MATH 172 - First Day Handout
Abstract Algebra II: Galois Theory - Fall 2015
General information
The class webpage is a good source
for all class related information; in particular, homework
assignments will be posted on the class webpage weekly. Please
check it regularly.
Catalog course description:
This course is a continuation of MATH 171, covering selected topics
in the theories of groups, rings, fields, and modules with a
specific emphasis on Galois Theory. Topics covered will include
polynomial rings, field extensions, splitting fields, algebraic
closure, separability, Fundamental Theorem of Galois Theory, Galois
groups of polynomials and solvability.
Prerequisite:
MATH 171 or instructor's consent
Material to be
covered:
Topics for this course include topics in groups, rings, and fields
with a strong emphasis on Galois Theory. The particular
week-by-week schedule of the course will correspond to the weekly
homework assignements, which will be displayed on the class
webpage as we progress.
Grading policy
Class attendance and homework
completion are important parts of the course. Suggested homework
assignments are posted on the course webpage with indicated
target dates. Although homework assignments are not collected, timely
completion of the homework exercises is essential to successful
performance on exams. There will be a take-home midterm exam and a take-home
final exam. The tentative
exam schedule is:
Midterm Exam:
Take-home: to be handed out on Thursday, 10/8/15; due in class on
Thursday, 10/15/15
Final Exam:
Take-home: to be handed out on Thursday, 12/3/15; due in class on
Thursday, 12/10/15
The grade break-down will
be as follows:
The grading scale used for this
class will be:
- 95-100% = A, 90-94% = A-
- 85-89% = B+, 80-84% = B, 75-79% = B-
- 70-74% = C+, 65-69 % = C, 60-64% = C-
- 57-59% = D+, 52-56% = D, 50-51% = D-
- 0-49% = F
I reserve the right to introduce a curve (up or down) at the end of
the semester depending on the class's overall performance.
Special policies
Please
notice
that confidentiality reasons prevent me from providing you with
any information regarding your performance in this class except
for in person. Please DO NOT email or call with any kind
of grade inquiries.
The following are basic rules that all students should follow in
order not to disturb the class.
- Please make sure to turn off all you cellular phones, pagers,
and any other devices that make noise before entering class.
Please do not text during the lecture.
- Please do not come late or leave early; if on some occasion it
is necessary and cannot be avoided, please do it in a way that
does not disturb the class.
The use of
calculators, or any other electronic devices, as well as any books
or notes, is prohibited during all tests.
Important dates
- September 14,
Monday: Last day for adding courses for the Fall
semester.
- October 19-20,
Monday-Tuesday: Fall break.
- October 22,
Thursday: Last day to drop courses; last day to opt for
CR/NC grading in elective courses.
- December 10,
Thursday: Last class meeting.
The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the
class policies.
All printed
handouts and web-materials are protected by US Copyright
Laws. No multiple copies can be made without written
permission by the instructor.