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SCHEDULE
- Class will meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:10 AM–11:00 AM in LOV 102.
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PREREQUISITES
- MAS 3105 and prior experience with mathematical proofs from MGF 3301 or MAD 2104 or other
proof-based courses.
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TEXT
- Hungerford, Abstract Algebra: An Introduction, 2nd edition (Brooks/Cole, 1997, ISBN 0-03-010559-5)
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COURSE CONTENT
- Roughly the first six chapters of the book. In slightly more detail:
- Arithmetic in the ring of integers;
- Congruence classes and Modular Arithmetic with the integers;
- Rings;
- Arithmetic and congruence in polynomial rings;
- Ideals and quotient rings.
The course, which is the first part of a two-semester sequence, will focus on abstract arithmetic, rings and related algebraic
structures, in particular, groups, ideals and fields. (The second semester will delve more deeply into groups and
fields.)
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COURSE OBJECTIVES
- The purpose of this course is to introduce the elements of modern and abstract algebra with an
emphasis on concepts, methods of proof, and the communication of mathematical ideas. It will also provide the foundations
for more in-depth explorations in the second part.
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COURSE FORMAT and STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
- The textbook will be followed pretty closely, with only minor
variations. This being abstract algebra, there will be a certain emphasis on the proofs of various mathematical facts, and how
to write them. But Mathematics is learnt by doing, in particular by solving problems in order to cement the theory.
Therefore part of class time will be devoted to problem discussions. At the same time, students are expected to attempt to
solve problems from the textbook on their own first, in fact as many as possible. Although not graded (see the “homework”
section below), solving problems is the students’ responsibility in order to attain a maximum degree of practice with the
subject matter.
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HOMEWORK
- Homework problems will be assigned but not collected for grading. Homework assignments will be posted on the
course web page and/or announced in class. In any case, assignments only are a suggestion, and you should attempt as many
problems as possible. Students are expected to work out problems as part of their study routine. An effort will be made to
discuss problems in class, in order to illustrate the material. Therefore students are expected to actively participate in these
discussions.
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GRADING
- Your grades will be determined by your performance in the weekly quizzes, the two midterm, and the final exams
according to the following percentages: 24% for the overall quiz score (see below for the calculation), 23% for each midterm,
and 30% for the final exam.
Letter grades will be determined from numerical grades as follows. A: 90-100%; B: 80-89%; C: 70-79%; D: 60- 69%; F: 0-59%.
Plus or minus grades may be assigned in a manner consistent with standard University practice. This includes factors such as
class attendance and participation.
Partial credit will be awarded only when part of a solution is completely correct. Also, a grade of I will not be given to avoid
a grade of F or to give additional study time. Failure to process a course drop will result in a course grade of
F.
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WEEKLY QUIZZES
- On Friday, usually the last 10 or 15 minutes, at the end of class.
There will be 12 or 13 graded weekly quizzes. The quiz overall score will be computed as Total quiz points/10, 100%
maximum.
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MIDTERM EXAMS
- There will be two midterm exams. The tentative dates (subject to change with advance notice) are as
follows:
- Friday, Sept. 24.
- Friday, Oct. 29.
There will be no quiz on a midterm day.
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FINAL EXAM
- Wednesday, December 8, 12:30–2:30 PM, same location as class meetings.
The final exam will be cumulative, with emphasis on the material not covered by the midterms.
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EXAM POLICY
- No makeups. An absence may be excused given sufficient evidence of extenuating circumstances and in
accordance with the University policy stated below. In such a case, extra weight will be attached to the other exams. Barring
emergencies, the matters leading to a possible excused absence should be discussed with the instructor well in advance. An
unexcused absence will result in a grade of zero.
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ATTENDANCE
- Students are expected to attend class regularly. A student absent from class bears the full responsibility for all
subject matter and information discussed in class. Attendance (and participation) will be useful to make decisions in
borderline cases.
Other situations are discussed under “University Attendance Policy” below.
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UNIVERSITY ATTENDANCE POLICY
- Excused absences include documented illness, deaths in the family and
other documented crises, call to active military duty or jury duty, religious holydays, and official University
activities. These absences will be accommodated in a way that does not arbitrarily penalize students who have
a valid excuse. Consideration will also be given to students whose dependent children experience serious
illness.
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ACADEMIC HONOR POLICY
- The Florida State University Academic Honor Policy outlines the University’s expectations
for the integrity of students’ academic work, the procedures for resolving alleged violations of those expectations, and the
rights and responsibilities of students and faculty members throughout the process. Students are responsible for reading the
Academic Honor Policy and for living up to their pledge to “... be honest and truthful and ... [to] strive for personal and
institutional integrity at Florida State University.” (Florida State University Academic Honor Policy, found at
http://dof.fsu.edu/honorpolicy.htm)
The policy is based on the premise that each student has the responsibility 1) to uphold the highest standards of academic
integrity in the student’s own work, 2) to refuse to tolerate violations of academic integrity in the University community, and
3) to foster a high sense of integrity and social responsibility on the part of the University community. You have
successfully completed many mathematics courses and know that on a “test” you may not give or receive any help
from a person or written material except as specifically designed acceptable. Out of class you are encouraged
to work together on assignments, but plagiarizing of the work of others or study manuals is academically
dishonest.
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AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
- Students with disabilities needing academic accommodation should: (1) register
with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center; and (2) bring a letter to the instructor indicating
the need for accommodation and what type. This should be done during the first week of class. This syllabus and other class
materials are available in alternative format upon request. For more information about services available to FSU students
with disabilities, contact the:
Student Disability Resource Center
874 Traditions Way
108 Student Services Building
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4167
(850) 644-9566 (voice)
(850) 644-8504 (TDD)
sdrc@admin.fsu.edu
http://www.disabilitycenter.fsu.edu/
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SYLLABUS CHANGE POLICY
- Except for changes that substantially affect implementation of the evaluation (grading)
statement, this syllabus is a guide for the course and is subject to change with advance notice.