Math 431 - Algebraic Structures

Instructor: Brian Lins
Class Times & Location: MWF 12:30-1:20 Bagby 020
Office Hours: See my weekly schedule, and also by appointment.
Text: First Course in Abstract Algebra, 7^th Edition, by John B. Fraleigh.

Course Description

Math 431 will cover chapters 0-4. We will begin with a review of basic mathematical such as sets and induction and then focus primarily on group theory. At the end of the semester we will also look at rings and fields.

Tentative Schedule

The course schedule is tentative, and may be subject to change. Changes will be announced in class, and you are responsible for knowing about any changes even if you miss the class when they are announced.

Grading Policy

The term grade will be based on the results of the examinations, the scores on written homework, and on class participation. The grade is determined as follows:

Class Participation	10% points
Written Homework	15% points
Midterm 1	15% points
Midterm 2	15% points
Midterm 3	15% points
Final Exam	30% points

Exams

There will be three midterm exams and a cumulative final. The midterm exams will each count for 15% of the term grade and the final exam will count for 30% points. The exams may include both in-class and take home portions. The in-class portions of the exam will be closed book, however the during the take home portion of an exam, you may consult your textbooks.

Written Homework

There will be a total of five written homework assignments for the course. These assignments will focus on abstract reasoning and proof writing. Half of the points for each homework assignment will be based on the mathematical validity of the proofs. The other half of the grade will be based on exposition and neatness. In order to receive full credit for the exposition portion of the grade, the write-up must satisfy the following criteria:

It must be neat, legible, stapled (if more than one sheet of paper), and have your name written clearly on top.
Individual problems must be clearly labeled and separated from other problems by at least a full line.
Each exercise must include a description of the problem to be solved (this may be copied directly from the exercise itself).
All explanations must be written in complete sentences.
The end of any proof should be indicated with a Q.E.D. or a small square.

Late homework will not be accepted. You are permitted, and in fact encouraged to work together, but all homework assignments you submit must ultimately be your own work.

Class Participation

There is a saying that, "you learn math by doing math." This is particularly true in an abstract proof-oriented course. During most classes, I will assign problems and readings that you are expected to complete before the next class. From time to time, you will be asked to present your solutions (or your attempted solutions) to these problems during class. These in-class presentations will determined your class participation grade. You will not be graded on the mathematical accuracy of your presentations, instead your grade will be based on having attempted the problem in question and having something to present.