Textbook: Contemporary Abstract Algebra, Joe Gallian 6th ed. (Click on title for T/F questions and additional resources)

 Click here for the homework assignments.
 
Course Description: This course will provide an introduction to the abstract algebraic structures. Specifically we will investigate elementary group theory and ring theory (time permitting). We will investigate numerous examples of finite and infinite groups and discuss some of the history associated to these topics. The course will require a lot of abstract reasoning and proving. The material for the courses is basically the first 12 chapters of the text (not including chapter 0).

Prerequisites: The relevant prerequisites for this course are Discrete Math I aka. Math 281, and Linear Algebra aka. Math 324. It is expected that you have seen and done proofs in both of the prerequisite courses. In particular it is assumed you are familiar with direct proofs, indirect proofs, proofs by contradiction, and proofs using induction. You will use all of these techniques frequently throughout the course. In addition, we will make use of examples provided in these courses such as modular arithmetic, permutations, matrices, etc. It is important that you are comfortable with calculations involving these items as we will investigate the abstract structure and it will be very important that you understand how each of these examples works. Chapter 0 will be assigned and should be mostly review material.

Attendance Policy: I follow the official College attendance policy. In particular if your unexcused absences exceed 15% of the classes (that is 4 classes), you are subject to a failing grade, regardless of your scores on exams, homework, and quizzes. Each unexcused absence above two will result in your grade being lowered one step. To avoid an unexcused absence you must contact me in person, by phone, or by email prior to the missed class. In addition, you are responsible for obtaining the notes, and any announcements made during the missed class.

Grading: Your grade will be composed of 15% homework, 25% for each of three hour exams, and 35% for the final exam.
    Homework and quizzes: Each week there will be a homework to be turned in. You may work on the homework together however everyone must turn in their own homeworks. Homeworks must be relatively neat and should include all of your work. It is recommended that you form small study groups to review notes, discuss problems, and study for exams.
    Exams: There will be two 90 minute exams as well as a final exam. The exams will be on Thur. Sept. 20, and Thur. 10/25. The final exam will be Tuesday Dec. 11 from 4:30-6:30 and will be cumulative but will focus on the later material. There will be no make-up exams. In the event class is canceled on one of the exam days, the exam will be given during the next class.
    Reading assignments: Reading assignments will be given each class to prepare for the next lecture. It is expected that you will read the sections and know the definitions, theorems, and at least a rough idea of the material. I do not assume you will completely understand the material before class, however it is important that you get an idea of what will be presented.

Academic Integrity: Academic dishonesty is a major violation of College policy and it is not tolerated. It can result in a range of disciplinary actions including failure of the course, suspension, and dismissal from the College. A written report of the the incident is filed in the student's permanent file.

Students with Special Needs: Students with documented disabilities may be entitled to specific accommodations. SUNY Brockport's Office  for Student with Disabilities makes this determination.   Please contact the  Office for Students with  Disabilities at (585)395-5409 or  osdoffic@brockport.edu to inquire about obtaining an official letter to the course instructor detailing any approved accommodations.  The student is responsible for providing the course instructor with an official letter.  Faculty work as a team with the Office for Students with Disabilities to meet the needs of students  with disabilities.

Drops and withdrawals: Note that the deadline for adding a class is Tue 9/4, late adds is Sept. 14, and the drop period ends on Tue. 9/25. The withdrawal period ends Friday 11/2 without permission and 11/20 with permission (though it is very difficult to get permission)..

Course Web site: There will be a course web site which will contain homework assignments (found at www.acs.brockport.edu/~hskogman) and any other announcements or handouts (as well as this syllabus).