TITLE: Introductory Abstract Algeba 1
CLASS TIME and ROOM: TR 2:00pm-3:20pm, College of Education Building Room 125 (Boca Campus)
TEXT: Abstract Algebra 3rd ed. David S. Dummitt & Richard M. Foote, 2004 (ISBN 978-0-471-43334-7)
PROFESSOR: Dr. Warren Wm. McGovern
OFFICE & PHONE: SE 217 MSC & 6-8028 (easier to contact by email)
E-mail: warren.mcgovern@fau.edu ; http://home.fau.edu/wmcgove1/web/
OFFICE HOURS: TBD
PREREQUISITES: MAS 4301 or permission by instructor
CONTENT: Groups, subgroups, and homomorphisms, the Sylow theorems, the structure theorem for finite abelian groups,
elementary theory of fields and polynomial rings, the fundamental theorem of Galois theory.
This is the first semester of a two semester sequence in Introductory Abstract Algebra. One of the goals of this sequence is to prepare the
student to pass the Ph.D. Qualifying Exam in Algebra.
Algebra Exam: group theory, Sylow theorems, the structure of finitely-generated abelian groups, ring theory, Euclidean rings, UFDs, polynomial rings, vector spaces, modules, linear transformations, eigenvalues, minimal polynomials, matrices of linear transformations, Galois theory, and finite fields.
During the year long sequence We will cover Chapters 1-5, 7-9, and 13-14 while excluding 9.6 and 14.9.
For copies of old Qualifying Exams in Algebra click Sample Algebra Exams
CLASS STRUCTURE: The class will be mostly run in a lecture style format though the instructor encourages discussions and questions concerning the material. Some days will be used for collaborative efforts. A detailed list will be kept on Blackboard and my webpage. Though the homework will only occassionally be collected and graded, the student is expected to do all the problems as this will aid in the student's understanding of the material. Please feel free to come to office hours if you have additional questions about the homework.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: Regular attendance is expected. If a student misses a class meeting it is his/her responsibility to obtain the class notes either from another student or from the instructor during regularly scheduled office hours. All exams will be taken as scheduled, unless prior arrangements are made, with at least 48 hours of advance notice. I, and only I, have the right to agree to giving a makeup exam.
EXAM SCHEDULE: There will be some pop quizzes, two tests, and a final examination. The two tests will take place during the regurlarly scheduled class time on the following dates unless othrwise noted.
| Date | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| October 6th | Thursday | Test 1 |
| November 17th | Thursday | Test 2 |
| December 6th | Tuesday, 1:15pm-3:45pm | Final Exam |
EVALUATION: Throughout the course the student will have opportunities to gain and lose points. The most common examples of gaining points (but not limited to) are through the pop quizzes, homework promlems, tests, final exams, extra-credit problems,
and class participation. The most common examples of losing points (but not limited to) are not taking a quiz, test, or final, or an unsatisfactory attendance record. At the end of the semester if the student's (net) point total is greater than or equal to
90% of the total possible number of points then the student will have earned an A. The rest of the grades are as follows 80%-90% B, 70%-80% C, 60%-70% D, below 60% F.
Collaboration and the Honor Code: You are expected to adhere to the Honor Code (see http://www.science.fau.edu/chemistry/chemlab/General/HONOR%20CODE.htm). You must document all sources.
DISCLAIMER: The instructor reserves the right to change/alter/add/delete any statement from this syllabus in hopes of creating a more enjoyable/equitable course.