MATH 4140/5140-001: Abstract Algebra 2

Spring 2016

MWF 9:00-9:50 am, ECCR 131

Syllabus

Text: Algebra: Abstract and Concrete by Frederick M. Goodman (Edition 2.6, 2015)
This is an open-source textbook. The pdf version can be downloaded at
http://homepage.math.uiowa.edu/~goodman/algebrabook.dir/download.htm.

Course description: The course covers the elementary theory of field extensions, and its applications to geometry and the solvability of polynomial equations.

Prerequisite: MATH 3140.

Homework and Quizzes: There will be regularly assigned homework and quizzes. As a rule, quizzes will take place in the last 10 minutes of Monday lectures, and homework will be due on Wednesdays (by the beginning of the lecture). No late homework will be accepted. The two lowest homework scores and quiz scores won't count towards the final grade. No make-up will be given for homework or quizzes.

Exams: There will be one mid-term exam:

February 26 (Fri), 9:00-9:50 am (in class),

and a final exam

May 5 (Thu), 4:30-7:00 pm.

Make-up for the midterm will only be given for unavoidable and documented absences.
If you miss the final for reasons that are beyond your control, and you have a passing grade for the rest of the course (i.e., for homework, quizzes, and midterm), then you may request a grade of `Incomplete'. The eligibility criteria and the procedure are described in the policy for an incomplete grade in the College of Arts and Sciences, which can be found at the Academic Advising Center, `Petitions and Forms'

Limits of Collaboration: I recommend that you first attempt to solve the homework problems alone, using only your textbooks and your notes. If you need more help, you may consult other books or persons (including me). However, I require that you write your homework solutions unaided.

No student is allowed to see another's written work before that work has been graded.
No collaboration of any type is permitted on exams.

Grading: You will be graded on your written work, which will be judged on the basis of correctness, completeness, and legibility. Strings of formulas or diagrams without explanation will not be accepted.

Your final grade will be determined by the scores of your homework, quizzes, mid-term exam, and final exam. To combine these items the following weights will be used:

Homework: 25%
Quizzes: 25%
Midterm exam: 20%
Final exam: 30%.

There will be no extra credit assignments.

Getting Help: Don't wait until it is too late if you need help.

Ask questions!

I am available during my office hours and many other times. If you can't see me during office hours, then make an appointment with me to see me at a different time.

Campus Policies: By clicking on `Campus Policies' in the left panel at the top of this page you will find details about

the honor code,
the campus policies on classroom behavior, on accommodating students with disabilities, and on observance of religious holidays, and
the campus policies on discrimination and harassment, sexual harassment, and amorous relationships.

If you need any special accommodation due to medical disability or observance of a religious holiday, please inform me as soon as possible (preferably within the first two weeks of class), and provide documentation.