MATH 4323 - Introduction to Abstract Algebra I

This is the syllabus for Mathematics 4323, for the Spring 2012. 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.

Instructor: Dr. Lucy Lifschitz.
Office: 904 Physical Sciences Center [PHSC].
Phone: 325-0159 E-mail: llifschitz@math.ou.edu
Office Hours: Wednesday, 9:30-11am; Monday, 10-11am

Text and Course Outline: The textbook for this course is Contemporary Abstract Algebra ($7th$ Edition), by Joseph Gallian. We will cover Parts 1 and 2. First, we will briefly study integers and sets. 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 and a Final Examination as follows:

Homework 10%

2 Midterms 50%

Final Examination 40%

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. You are responsible for turning in your homework on time. No late homework will be accepted. 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 Friday, February 24 and on Wednesday, April 4.

Final Examination: The final examination is is scheduled for Wednesday, May 9, 8:00-10:00am,

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 January 30, there is no record of grade for dropped courses. From January 31 through March 30, you may withdraw and receive a W grade, no matter what scores you have so far achieved. From April 2 through May 6 you will need to see me about W versus F grades if you wish to withdraw. From April 2 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.