings and fields

  • Polynomials

  • Ideals and quotient rings

  • Further applications

Course Information:


Instructor:

Dr. Matthew Young


Office Hours:

Mondays 1:00-3:00





Office:

Blocker 641E


E-mail:

mpyoung@tamu.edu





Textbook:

John B. Fraleigh, A First Course in Abstract Algebra, 7th ed., Addison-Wesley, 2003.



The 8th edition is also an allowable option.



To purchase materials for this class visit the TAMU bookstore (online or in person).





Course Syllabus:

The course covers approximately chapters 1--5 of the text, with additional topics as time allows. 





Computational Aids:

None should be necessary, but calculators without graphing or programming capabilities will be allowed on exams.


Prerequisites:

MATH 300MATH 304MATH 309MATH 311, or MATH 323.



Exam Schedule:


There will be two 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

Wednesday, September 28

Wednesday, November 2

Wednesday, December 14, 10:30-12:30





Grading:


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

Component

Points

Homework

15%

Exam 1

25%

Exam 2

25%

Final Exam

35%


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%

Homework:


Homework will be collected once per week for a grade. Homework assignments will be sent to your email address.




Honors:


This course will meet the enhanced learning objectives of an honors course by the use of richer homework assignments and higher-level lectures.



Course Policies:


Missed Work:

Making up missed work (including missed exams, quizzes, and homework) will be arranged according to University 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.


Electronic Devices:


Electronic devices can only be used for educational purposes that relate to activities done in class.

See your instructor if you have other circumstances where a device is needed daily for non-class related items (i.e., medical, first responder, etc.).


Academic Dishonesty:

β€œAn Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.”

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





Disability Assistance:

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 Disability Services, currently located in the Disability Services building at the Student Services at White Creek complex on west campus or call
979-845-1637. For additional information, visit http://disability.tamu.edu.





Copyright information:

All printed handouts and web-materials are protected by US Copyright Laws. No multiple copies can be made without written permission by the instructor.





Contact information:

Course announcements may occasionally be made via e-mail (e.g. in case of a change to office hours or to correct potential errors in homework problem sets).  Students should regularly check their TAMU e-mail accounts.


Page maintained by Matt Young, Dept. of Mathematics, Texas A&M University.