Math 4323 Syllabus

MATH 4323 - Introduction to Abstract Algebra I

This is the syllabus for Mathematics 4323, for the Fall Semester 2005. It is your responsibility to acquaint yourself with all the information in this syllabus, and with any modifications to it that may be announced in class. If you lose your copy, please request a replacement from me.

Instructor: Dr. Lucy Lifschitz.
Office: 922 Physical Sciences Center [PHSC].
Phone: 325-0159 E-mail: llifschitz@math.ou.edu
Office Hours: Monday 1:30-2:30 pm, Wednesday 10:00-11:00 am

Text and Course Outline: The textbook for this course is Contemporary Abstract Algebra ( $5$ ^th Edition), by Joseph Gallian. We will cover Parts 1 and 2. First, we will briefly study integers and sets. An important property of integers that we will often use is the Well Ordering Principle. We will, then, turn our attention to groups for the rest of the semester. We will see how the concept of a group arose. We will give a precise definition of a group and study numerous examples. We will learn about many kinds of groups, their properties and their applications in physics, chemistry and computer science. One kind of group we will look at are the so-called abelian groups, named after the Norwegian mathematician Niels Abel. We will give a complete classification of finite abelian groups by the end of the semester.

Lectures: You are expected to attend all lectures, and are responsible for all information given out during them. In particular, this includes any changes to the midterm dates or content. The Class Schedule gives a rough indication of what topics we hope to cover on specific days. Remember that this is just a rough guide. As the semester develops, we may deviate slightly from this schedule. As in any course, you should try to read the relevant sections of the textbook before attending lectures. Not attending lectures is the road to disaster! Fridays will be designated as the problem solving days, when together we work out numerous computations and write proofs. Your participation is required.

Grading Scheme: Grades will be assigned by weighting your totals from Homework, Midterms, Project and a Final Examination as follows:


Homework	10%
2 Midterms	40%
Project	20%
Final Examination	30%

Below, there is a detailed description of each of these components.

Homework: Homework will be due at the start of class on Wednesdays. Homework assignments can be found on the Class Schedule. Minor modifications to the homework sheets may be announced in class during the semester. You are responsible for turning in your homework on time. The maximal grade for the late homework is 80% of the maximal grade of the homework turned in on time.

The homework assignments are there to provide you with a minimum level of exposure to the materials outside of class time. You will need to do many more problems before you feel comfortable with the concepts involved. Take it from experience (of generations of students!) that the way to succeed in a math course is to work (and understand) a large number of problems.

Midterms: There will be two Midterms held during regular lecture time on Wednesday, September 28 and on Wednesday, November 2.

Project: The topic for the project can be selected from the Suggested Topics List or chosen independently, but with the consent of the instructor. The project consists of a summary of the necessary theory and approximately 5 problems related to the topic solved by the student. The final day to turn in your project is November 21. However, you can turn in your project anytime before that.

Final Examination: The final examination is is scheduled for Thursday, December 15, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm,

Taking Examinations: Here are a few notes on taking Examinations.

There will be extra Office Hours before the Midterms and Final Examinations. You are strongly encouraged to attend Office Hours regularly.
You cannot use books or any type of notes during the examinations.
All examinations must be taken at scheduled times, except in very extreme circumstances. Otherwise, an absence at an exam will result in a score of zero. So be careful not to make travel arrangements that conflict with examination times.

Withdrawal Policy: Until September 2, there is no record of grade for dropped courses. From September 6 through September 30, you may withdraw and receive a W grade, no matter what scores you have so far achieved. From October 3 through December 9 you will need to see me about W versus F grades if you wish to withdraw. From October 31 on, University regulations specify that you may withdraw only with the permission of the Dean.

Academic misconduct: The following is taken from the University Academic Misconduct Code. It is the responsibility of each instructor and each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies, and procedures concerning academic misconduct. Cases of academic misconduct are inexcusable. Don't do it. All cases of academic misconduct will be reported to the Dean of Arts and Sciences for adjudication.

Accommodation of Disabilities: Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible to discuss the accommodations necessary to facilitate his or her educational opportunity and ensure his or her full participation in the course.