Course Syllabus
Math 375 - Algebraic Systems
Spring 2011

Text: Contemporary Abstract Algebra (seventh edition).

The Course: This course will be an introduction to the formal study of algebraic systems. The subject of abstract algebra is a fascinating branch of mathematics that starts with very simple axioms and builds to a surprisingly rich results. Many areas of abstract algebra have a great number of applications in modern science and cryptography, however, the emphasis of this class will be looking at pure mathematics and not focused on applications. Throughout our study of algebraic systems, we will focus on learning how to write clear and correct proofs.

Reading: Reading your textbook is essential to success in this class. Reading assignments will be included with homework assignments and must be completed before the lecture on that topic. Read slowly with a pencil and paper in hand. Try to fill in missing steps as you read. Always try to work out examples before you read text solutions. You will be expected to be ready to discuss the material you read in class, and this will be part of the participation portion of your grade.

Participation: Each student is expected to be a productive member of the class. This means you should expect to attend each class period and be prepared to discuss the material. Excessive absence or unpreparedness will result in deduction of points in this area. Occasionally students will present homework solutions to the rest of the class and also each student will be responsible for presenting one topic or proof during the course. This presentation will be part of your participation grade. Do to the size of the class this may be done in groups. Participation will be worth 40 points of your final grade.

Homework: You will be assigned daily homework assignments. These homework assignments are where the bulk of your learning will occur and you should set aside a significant amount of time to work on them. You are allowed and indeed encouraged to work on your homework with other people, however what you turn in should be your own understanding of how to do the problems and should not just be a copy of someone else's work. Your homework must follow the homework guidelines given in class. Part of your homework will be reading and commeting on other student's solutions.

There also may be occasional quizzes which will count towards your homework grade. There may be some announced short quizzes on material we covered in class. The quizzes will count towards your homework grade. The homework for the course will be worth 150 points of your total grade.

Exams: There will be 2 ninety minute exams during the course. The first will be on Thursday, March 3 and the second on Thursday, April 14. The material it will cover will be announced on the website and in class ahead of time. Make-up exams will not be given. If you have a legitimate excuse you may use your final exam score to make up for missing exam scores. Each exam will be worth 100 points.
There will be a comprehensive 2 hour final given on Thursday, May 19 at 8 am. The final is worth 150 points.

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this class students should be able to:

• understand the definitions of groups, rings, integral domains, and fields and canonical examples of each.
• use theorems of the course to analyzes the structure of groups
• relate normal subgroups, homomorphisms, and factor groups.
• be able to write clear, coherent and correct proofs of simple theorems.

Disability: For accommodations do to a disability please contact me within the first 2 weeks.

Academic Honesty: Cheating and plagiarism are in violation of USD's academic integrity policy and are taken very seriously. Make sure you are aware of this policy.

Have a Good Semester!