Abstract Algebra I

MATH 50253

Fall 2009

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: Official office hours are to be determined, but I'm usually around most afternoons until 6 or 7 PM, so feel free to drop by. We can also make specific appointments, or you can ask questions by e-mail.

Class Schedule: MW 6:00-7:20 in TTC 352

Final Exam: Monday, Dec. 14, 6-8:30 PM

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

Prerequisites: Math 20123 (Discrete Mathematics I) and Math 30224 (Linear Algebra). Students are also expected to have at least basic familiarity with 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, tentatively scheduled for Oct. 7 and Nov. 4. The final exam will be on Monday, Dec. 14, 6-8:30 PM.

Problem assignments: Homework problems will be assigned via the course website at http://faculty.tcu.edu/gfriedman/algebra/alg-hw.html . Problems will be assigned following each class session and will be due at the beginning of class the following Wednesday (unless otherwise noted). This gives you the opportunity to ask questions about homework problems during the first part of the week. Please take advantage of this. In particular, PROBLEMS SHOULD NOT BE LEFT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. Abstract algebra problems often require several days of contemplation. This is normal.

Collaboration: You may discuss homework problems with others and are encouraged to come to me for help either during my office hours, by appointment, or whenever you can catch me around. 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. Late problem sets will not be graded.

Grading: Your final average will be determined approximately as follows: 35% for the final exam, 20% for each midterm, and 25% for homework. Grades will be curved (probably significantly) 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-.

Attendance: Attendance is expected. You are responsible for all material and information from all class sessions. If you plan to miss class, even with a University Excused Absence, you are responsible for letting me know as far in advance as possible.

Make-ups: In the event that you will be unable to take an exam or quiz on time, a written excuse is required. I expect to be notified in advance except in the case of serious emergency, and in all cases I expect to be notified as soon as reasonably possible. 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 may result in loss of course credit.

Course Schedule and Syllabus

Syllabus: Over the course of the year (Algebra I + Algebra II), we will attempt to cover the majority of the text plus some special topics. The following indicates a rough estimate of our pace based on recent versions of the course by other instructors. We may attempt to go slightly faster, if possible, in order to cover more material in Chapter IV. On the other hand, any material listed here that we do not get through in Algebra I will be covered in Algebra II.

The following calendar should be taken as a rough guideline, subject to much change:

Week	Start Date	Topics	Special
1	Aug. 24	Sections 0
2	Aug. 31	Sections 1
3	Sep. 7	Section 2	Labor Day - Sep. 7
4	Sep. 14	Section 3, 4
5	Sep. 21	Sections 5
6	Sep. 28	Section 6
7	Oct. 5	Section 8	Exam 1 - Oct. 7
8	Oct. 12	Section 9	Fall Break - Oct. 12-13
9	Oct. 19	Sections 10
10	Oct. 26	Sections 11
11	Nov. 2	Section 13	Exam 2 - Nov. 4
12	Nov. 9	Sections 14
13	Nov. 16	Section 15, 34
14	Nov. 23	Section 18	Thanksgiving Break - Nov. 25-27
15	Nov. 30	Section 19
16	Dec. 7	Section 21	Dec. 9 - Last Day of Class
17	Dec. 14		Final Exam – Monday, Dec. 14, 6-8:30 PM

University Policies:

Statement on Disability Services at TCU: 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 for Students with Disabilities 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.

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:

Cheating: Copying from another student’s test paper, laboratory report, other report, or computer files and listings; Using, during any academic exercise, material and/or devices not authorized by the person in charge of the test; Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test or laboratory without permission; Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in its entirety or in part, the contents of a test or other assignment unauthorized for release; Substituting for another student or permitting another student to substitute for oneself;
Plagiarism: The appropriation, theft, purchase or obtaining by any means another’s work, and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of that work as one’s own offered for credit. Appropriation includes the quoting or paraphrasing of another’s work without giving credit therefore.

· 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.