MATH 375 - ALGEBRAIC SYSTEMS

SPRING  2007

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Stan Gurak

OFFICE: Serra 159A  

PHONE: 260-4017

OFFICE HOURS:  
M  10 - 11 (also 11 - 12 in S 133A)         
TTH  8:10 - 9:10 (also  TH 12:10- 1:10 in S 133A)             
& by appointment


     The course is a one semester introduction to abstract algebraic structures.  As it is an abstract mathematics class, sound reasoning and mathematical rigor are emphasized throughout the course. Students are expected to be familiar with making sound arguments and constructing proofs.

      The class text is ELEMENTS OF MODERN ALGEBRA, by Gilbert and Gilbert, 6-th ed.. After a brief review of preliminary material (Chap 1.1 -4,7 & Chap 2.2-5) necessary as a foundation, the course will emphasize groups (Chap 3 & 4) with subsequent discussion of rings and fields (Chap 5 & 6.1-2) and polynomials (Chap 8).  The prerequisites of the course are MATH 160, MATH 250 and MATH 320 (linear algebra).

     The grading for the course is apportioned as follows:

Homework 15%       

Half period exams(3)/Quizzes 50%       

Final Exam 35%

     There will be NO makeup exams and late homework will be severely penalized.  The class exams are tentatively scheduled for Feb. 27, Mar. 29 and May 8.   Homework will generally be due each Tuesday.  Also, there will be weekly quizzes, generally given on Thursdays, to test the previous week's work.  Your combined quiz grades will count as one half period exam.  At the end of the semester I will drop your combined quiz score or one of the half period tests, whichever is lowest. The final exam is comprehensive and worth 35% of your grade.  It is scheduled in class for TUESDAY, MAY 22 from 11 am to 1 pm.