Math 356 - Abstract Algebra I - Spring 08

Instructor

Professor Shelly Harvey
Herman Brown 410
Phone: x3659
email: shelly at rice.edu

Course Information

Class meets: MWF from 11am-11:50am in GRB W212
Webpage:   http://math.rice.edu/~shelly/356s08/
All homework and reading assignments can be found on Owlspace
Teaching Assistant: Brad Duesler (email: brd4790 at rice.edu)

Required Textbook

Dummit and Foote, Abstract Algebra (third edition) John Wiley and Sons, 2004

Course Description

This course serves as an introduction to the theory of groups, which provide the fundamental structures in algebra. Essentially, a group is a "set with structure," and the theory of groups have an important role throughout mathematics. Also, such groups have many applications to physics, chemistry, cryptography, and coding theory. In this course, we will focus on learning the theory of groups, as well as studying many examples of groups, relations between groups, and some of their applications. In particular, we will cover most of the topics in Part I of Abstract Algebra by Dummit and Foote.

Grades

Your grade in the class will be based on the following weights:

Homework: 30%
Midterm I: 20%
Midterm II:  20%
Final Exam: 30%

Homework

*Homework will be assigned every Friday and will be due the following Friday in class (or before class) unless otherwise stated; the assignments will be posted on OWL-Space. Homework will be graded for correctness, clarity, and justification. For a problem to receive full credit, you must state the problem clearly, explain your work as necessary, and present the entire solution in a clean format that is easy to follow. Note: When you are asked to prove a mathematical statement, you should always write your proof in complete sentences, in the form of a brief essay. You may find it helpful to first write a rough draft of your proof, which you may then revise before turning in. Homework assignments are not pledged. I encourage you to work with other students on the assignments, but you must turn in a write-up in your own words. You must show all of your work for full credit. Late homework will receive at most 1/2 credit.

Exams

There will be two (in-class) midterms and a scheduled final exam. The midterms will each be worth 20% of your grade and the final exam will be worth 30% of your grade. If you know you will miss an exam for a legitimate reason, notify me before the exam and as soon as possible, so we can make alternate arrangements. Without an explanation in advance, a make-up exam is unlikely to be allowed. Good mathematical exposition will be counted on both exams. The exams are scheduled for February 20th and March 28th.

Office Hours

I will schedule office hours so that I am available to students outside of class time. These hours are a good opportunity to discuss homework, lectures, or any other aspect of the class. If you cannot make my scheduled office hours, you can set up an appointment with me to meet another time. Please consider using office hours frequently! You will be amazed at how much confusion can be dispelled in as little as five minutes of conversation.

Recitations

Optional recitations will be run by a graduate student. The location and time will be announced soon (they will be held on Wednesday evenings). This is another great place to get help if you find yourself struggling with course material.

OWL-Space

I have set up an OWL-Space site for this course. This will include a chat room and a discussion board, where you can post questions for me or your fellow classmates. I will post all announcements, schedules, homeworks, and reading assignments on OWL-Space so check there often. You will also be able to see your current homework/exam grades on Owlspace. You should use your NETID as your login.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend every class. It is the student's responsibility to keep informed of any announcements, syllabus adjustments, or policy changes made during scheduled classes. I will maintain an Owlspace site for this course and will do my best to post such announcements in a timely manner on the site. However, you are still responsible for all class announcements, not just those that get posted to the web site.

Disability Support

Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations is requested to speak with me during the first week of class. All discussions will remain confidential. Students with disabilities need to also contact Disability Support Services in the Ley Student Center.

Success

There is no guaranteed recipe for success in a course such as this. However, the most successful students tend to: I encourage you to utilize your classmates, the recitations, and office hours whenever you are having trouble understanding the course material. Please ask your questions as soon as they arise.
Please send comments to Shelly Harvey ( shelly at rice.edu).