Math 416: Modern Algebra II

Math 416: Modern Algebra II
Spring 2012

Instructor: Sarah Witherspoon
Email: sjw AT math.tamu.edu
Office and hours: Milner 322, TR 1:30-3:00 and by appointment

Course web address: /~sjw/math416.html

Class meetings: MWF 1:50-2:40 in CE 222
Text: Fraleigh, A First Course in Abstract Algebra, 7th ed., Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-201-76390-7

Course description
3.0 credits. Continuation of topics introduced in Math 415.
We will cover most of Chapters V, VI, VII, and X, with additional topics from Chapter VIII or IX if time permits.

Course requirements and grades
Course prerequisite: Math 415.
Homework will be assigned approximately once per week, and is worth 20% of your grade. Two in-class exams are worth 20% each, and the final exam is worth 40%. Grades are assigned as follows based on your average: A (90-100%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%), D (60-69%), F (0-59%).

Learning objectives The objectives are to learn advanced topics in modern algebra: ideals and quotients of rings, field extensions, Sylow theory, and Galois theory.

Weekly Schedule (tentative)
Week 1 (1/18-1/20): Sections 26, 27
Week 2 (1/23-1/27): 29, 30
Week 3 (1/30-2/3): 31, 32
Week 4 (2/6-2/10): 33, 34
Week 5 (2/13-2/17): 35, 36
Week 6 (2/20-2/24): Exam I (Wednesday 2/22)
Week 7 (2/27-3/2): 37, 38
Week 8 (3/5-3/9): 39, 40
Week 9 (3/19-3/23): 16, 48
Week 10 (3/26-3/30): 49, 50
Week 11 (4/2-4/4): 51
Week 12 (4/9-4/13): Exam II (Wednesday 4/11)
Week 13 (4/16-4/20): 53, 54
Week 14 (4/23-4/27): 55, 56
Week 15 (4/30, 5/1): 41
FINAL EXAM: Tuesday, 5/8, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Homework Assignments will be given approximately once each week, and usually will be due the following week. They must be turned in on time. Working together on homework is fine, but each of you should write up your own solutions.

Attendance Regular attendance is expected but is not officially recorded. Please let me know by e-mail, phone, or in person if you must miss two or more class days in a row. Likewise if you must arrive late or leave early; this is disruptive and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Make-up policy Make-ups for missed homework and exams will only be allowed for a university approved excuse in writing. Wherever possible, you should inform me prior to missing an exam. Consistent with University Student Rules, students are required to notify an instructor by the end of the second working day after an absence. Otherwise, they forfeit their rights to a make-up.

Academic Integrity Statement "An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do." The Aggie Code of Honor is an effort to unify the aims of all Texas A&M men and women toward a high code of ethics and personal dignity. For most, living under this code will be no problem, as it asks nothing of a person that is beyond reason. It only calls for honesty and integrity, characteristics that Aggies have always exemplified. The Aggie Code of Honor functions as a symbol to all Aggies, promoting understanding and loyalty to truth and confidence in each other. Violations of the Aggie Honor Code and the handling of such violations are discussed at the web site http://aggiehonor.tamu.edu.

ADA Statement The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with diabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accomodations of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accomodation, please contact the Department of Student Life Services for Students with Disabilities in room 118 of Cain Hall or call 845-1637.

Copyright Statement Please note that all written and web materials for this course are protected by copyright laws. You may xerox (or download) one copy for your own use, but multiple copies or the sale of any of these materials is strictly prohibited.

Homework Assignment 1: due Wednesday, 1/25
Section 26: E 3, 17, 22a,b,c, 26, 37; H 20
Section 27: R 18, 19; E 2, 5, 25, 31, 34a,b, 35a,b, 37; H 24

For all assignments, students in Section 500 should do exercises labeled R ("regular") and E ("everyone"), and students in Section 200 should do exercises labeled E and H ("honors").