Math 431 - Algebraic Structures

Instructor: Brian Lins
Class Times & Location: MWF 1:30-2:20 Bagby 020
Office Hours: See my weekly schedule, and also by appointment.
Text: Abstract Algebra: Theory and Applications, by Thomas W. Judson.

Announcements

Here is are solutions to the last homework assignment.
Here are the presentation topics for the final project. E-mail me your top choice. First come, first serve!
Here is a review guide for the first midterm.
Here are the solutions to the review problems for the first midterm.
Here is a review guide for the first midterm.
If you haven't bought the text yet, a free online version is available at http://abstract.ups.edu/download.html. Please buy the print copy, however, it is well worth the price.

Course Description

Math 431 will begin with a review of proof techniques and elementary set theory. Then we will study groups, rings and fields. We will discuss applications to cryptography, computers and other areas of mathematics.

Tentative Schedule

The schedule below 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.

Weekly schedule & homework

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	5% points
Written Homework	30% points
Midterm 1	15% points
Midterm 2	15% points
Final Exam	30% points
Course Project	5% points

Exams

There will be two 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 written homework assignments due almost every week. Some of the problems may be proofs. Half of the points for each homework assignment will be based on the mathematical validity of the work. 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).
For proofs, 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.

Course Project

There will be a final project for the course on an application of abstract algebra. Part of the project will be an in-class presentation of your chosen topic.

Class Participation

There is a saying that, "you learn math by doing math." This is particularly true in an abstract proof-oriented course. There will frequently be time in class to attempt to solve problems on your own or in groups. These problems will not be graded on whether or not they are solved correctly, but your class participation grade will be based on giving these problems good effort.

Special Accomodations

In compliance with the Hampden-Sydney College policy and equal access laws, I am available to discuss appropriate academic accommodations that may be recommended for students with disabilities. Requests for academic accommodations are to be made at the beginning of the semester (except for unusual circumstances) so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Students are required to contact the Office of Academic Success in order to verify their eligibility for appropriate accommodations.