2019 Fall Course Syllabus - Mathematics 3096.001
Course: Mathematics 3096.001.
Course Title: Introduction to Modern Algebra.
Time: Recitation: M 8-8:50. Lecture: TR 9:30-10:50.
Place: Recitation: Wachman 009. Lecture: Wachman 010.
Instructor: James Sundstrom.
Instructor Office: Wachman 550. (This will be my new office, but I haven't been able to move into it yet. If you want to meet with me during the first week of classes, send me an email to find out where I'll be.).
Instructor Email: james.sundstrom@temple.edu
Instructor Phone: Use email.
Office Hours: TBD. During the first week of classes, I'll poll you to try to find times that work for everyone. For the first week, my temporary office hours will be TR 1:30-3:15.
Prerequisites: Math 2111 (Basic Concepts of Mathematics).
Textbook: Thomas W. Hungerford, Abstract Algebra: An Introduction. 3rd edition.
Course Goals: This course will deal primarily with the theory of rings and groups with a particular emphasis on writing mathematical proofs in these areas. Students should learn to communicate mathematical ideas in written form in the context of modern algebra. Written proofs must offer the reader a logical and well-organized narrative explanation of an approach to a solution of a problem. Proofs should be written in clear, carefully edited prose that is relatively free of grammatical errors. Students will also be expected to research a topic relevant to the course, write a paper on the topic, and report on the topic to the class.
Topics Covered: Integers and modular arithmetic, Rings, Polynomial Rings, Ideals and Quotient Rings, Groups (if time allows).
Course Grading: There will be two midterm exams each of which will count for 18% of your grade, a final exam which will count for 24% of your grade, a project which will count for 10%, and homework which will count for 30%.
Exam Dates: The midterms will occur roughly during weeks 6 and 12. (I'll try to find a time that's convenient for everyone.)The final exam will be on Thursday, December 12, 8:00-10:00.
Attendance Policy: You are expected to attend class. If you have an excuse for missing a class, you should let me know (preferably before missing the class, if possible).
Any student who has a need for accommodations based on the impact of a documented disability or medical condition should contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS) in 100 Ritter Annex (drs@temple.edu; 215-204-1280) to request accommodations and learn more about the resources available to you. If you have a DRS accommodation letter to share with me, or you would like to discuss your accommodations, please contact me as soon as practical. I will work with you and with DRS to coordinate reasonable accommodations for all students with documented disabilities. All discussions related to your accommodations will be confidential.
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Students will be charged for a course unless dropped by the Drop/Add deadline date. Check the University calendar for exact dates.
During the Drop/Add period, students may drop a course with no record of the class appearing on their transcript. Students are not financially responsible for any courses dropped during this period. In the following weeks prior to or on the withdrawal date students may withdraw from a course with the grade of "W" appearing on their transcript. After the withdrawal date students may not withdraw from courses. Check the University Calendar (Opens in new tab/window) for exact dates. See the full policy by clicking here. (Opens in new tab/window)
The grade "I" (an "incomplete") is only given if students cannot complete the course work due to circumstances beyond their control. It is necessary for the student to have completed the majority of the course work with a passing average and to sign an incomplete contract which clearly states what is left for the student to do and the deadline by which the work must be completed. The incomplete contract must also include a default grade that will be used in case the "I" grade is not resolved by the agreed deadline. See the full policy by clicking here. (Opens in new tab/window)