Office: LN-2218, Phone: 777-2465, Email: alex@math.binghamton.edu, Office Hours: MWF 12:00 - 1:00 and by appointment.
``Abstract Algebra'' by David S. Dummit and Richard M. Foote, Third Edition, John Wiley and Sons, 2004, ISBN 0-471-43334-9.
We will cover some ring theory (Chapters 7-9), modules (some of Chapters 10-12), field theory (Chapter 13), and Galois theory (Chapter 14), and other special topics if time allows.
Academic evaluation of student progress is a responsibility we cannot avoid, so there will be some in-class exams, student presentations, and a Final Exam during the scheduled Finals period. The hourlies will be worth 100 points each, and the (2-hour) Final Exam will be worth 150 points. Student presentations are strongly recommended but not required, so they will not be given numerical grades. The contents of each exam will be determined one week before the exam. The contents of the Final Exam will be announced at the end of the course, but may be comprehensive. ANYONE UNABLE TO TAKE AN EXAM SHOULD CONTACT THE PROFESSOR AHEAD OF TIME TO EXPLAIN THE REASON. A MESSAGE CAN BE LEFT AT THE MATH DEPT OFFICE OR ON THE PROFESSOR's VOICEMAIL. NO ONE SHOULD MISS THE FINAL!
When I give an exam, I make a graph of the numerical grades, and based on the average and the distribution, I decide what range of scores corresponds to each letter grade. This allows me to give each student a letter grade as well as a number grade, and the Total of all points earned will also be given a letter grade. The letter grades on the exams indicate how a student is doing, and will be taken into consideration in making the curve for the Totals. The course grade will be determined by the curve of Total points earned as well as by the quality of presentations given and of homeworks completed.
For each section of material covered there will be an assignment of problems from the textbook. They will be due one week from the day they are assigned (or the next scheduled class meeting after that if there is a holiday). Late assignments will be accepted at the discretion of the Professor. Assignments will be examined by the professor, and returned with comments. QUESTIONS ABOUT PROBLEMS SHOULD BE ASKED OF THE PROFESSOR AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS OR IN OFFICE HOURS. Although homeworks will not be precisely graded, the number of homeworks attempted and the quality of the attempts will be considered as a factor in determining your course grade. Collaboration among students on homeworks is reasonable and encouraged, but the solutions turned in should be written in your own words. As in professional collaborations, if the key ideas of a proof were worked out by more than one person, then the paper turned in should state clearly that the results were obtained in collaboration, and those involved should be named to give credit.
CLASS ATTENDANCE IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL. I hope that I can stimulate your interest and participation in the classroom, so that I am not the only one talking at the board. If you are prepared to talk about some of the material, you may take the floor and do the lecturing. There is no better way of learning material than to teach it yourself to others. This can be done individually or in teams, but it takes some planning to be ready ahead of time. I cannot force you to do this, but if you have any serious interest in an academic career, I strongly recommend this preparation. The theoretical material is rather abstract, and it is necessary to understand the theory in order to do sensible calculations and interpret them correctly. Exams will be a combination of theory questions (proofs) and calculations appropriate for a course of this level. Lectures can be interrupted at any time for questions or comments. At the start of each class be ready to ask questions about homework problems or about the previous lecture.