Homework AssignmentsMath 31 Homepage |
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Math 31: Topics in AlgebraGeneral InformationInstructor: Emily Proctor Office: 1R, Bradley Hall Meeting time: MWF 10:00 - 11:05, Bradley 103 x-Hour: Th 12:00-12:50 Office hours: Tu 7-8:30pm, F 4-5 (see my schedule) Email: emily.proctor@dartmouth.edu TextbookWe will be reading from Contemporary Abstract Algebra, 4th Ed. by Joseph Gallian. General Course OutlineRoughly the first half of the course will be focused on the study of groups. We will learn what they are, explore examples, and examine various properties. The second half of the course will be devoted to the study of rings and fields. We will see how everything we learned about groups still applies to rings and fields, but that the addition of abstract structure allows us to also say much more.
HomeworkHomework will be collected each Wednesday (except for the first assignment, which will be collected on Monday, July 2).
It is important that you keep up to date with your homework. For many of you, abstract algebra will be different from the math that you have studied to date. For this reason, it will take some time and effort to adjust to the new style of problems. In addition, the pace of the class will be quick and the material will build on itself. In order to follow what is going on, you will need to give yourself time to play with problems and build intuition. With this in mind, late homework will not be accepted for any reason. However, in calculating your final grade, your lowest homework score will be dropped. Quizzes and ExaminationsThere will be a quiz every other Wednesday of the term (except for the first quiz, which will be given on Friday, July 6). The quizzes will be given class, and you will be given the first 30 minutes of class to complete them.
There will also be a final exam for the class. The final will most likely consist of some combination of an in-class exam, a take-home exam, and an oral exam.
You are expected to work alone on exams. You may come to me for clarification, but you may not consult one another or any other outside sources. The honor principle applies.x-HoursThe x-hours will be used for this course. The x-hours will be problem sessions where we will cover material which is useful, but which we won't have time to cover in class or through homework problems. There will be an emphasis on correct proof-writing techniques. The x-hours are not required but are highly encouraged for all students. Office HoursScheduled office hours are Tuesday night 7-8:30 and Friday 4-5. You are encouraged to use these either individually or in groups to discuss homework problems or other material covered in class. Please don't hesitate to come in. From my perspective, office hours are the most fun part of the class. Class ParticipationClass participation will be a important learning tool for you in this course. Class participation includes asking questions, answering questions, generally speaking up in class, and coming to the x-hour problem sessions. Notice that you don't have to have a correct answer in order to speak up. Your participation in class reflects that you are engaged in the material and are working to learn it. While class participation is not formally part of your grade, it can help you when the final calculations are made. GradingGrades for the course will be determined based on the following percentages:
The Honor PrincipleThe Honor Principle applies to this class in the following way: You are encouraged to work together on homework, but the final written copy you turn in must be your own understanding of the material. Copying someone else's work is not permitted. All quizzes and the final must be completely your own work, with no outside help from other students, professors, textbooks, or notes. If you aren't sure if something is a violation of the Honor Principle, ask before doing it. DisabilitiesIf you are a student with a disability, including an "invisible" disability such as a chronic disease or a learning disability, I encourage you to discuss with me any appropriate accomodations that I could make on your behalf. Also, stop by the Academic Skills Center to register for support services. |