Math 415B/515B - Introduction to Abstract Algebra

Spring 2018 - Section 1
MWF 11:00-11:50 am, Chavez 308 .

Instructor: K. Lux

Graduate TA: Angela Kraft.

Text: Contemporary Abtract Algebra by Joseph A. Gallian, 8th edition

Material covered: We will be covering Chapter 13 up to Chapter 23, ring theory and field theory. If time permits we will also be covering Chapter 32 and 33, Galois theory and cyclotomic extensions.

Exams: There will be two midterm exams and a final exam. The midterm exams will be worth 100 points and the final exam will be worth 200 points.

The first midterm will be Wednesday, February 28th, the second midterm will be Wednesday, April 25th, and the University has scheduled the final exam for Monday, May 7th, from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, Chavez 308.

Homework: Homework will be assigned regularly and posted on D2L. Selected homework will be graded and a final score equivalent to one test, 100 points, will be assigned. Homework is an essential component of the course. Some homework problems will require the computer algebra system GAP, which can be downloaded for free from the GAP web site .

Additional requirement for MATH 515B: Together with the instructor graduate students taking 515B are required to choose a topic from the book not covered in class and present an oral summary to the instructor at the end of the semester. The topic should be chosen no later than 31st of March and a total of up to 100 points will be assigned.

Attendance: Students are expected to attend every scheduled class, and to be familiar with the University Class Attendance policy as it appears in the General Catalog. It is the student's responsibility to keep informed of any announcements, syllabus adjustments or policy changes made during scheduled classes.

The UA's policy concerning Class Attendance, Participation, and Administrative Drops is available at: http://catalog.arizona.edu/policy/class-attendance-participation-and-administrative-drop The UA policy regarding absences for any sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice will be accommodated where reasonable, http://policy.arizona.edu/human-resources/religious-accommodation-policy.

Absences pre-approved by the UA Dean of Students (or Dean Designee) will be honored. See: https://deanofstudents.arizona.edu/absences

Participating in the course and attending lectures and other course events are vital to the learning process. As such, attendance is required at all lectures and discussion section meetings. Students who miss class due to illness or emergency are required to bring documentation from their health-care provider or other relevant, professional third parties. Failure to submit third-party documentation will result in unexcused absences.

The UA Threatening Behavior by Students Policy prohibits threats of physical harm to any member of the University community, including to oneself. See http://policy.arizona.edu/education-and-student-affairs/threatening-behavior-students.

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free of discrimination; see http://policy.arizona.edu/human-resources/nondiscrimination-and-anti-harassment-policy

Grades for 415B: The total number of points available on exams and homework is 500.

The point cutoffs for grades will be no higher than those set forth in the following table

400 points (80%) for A

350 points (70%) for B

300 points (60%) for C

250 points (50%) for D

Grades for 515B: The total number of points available on exams, homework, and the topic presented, is 600.

The point cutoffs for grades will be no higher than those set forth in the following table

480 points (80%) for A

420 points (70%) for B

360 points (60%) for C

300 points (50%) for D

For dates and deadlines please also have a look at the registrar's web site : The grade of I will be awarded if all the following conditions are met:

1. The student has completed all but a small portion of the required work.

2. The student has scored at least 50% on the work completed.

3. The student has a valid reason for not completing the course on time.

4. The student agrees to make up the material in a short period of time.

5. The student asks for the incomplete before grades are due, 48 hours after the final exam.

Students with Disabilities:
If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please meet with me so that we can discuss ways to ensure your full participation in the course. If you determine that disability-related accommodations are necessary, please register with Disability Resources (621-3268; drc.arizona.edu) and notify me of your eligibility for reasonable accommodations. We can then plan how best to coordinate your accommodations.

Accessibility and Accommodations: At the University of Arizona we strive to make learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability or pregnancy, you are welcome to let me know so that we can discuss options. You are also encouraged to contact Disability Resources (520-621-3268) to explore reasonable accommodation. If our class meets at a campus location: Please be aware that the accessible table and chairs in this room should remain available for students who find that standard classroom seating is not usable.

Note that the information contained in this document, other than the grade and absence policies, may be subject to change with reasonable advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.