MATH 172 - First Day Handout

Abstract Algebra II: Galois Theory - Fall 2017

General information

Time and place:    MW 2:45 - 4:00 pm, Davidson Lecture Hall (Adams Hall)
Instructor:             Lenny Fukshansky
Office:                   Adams 218
Phone:                   (909) 607 - 0014
Email:                    lenny@cmc.edu
Office hours:         (tentatively) MW 1:00 - 2:00 pm, T 9:30 - 11:00 am, or by appointment
Class webpage:     http://math.cmc.edu/lenny/classes/fall_2017/m172/fall_2017_m172.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:

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 assignments, 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 Wednesday, 10/18/17; due in class on Wednesday, 10/25/17
Final Exam: Take-home: to be handed out on Wednesday, 11/29/17; due in class on Wednesday, 12/6/17

The grade break-down will be as follows:

Midterm = 50%
Final = 50%

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 use computers during class unless necessary for taking notes.
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 11, Monday: Last day for adding courses for the Fall semester.

October 16-17, Monday-Tuesday: Fall break.
October 19, Thursday: Last day to drop courses; last day to opt for CR/NC grading in elective courses.
December 6, Wednesday: 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.