Abstract Algebra II

MATH 60263

Fall 2016

 

Mathematics is the tool specially suited for dealing with abstract concepts

of any kind and there is no limit to its power in this field.- P.A.M. Dirac

 

 

Course Web Site:        http://faculty.tcu.edu/gfriedman/algebra

Instructor:                   Greg Friedman

e-mail:             g.friedman@tcu.edu

Office:                         309 Tucker Technology Center

Phone:             X6343

Office Hours:              Please see my schedule for official office hours. If you can’t make it at the official times, feel free to drop by at any time – I’m usually available most afternoons. We can also make a specific appointment for another time, or you can ask questions by e-mail at any time.

 

 

Class Schedule:           TTh 12:30-1:50 in WIN 148

Final Exam:                 Tuesday, December 13, 11:30 AM-2:00 PM

 

Required Text:            A First Course in Abstract Algebra, 7th Edition by John B. Fraleigh

 

Prerequisites:               Math 50253 (Abstract Algebra I). Students are also expected to be comfortable reading and writing proofs.

 

Asking questions:        Ask questions in class! It helps me know what needs to be explained better, and it makes classmates grateful that someone had the courage to ask. You are also encouraged to ask questions before class, after class, in my office hours, by e-mail, over telegraph, and every other possible way. Don't be shy!

Calculators:                 Calculators will be almost completely of no use in this course.

 

Course Policies and Procedures

Exams: There will be two in-class midterm exams; see the calendar below (dates subject to change). The final exam will be on Tuesday, December 13, 11:30 AM-2:00 PM.

Problem assignments: Homework problems will be assigned via the course website at http://faculty.tcu.edu/gfriedman/algebra/algebra-hw.html . There will be problems and a reading assignment due at the beginning of each class period (unless otherwise noted). You should also come to class prepared to discuss the problems that are due and to ask questions about pending problems for future classes.

Collaboration: You may discuss homework problems with others and are encouraged to come to me for help at any time. You may collaborate on homework problems, BUT solutions must be written up individually. In other words, you may work in groups in attempting to solve problems, but you must write up solutions on your own and demonstrate your own mastery of the solution. It is imperative that you learn the material for yourself; there will be no collaboration on exams. Unexcused late problem sets will not be graded and will count as a 0 toward your overall homework grade.

Grading: Your final average will be determined approximately as follows: 36% for the final exam, 22% for each midterm, and 20% for homework. Grades will be curved at the end of the semester, but a cumulative average of 90% or above guarantees at least an A-, a cumulative average of 80% or above guarantees at least a B-, a cumulative average of 70% or above guarantees at least a C-, and a cumulative average of 60% or above guarantees at least a D-.

Redos: On each assignment, including midterm exams, you may redo one problem in order to attempt to earn back a portion of the missed credit for that problem. The amount of re-earned credit is at my discretion and may vary depending on the nature of the assignment and the problem. Redone problems are due at the beginning of the next class period after the graded assignment has been returned to the class. You may ask me questions about the redo before you hand it in, but redo problems should not be written up collaboratively with other students. I may occasionally specify the problem that you must redo. In rare instances, I may allow more than one redo problem from an assignment, in which case I will indicate so when returning the graded the assignment.

Participation: You are expected to participate in class discussions of new material and of homework problems. Failure to participate sufficiently or to be prepared to present/discuss homework problems will result in loss of homework credit. There may also be pop quizzes on material you are expected to know that will count as part of this participation grade; if you do not know the material for the quiz, you are not prepared to participate.

On Concepts: One of the main purposes of this course is for you to learn how to think logically, including reading, understanding, and writing your own mathematical proofs. On exams and homework you will be tested not just on your ability to perform calculations but also on your ability to construct proofs and your understanding of concepts discussed in class and in the book. Therefore, it is important for you to read the material in the text (which you will be responsible for), to study notes from class as well as other notes I may provide, and to work hard at developing good proof techniques. If you are having any difficulties with these skills, it is your responsibility to come for extra help.

