| OWL-Space | Submit Anonymous Comments |
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Required Textbook |
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| Contemporary Abstract Algebra, 8th edition by Joseph Gallian | |||||||||||||||||
Course Description |
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| This course serves as an introduction to the theory of groups. Essentially, a group is a "set with structure" but should be thought of something that acts on a space like how matrices act on Euclidean space. The theory of groups plays an important role in all of mathematics. We will cover groups, examples of groups including matrix groups as well finite groups, subgroups, homomorphisms, isomorphisms, cosets, Lagrange's Theorem, direct products of groups, normal subgroups, factor groups and the Fundamental Theorem of Finite Abelian Groups. This material is covered in Chapters 1-11 of Gallian. We will also cover Chapter 24 on Sylow theorems and Chapter 26 on Generators and Relations. If there is time, we will cover other special topics such as braid groups and representations. | |||||||||||||||||
Pre-requisites |
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| There is no official prerequisite but some background in proof writing will be assumed. Also, a basic working knowledge of matrices will be useful. If this is your first proof-based course, please come talk to me. | |||||||||||||||||
Homework |
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| Homeworks will be assigned every Wednesday and will be due the following Wednesday in class (or before class) unless otherwise stated; they will be posted on OWL-Space (use your netid to log in). Homework solutions must be legible. You must show all of your work for full credit. Late homework will receive at most 1/2 credit. Your homework grade will consist of two scores: one for correctness and one for exposition. | |||||||||||||||||
Exams |
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| 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 not allowed. Good mathematical exposition will be counted on both exams. The two midterm exams are scheduled for February 8th and March 22th. | |||||||||||||||||
Grades |
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Your grade in the class will be based on the following weights:
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Office Hours | |||||||||||||||||
| Office hours are a good opportunity to discuss homework, lectures, or any other aspect of the class. 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. If you cannot make my scheduled office hours or the recitation (see below) and need extra help, please contact me by email. | |||||||||||||||||
Recitations | |||||||||||||||||
| Optional recitations will be run by a teaching assistant each week. They will be held each Monday from 5-6pm. The location will be announced as soon as a classroom is reserved. This is great place to get help if you find yourself struggling with course material. | |||||||||||||||||
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 important 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. | |||||||||||||||||
OWL-Space | |||||||||||||||||
| I have set up an OWL-Space site for this course. This will include a chat room, where you can post questions for me or your fellow classmates. I will post homeworks and most announcements 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. | |||||||||||||||||
Disability Support |
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| Any student with a documented disability seeking academic adjustments or accommodations is requested to speak with me during the first two weeks of class. All discussions will remain as confidential as possible. Students with disabilities will need to contact Disability Support Services in the Allen Center. | |||||||||||||||||
Success | |||||||||||||||||
There is no guaranteed recipe for success in a course such as this. However, the most successful students tend to:
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