MATH 171 - First Day Handout

Abstract Algebra - Fall 2018

General information

Time and place:    TTh 2:45 - 4:00 pm, RN 105
Instructor:             Lenny Fukshansky
Office:                    Adams 218
Phone:                    (909) 607 - 0014
Email:                    lenny@cmc.edu
Office hours:         (tentatively) TTh 4:00 - 5:30 pm, or by appointment
Class webpage:     http://math.cmc.edu/lenny/classes/fall_2018/m171/fall_2018_m171.html

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.

Textbook: (Required) Abstract Algebra (3-rd edition), by David S. Dummit and Richard M. Foote (published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.)

Catalog course description:

The course will introduce the fundamental structures of abstract algebra, including groups, rings, fields, vector spaces, and modules; polynomial and field extensions. Applications to number theory will be presented.

Prerequisite: MATH 60 or instructor's consent.

Material to be covered:

Topics for this course include groups, group actions, rings, and fields. The particular week-by-week schedule of the course will correspond to the weekly homework assignments, which will be displayed on the class webpage as we progress.

Grading policy

Class attendance and homework completion are required parts of the course. Homework assignments will be regularly posted on the course webpage and collected every Thursday. Late homework will not be accepted. There will be an in-class midterm exam and a final exam. Here is the tentative exam schedule.

Midterm Exam: Tuesday, 10/16/18, in class
Final Exam: Friday, December 21, 2:00 - 5:00 pm in RN 105 or take-home -- TBA

Make-ups for exams will only be given with documented CMC-approved excuses (see College Regulations).

The grade break-down will be as follows:

Homework = 30%
Midterm = 30%
Final = 40%

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.

Additional resources

We have a mentor assigned to our class, who will lead regular weekly discussion sessions -- TBA.

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 17, Monday: Last day for adding courses for the Fall semester.

October 22-23 Monday-Tuesday: Fall break.
October 25, Thursday: Last day to drop courses; last day to opt for CR/NC grading in elective courses.
December 13, Tuesday: 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.