Attendance and Make-ups: Attendance is expected. You are responsible for all material and information from all class sessions, for handing in all homework in time, and for taking all quizzes and exams at the appointed time. In the event that you will be unable to take an exam or quiz on time, including due to an Official University Absence, an official excuse from me is required. Such excuses must be sought well in advance (at least one week but preferably more) except in the case of serious emergency, and in all cases I expect to be notified as soon as reasonably possible. Make-up exams will be given in the college testing center. Excuses may also be given to hand in homework late, again provided that a reasonable request is made in advance or proof of emergency situation is presented. Failure to abide by this policy will result in loss of course credit.

Accommodations: For any special university-granted accommodations or rescheduling you may need, it is your responsibility to contact me at least one week in advance. Exams requiring extra time will be given in the college testing center.

Plagiarism: Looking up answers to homework questions online or anywhere else constitutes plagiarism and will result in a zero for an assignment and further disciplinary action. It is acceptable to look up general information, such as a Google search for “Galois theory,” or even more specific techniques or examples. You may also look at solutions to odd-numbered problems in the back of the book, but you should try the problems yourself first. Beyond the back of the book, it is not acceptable to look up solutions to specific problems anywhere else. If you have any question about the acceptability of any resource not expressly provided for the course, ask first.

 

Course Goals: Schedule and Syllabus

 

 

Goals: We will cover the material contained in the textbook sections indicated in the following calendar.

Specific dates should be taken as a rough guideline, subject to change:

 

Week

Start Date

Textbook Section

Special

1

Aug. 22

Section 26

Aug. 25- First class meeting

2

Aug. 29

Section 27

3

Sept. 5

Section 29

Sept. 5- Labor Day

4

Sept. 12

Section 30-31

 

5

Sept. 19

Sections 32

6

Sept. 26

Section 33

Exam 1 – Sept. 29

7

Oct. 3

Section 48

8

Oct. 10

Section 49

Oct. 10-11 – Fall break

9

Oct. 17

Sections 50

10

Oct. 24

Section 51

11

Oct. 31

Sections 53

Exam 2 - Nov. 3; Nov. 4 – Last day to drop

12

Nov. 7

Section 54

13

Nov. 14

Section 34-35 (selections)

14

Nov. 21

Section 56

Nov. 24 – Thanksgiving  

15

Nov. 28

Section 55

16

Dec. 5

Catch-up

Last Day of Class – Dec. 6

17

Dec. 12

 

Tuesday, December 13 at 11:30 AM

 

 

 

 

 

 

University Policies:

 

Disabilities Statement:

 

Texas Christian University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 regarding students with disabilities.  Eligible students seeking accommodations should contact the Coordinator of Student Disabilities Services in the Center for Academic Services located in Sadler Hall, 11.  Accommodations are not retroactive, therefore, students should contact the Coordinator as soon as possible in the term for which they are seeking accommodations. Further information can be obtained from the Center for Academic Services, TCU Box 297710, Fort Worth, TX 76129, or at (817) 257-7486.

 

Adequate time must be allowed to arrange accommodations and accommodations are not retroactive; therefore, students should contact the Coordinator as soon as possible in the academic term for which they are seeking accommodations.  Each eligible student is responsible for presenting relevant, verifiable, professional documentation and/or assessment reports to the Coordinator.  Guidelines for documentation may be found at http://www.acs.tcu.edu/disability_documentation.asp.

 

Students with emergency medical information or needing special arrangements in case a building must be evacuated should discuss this information with their instructor/professor as soon as possible.

 

Academic Misconduct (Sec. 3.4 from the Student Handbook) – Any act that violates the academic integrity of the institution is considered academic misconduct. The procedures used to resolve suspected acts of academic misconduct are available in the offices of Academic Deans and the Office of Campus Life.  Specific examples include, but are not limited to:

·         Collusion: The unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing work offered for credit.

 

Netiquette: Communication Courtesy Code.  All members of the class are expected to follow rules of common courtesy in all email messages, threaded discussions and chats.  If I deem any of them to be inappropriate or offensive, I will forward the message to the Chair of the department and the online administrators and appropriate action will be taken, not excluding expulsion from the course.

 

Email Notification: Only the official TCU student email address will be used for all course notification. It is your responsibility to check your TCU email on a regular basis.

 

This syllabus represents my current plans and objectives.  As we go through the semester, those plans may need to change to enhance the class learning opportunity.  Such changes, communicated clearly, are not unusual and should be expected.