Course Description

An introduction to abstract algebra through a study of the theory of groups. Topics include basic properties of the integers, permutation groups, subgroups, quotient groups, group isomorphisms and homomorphisms, Cayley's Theorem. Prerequisite Mat 290 or 240.

Course Goals

One goal of this course is to gain an understanding of a particular algebraic structure called a group. This understanding is obtained through definitions, examples, and an investigation of properties common to all groups. To achieve more than a superficial understanding of this topic, the student must spend a lot of time reading and rereading the material in the book, trying and retrying problems, investigating and modifying examples, asking questions and discussing difficulties. In other words, any student who wishes to truly learn and understand the material in this course must be willing to devote time and energy to serious study individually and with others outside of class.

A second goal of the course is to improve your ability to think and express yourself concisely, completely, and with clarity in a mathematical style. Writing in a mathematical style is not the same as writing a poem or a novel or a research paper for history. Part of what you should learn in this course is how to read and understand information that is conveyed in this mathematical style and how to present information to others in this style. Creating well-written mathematical proofs will account for about 40% of your grade in this course.

Our textbook is the 7th edition of Contempory Abstract Algebra which was written by Joseph Gallian and is published by the Houghton Mifflin Company.

My grading scale in this class is 86-100 A's, 76-85 B's, 60-75 C's, 50-59 D, and below 50 is a U. Your grade for the course will be determined by the following:

Class Participation and Homework	20%
Midterm Exams (3)	55%
Final Exam	30%

Exams

There will be three Midterm Exams and a Final Exam. These exams have already been scheduled. If you have an excused absence for a college activity, you need to let me know as soon as possible and make arrangements to take the exam early. The date and time for the final exam is scheduled by the registrar and may not be changed without the approval of Dean Dunn. It is college policy that any student absent without an excuse from the final exam will receive a failing grade in the course. The exams will take place on the following dates and times:

Exam	Date	Time
Midterm Exam 1	September 29th	in-class
Midterm Exam 2	October 27th	in-class
Midterm Exam 3	November 24th	in-class
Final Exam	December 10th	8:30 - 11:30

Class Participation

I expect all of my students to actively participate in every class. Active participation includes coming to class, putting problems on the board, asking and answering questions,doing the homework and studying the notes and text.

You are expected to attend every class. If you must miss class, you should contact me by phone or e-mail. It is your responsibility to get notes and assignments for classes you miss.

Reading assignments will be given daily and should be read before coming to class. Homework problems will be assigned from each chapter. Some problems will be presented by students at the board. Some problems will be taken up to be graded. Late homework will not be accepted. Your solutions must be clear and concise and easy to follow.

Academic Honesty

Work on all quizzes and exams should be strictly your own.

Collaboration on homework is encouraged (and expected), but to gain the full benefit of the assigned homework you should first study the book and notes and try some problems independently. When you do get together with a study group it should not simply be a swap and copy session. A study session should be a time of exchanging ideas not papers. You should not be leaving a study group or a help session with your homework ready to be turned in. Write up your solution sets by yourself. On the homework you turn in you should indicate which students you helped and from whom you received help in doing the problems

Disabilities

1. Centre is committed to making its programs accessible to students with disabilities.

2. In the higher education setting, it is the student's responsibility to inform the College of any disabilities for which he or she seeks accommodation.

3. The College has designated Mary Gulley, the Assistant Dean for Advising, as the beginning point of this process. She is charged with reviewing all documentation of disabilities and with coordinating any accommodations offered to students.

4. A faculty member will likely not know of a student's disability unless the student or Mary Gulley ( in her role as coordinator) discloses the disability.

5. If you wish to seek any accommodations for disabilities, you must initiate the process right away, for relief cannot always be granted at the last minute and will not be granted after the fact.