ALGEBRA
Instructor: Prof.
W. Kook
Office: Lippitt 101F
Phone: 874-4421
Office hours: TTh 9:45-10:45,
or by appointment
email:
andrewk@math.uri.edu
TEXT: A
First Course in Abstract Algebra by John B. Fraleigh.
COURSE:
In this course we will cover most of the first six chapters of Fraleigh. We will cover roughly one section of
the text book per lecture. Some
sections will require two or more lectures. Make sure to read the text before class. Topics to be covered in this course are
elementary number theory, permutations, groups, subgroups, homomorphisms and
factor groups, rings, ideals and factor rings, fields, and extension
fields.
GRADING:
Your course grade will be based on homework and quizzes (25%), three midterm
exams (45%), and a comprehensive final exam (30%) . See below for details.
HOMEWORKS:
A weekly assignment will be given each Thursday and due before class the
following Thursday. It is crucial to keep up with the course by working all
assigned problems. I strongly
recommend working on the homework problems over the weekends and ask about any
you cannot solve during the classes. Late homeworks will not be accepted, but the lowest
homework grade will be dropped. Verbal discussion among students is allowed,
but you must write your own solutions, understand them and give credit to your
collaborators.
QUIZZES:
There will be short quizzes in class. They will be based on selected homework
problems and examples presented during the lectures. You may use your notes and books for the quizzes.
EXAMS: There will
be three in class midterm exams.
The dates of the midterm exams will be announced later. The midterm exams count for 45% of your
course grade. If you have to miss
a midterm exam, you must talk to the instructor in advance to arrange a make
up. (Make-ups are given only in
the most compelling situations.)
The final exam, which counts for 30% of your course grade, will be a comprehensive exam covering
all of chapters 1-6 of Fraleigh. I
will give you more information about the final exam near the end of the
semester. DO NOT MISS THE FINAL
EXAM. All exams are closed book
and notes are not allowed.
á
A First Course in Abstract Algebra by Joseph Rotman
á
Topics in Algebra by I.N. Herstein
á
Algebra by Thomas Hungerford.
á
Galois Theory by Joseph Rotman
Illness Due to Flu
The H1N1 Flu Pandemic may impact classes this semester. If any of
us develop flu-like symptoms, we are being advised to stay home until the fever
has subsided for 24 hours. So, if you exhibit such symptoms, please do not come
to class. Notify your instructor of your status via email, and we will work
together to ensure that course instruction and work is completed for the
semester.
The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention have posted simple methods to avoid transmission
of illness. These include: covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when
coughing or sneezing; frequently washing your hands to protect from germs;
avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and staying home when you are
sick. For more information, please view http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm
. URI information on the H1N1 will be posted on the URI website at www.uri.edu/news/h1n1.html
with links to http://www.cdc.gov
site.