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Mathematics 31Topics in AlgebraGeneral InformationInstructor | Class Meetings |
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Sarah Wright Office: 211 Kemeny Hall | MWF 12:30 - 1:35 X-Hour Tues 1:00 - 1:50 |
Office Hours: M: 2-3, W: 3-4, R: 10-12 | Classroom: Kemeny Hall 108 |
Top | Contemporary Abstract Algebra (Sixth Edition) Joseph A. Gallain Houghton Mifflin Publishing Avaliable at Wheelock Books |
TopAccording to the ORC:
"This course will provide an introduction to fundamental
algebraic structures, and may include significant applications.
The majority of the course will
consist of an introduction to the basic algebraic structures of
groups and rings. Additionoal work will consist of development of
further algebraic structures or applications of the previously
developed theory." So this will definitely be included in our goals for the course.
Other goals include, but are certainly not limited to:
- Development
and understanding of mathematical proof: what it means to prove
something, methods of proof, how to write a proof well, etc.
- Work with peers to understand difficult concepts and solve problems.
- Explore and understand the connections between pure mathematical structures and the real world.
- HAVE FUN!!!
The
decision of what applications will be explored may depend on the
interests of the students. Because of the flexibility of this
course, it is not reccomended as a prerequisite for Math 81. If
you are planning on taking Math 81 you should switch from this class to
Math 71.
TopI hate homework
Homework, oh homework I hate you, you stink.
I wish I could wash you away in the sink.
If only a bomb would explode you to bits,
homework oh homework you're giving me fits.
I'd rather take baths with a man-eating shark,
or wrestle a lion alone in the dark.
Eat spinach and liver, pet ten porcupines,
than tackle the homework my teacher assigns.
Homework oh homework YOU'RE LAST ON MY LIST.
I simply don't see why you even exist.
If you'd just disappear it would tickle me pink.
Homework oh homework I hate you, you stink.
- Shel Silverstein | Homework will be assigned every day of lecture, and collected at the beginning of class on the next Wednesday. You can find the details of the assignment, and when it will be due HERE.
No
late homework assignment will be accepted without prior permission from
the instructor. Your lowest homework grade will be dropped from
your final grade.
The
grades for homework will be based on accuracy and completeness.
Because of the size of the class, and in an effort to get graded
homework returned to you in a timely manner, it may become necessary to
only grade and comment on a few homework problems. In this case
your entire assignment will be checked for completeness, and your
accuracy score will be based on those few problems. Solutions to
the homework will be posted, and you are encouraged to visit office
hours to discuss your solutions if you have questions.
You
are encouraged to work with your classmates on homework assignments.
However, anything you write down to turn in should be your own thoughts
in your own words. So, take a few notes on the problem while
you're working with the group, then use those notes while you're
alone to write-up your final solution. Include the names of the
students you worked
with. |
TopLabs will take place
every week, usually during the X-hour. You will not receive
any
credit for a lab you are not present for, but you will be able to drop
your two lowest lab scores from your final grade. Labs will vary in
nature, but they will always be self contained in the 50
minute X-hour. In other words, you will not be expected to prepare
anything, nor have any extra homework related to a lab.
TopThere
will be a quiz the first ten minutes of class each Monday. These
quizzes are not designed to "stump" you, they are meant to keep
everyone up to speed with the course. The questions will ask you
to state a definition we learned in the previous week, make a simple
calculation, or give an example. Attending class, and perhaps a
short review of your lecture notes before the quiz, should be enough to
get you 100% every time. Like labs, you will not receive any
credit for a quiz you are not present for, but your two lowest quiz
scores will be dropped from your final grade. Note that quizzes
take place at the beginning of class, I suggest being on time.
TopThere
will be one midterm exam and a final at the end.
Portions of the exams may be of the take-home type, if it is
decided that this is the best way to test certain material. If
that is the case your homework load will reflect this decision.
If you have a conflict with the time or date for the midterm
exam, you must meet with the instructor at least a week in
advance to schedule a make-up time. If you do not take the exam
with the rest of the class, or during your scheduled make-up time, you
will receive no credit for the exam. The registrar schedules our
final exam time, so I can
not make special arrangements to accommodate your winter break travel plans.
Midterm | Friday, October 31 12:30 - 1:35 |
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Final | Monday, December 8 3-6 pm |
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TopThere
will be a final project due at the end of the term. Each student
will research and learn about one or more applications of abstract
algebra, and write a paper summarizing and explaining their chosen
topic. I will give you ideas of applications, but lists of
suggested reading are at the end of each chapter of the text, and many
of them would make excellent paper topics. Topic suggestions,
grading specifics, and a timeline of due dates will be available early
in the term.
TopGrades will be out of 1000 points according to the table below.
I will keep a numerical total of your points throughout the term, but
will not assign a letter grade until after the final exam is graded.
If you ever have a question about the grading policy, or about your
standing in the course, please feel free to consult with me.
Dartmouth students are expected to adhere to the honor principle. In this course that means:
On Homework:
Working together is permitted and encouraged, but no copying. You are welcome to work in
groups to discuss ideas and specific problems (also feel free to
talk with your instructors, tutors, and anyone else you may find). However,
each student is expected to produce the final written
homework set individually and independently.
This means you
cannot simply copy down the solution arrived at by the group, even if
you were a member of the group. If you do work in a group or
receive help from a tutor or friend, state that on your homework
and
include their names if they are in the class.
On Labs:
Each week's lab will have different rules regarding
collaboration, allowable resources, and final product responsiblilty.
These rules will be stated clearly on the lab assignment.
On Quizzes and Exams: No help will be given nor received from
any
person other than the instructor. Different exams may have
different rules regarding the resources allowed. These rules will
be printed on the exams
themselves and stated in class before the exam, with enough time to prepare or
study the appropriate resources.
On Final Projects:
The details of how the honor principle will apply to your final
project will be clearly stated on the official assignment sheet.
If
you have any questions as to whether some action would be acceptable
under the Academic Honor Code, please speak to me, and I will be glad
to help clarify things. This is a case in which it is definitely
better to ask permission rather than forgiveness.
TopThis
section will contain links to interesting websites, files, or papers
relavant to the course. If you find something interesting, please
let me know so that I can post it here.
TopDisabilities and Religious Observances |
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Students with disabilities enrolled in this course and who may need
disability-related classroom accommodations are encouraged to make an appointment
to see me before the end of the second week of the term. All discussions will remain
confidential, although the Student Accessibility Services office may be consulted to discuss
appropriate implementation of any accommodation requested.
Whether or not you have a disability, the Academic
Skills Center is an excellent place to visit. Take some time to
look at their videos and other resources. Would you benefit from
some of the planning tools? Do you think you could improve your
note-taking skills? Is stress eating your life? You're the only one
who knows what might benefit you, and it doesn't hurt to look.
I realize that some students may wish to take part in religious
observances that fall during this academic term. Should you have a
religious observance that conflicts with your participation in the
course, please come speak with me before the end of the
second week of the term to discuss appropriate accommodations.Top