Math 310, Section 1: Abstract Algebra I and Number Theory
Spring 2019
| Instructor: | Kristen Hendricks |
| Office: | D320 Wells |
| Office Hours: | M 11:30-12:30, W 3-4, Th 9-10 |
| E-Mail: | hendricks at math .msu .edu |
Location and Time
MWF 10:20-11:10 in A236 Wells Hall.Content
This is a rigorous first course in abstract algebra. We will learn about the structure of the integers, congruences, rings, ring homomorphisms, ideals and quotient rings. Time permitting, we may also discuss basic properties of groups.Textbook
Hungerford, Abstract Algebra: An Introduction. Third Edition. There are also some helpful supplementary notes on due to Professor Meierfrankenfeld here.
Prerequisites
At least one of MTH 299, MTH 317H, or the approval of the department; additionally, completion of the Tier I writing requirement.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is not mandatory. However, you are very strongly encouraged to come to lecture. Lecture will often feature additional examples to complement those in the text, opportunities to briefly discuss the material with your classmates, and other useful things reading the textbook cannot provide.
Homework
Homework will be assigned weekly and due at the beginning of Friday’s lecture. There will be fourteen homeworks. No late homework will be accepted. Homework will not be accepted electronically. However, your lowest two homework scores will be dropped when computing your grade.
Typically three homework problems will be graded carefully, and some points will be given for completeness of the rest of the assignment. To receive full credit, a solution must be written out in clear prose. (This means that a solution should usually take the form of a paragraph of text.) Solutions that are incompletely or unclearly exposited will not receive full credit even if it appears that the mathematical content is correct.
You are encouraged to work in groups on your homework; this is generally beneficial to your understanding and helps you learn how to communicate clearly about mathematics. However, you must write up all solutions yourself. Moreover, since crediting your collaborators is an important element of academic ethics, you should write down with whom you worked at the top of each assignment. You should also cite any other sources other than lecture and the textbook (another book, a useful Wikipedia article, etc) you use.
Quizzes
There will be two short in-class quizzes at the beginning of lecture on Monday, January 28 and Monday, March 18. There will not be any make-up quizzes except in extreme and documented circumstances. The first quiz will be graded and returned before the drop date.
Exams
There will be two in-class midterms on Monday, February 18 and Monday, April 8. There will also be a final exam Thursday, May 2, 7:45-9:45 a.m. There will be not be any make-up exams except in extreme and documented circumstances. Note that department policy forbids early final exams for any reason.
Grading
Grades will be computed as follows:
A reasonable curve will be applied to the composite numerical scores. The grades may be higher than the scale below, but they will definitely not be any lower.
Schedule
We will cover most of Chapters 1-7 of Hungerford, essentially linearly. Precise reading for each week will be provided as the course goes on. You will get the most out of lecture if you do the reading before coming to class.
Homeworks
Homework 1 (Due January 18)Solutions
Homework 2 (Due January 25)Solutions
Homework 3 (Due February 1)Solutions
Homework 4 (Due February 8)Solutions
Homework 5 (Due February 15)Solutions
Homework 6 (Due February 22)Solutions
Quizzes and Exams