MAS 4301-001, Elementary Abstract
Algebra, Fall 2007
Course Information
Course Objectives
The main objective is to
learn the fundamentals group theory. There will also be a brief introduction to
rings and fields. For most students, this course will expose them for the first
time to modern algebraic methods and prepare them for further study in
mathematics, computer science and other areas.
Prerequisite: MGF 3301 (Abstract Mathematics) and MAS 3105 (Linear
Algebra)
General Information
Textbook: Modern Algebra, An Introduction,
by J. Durbin, 5th edition, Wiley
Instructor: Xiang-dong Hou, associate professor
of mathematics
Office: PHY 355
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday
Phone: 974-2561
E-mail: xhou@mail.cas.usf.edu
Web: http://www.math.usf.edu/~xhou/courses.htm
(Or USF Math Dept à People à Faculty à Xiang-dong Hou à Other Pages)
Syllabus
Chapter I: Sections 1 – 4
Chapter II: Sections 5 – 8
Chapter III: Sections 9 – 11
Chapter IV: Sections 14 – 20
Chapter V: Sections 21 – 23
Chapter XIII: Sections 53, 54
Chapter VI: Sections 24 – 26
Examinations
There will be two (2) mid-term
examinations and one (1) final examination. All examinations are open-book and
open-notebook. Calculators are allowed but laptop computers are not. Dates and
coverage of the examinations are as follows:
Date/Time Coverage
Mid-term
Mid-term
Final: 12/12 Wed.
No make-up tests unless your reason is truly
exceptional!
Homework
You are encouraged to do as
many exercises as possible. But only a few selected problems will be collected
for grading. These problems and their due dates will be announced in class. No
late homework will be graded unless you have an acceptable reason either
discussed with me in advance or supported by suitable documents.
Grading
Each examination is graded on
a grading scale. The grading scale will be determined and made available to you
after each examination. Your course grade is based on the following weights:
Mid-terms: 25% each
Final: 30%
Homework: 20%
Other Policies
There is no attendance
policy.