Math 435 - Basic Abstract Algebra

Fall 2010

Overview

Lectures: MWF 3:35-4:25pm, Room 307 Boucke
Instructor: Jan Reimann
Office: 318B McAllister
Office hours: Tu 1:30-2:30, We 5-6
Email:
Personal Website: http://math.psu.edu/reimann/

Course webpage: This site is mainly for documetary purposes. The course material (homework, sample exams, etc.) will be posted on Angel. Go to http://angel.psu.edu and log on with your Access Account.

Text

J. J. Rotman, A first course in abstract algebra, 3rd edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006.

Content

The basic theory of the three basic algebraic structures: groups, rings, and fields. Below is approximate schedule of topics.

Prerequisites

The official prerequisite for the course is Math 311W or Math 315. That means I expect you to be familiar with rigorous mathematical proofs. You should have practiced some basic proof techniques such as induction, proof by contradiction, etc. Most proofs we will do in this class are neither long nor hard, so you will have the opportunity to further practice proving mathematical statements. Furthermore, you should know about basic mathematical structures such as sets and functions, and the accordant notation. If you have taken neither 311 nor 315, please talk to me as soon as possible, so we can figure out if this is the right course for you.

Exams

There will be two midterms in class: Wednesday, Sep 29 and Wednesday, Nov 3. If you miss the midterm with a valid excuse, your score in the other midterm will count double. Makeup exams will only be given under very special circumstances.

The final exam date will be announced in September.

All exams will be closed book exams. No cheat sheets! Bring blue books.

Homework

Homework will be assigned each Friday and will be due in class the following Friday in class. Homework will be graded and the two lowest scores will be dropped. Late homework will not be accepted. There will be no exception to this rule. Of course it may happen that you cannot turn in homework because you were ill or for some other valid reason. This is why the two lowest scores will be dropped.

Homework 01, due September 3.
Homework 02, due September 10.
Homework 03, due September 17.
Homework 04, due September 29.
Homework 05, due October 8.
Homework 06, due October 18.
Homework 07, due October 22.
Homework 08, due October 29.

Course Grade

The final grade will be determined as follows: 20% homework, 20% each midterm, 40% final exam.

Academic Integrity

All Penn State Policies regarding ethics and honorable behavior apply to this course.

Collaboration: Collaboration among students to solve homework assignments is welcome. This is a good way to learn mathematics. So is the consultation of other sources such as other textbooks. However, every student has to hand in an own set of solutions, and if you use other people's work or ideas you have to indicate the source in your solutions.
(In any case, complete and correct homework receives full credit.)