Contemporary Abstract Algebra
Houghton-Mifflin, 6th edition.
Publisher's website, Author's website for the book.
Remember to press the Refresh/reload button on your browser for the most up-to-date version of every page! these pages will be updated frequently and in particular serve as a backup whenever there is a problem with WebCT.
The Final Exam will be on Friday May 4, 9.45-11.45 in the usual classroom Carver 0008. Last homework posted now, please hand in by Wed 4/25. This is extra credit.
Exams will be on 2/2, 3/7, 4/11, see the updated homework schedule below.
MWF 12.10-1 in 0008 Carver
Experience shows that attending lectures really works better than just reading books. If you did not attend a lecture for whatever reason, it is your responsibility to find out and learn whatever was covered in that lecture (do you know anybody who took notes?).The first class is Monday, January 8, 2007, and the last class is Friday, April 27, 2007. There are no classes on Martin Luther King Day (Jan 15) and during Spring Break (March 12-16). In the week April 30-May 4, there will be the Final exam. I will publish the exact date here as soon as I know it.
| J Gallian Contemporary Abstract Algebra Houghton-Mifflin, 6th edition. Publisher's website, Author's website for the book. |
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We will cover chapters 0 through 10 and selections of chapters 11-14. It is a good idea to read each section before we cover it in class - this way you get more value out of precious class time (just think about leaning back and listening instead of frantically trying to keep up). Warning: this course will probably be very different from everything in Math you have seen before. Linear Algebra comes closest (more the feel of it than the substance), Calculus or differential equations won't help much at all. Students have found this class rewarding, but very hard in the past. Be prepared to do a lot of work outside class (it is not well-known that ISU has a policy of expecting you to do 2 hours of studying at home for every hour of class, this class is one which probably comes closer to that than others).
WebCT is a tool for publishing your grades with statistics like average, max/min.
Consulting Hours are the times when you can drop into my office to see me in person. Apart from these regular hours, you can also make appointments via email. In that case, please check my schedule and suggest a time.
Here is a tentative schedule plus suggested homework (will be updated). Only a portion of the homework problems will be graded, numbers and due date to be announced in class and on this webpage.
Your course grade will be determined from (percentages subject to adjustment):
[50 points] best 5 of 6 homework scores, worth 10 points each
[90 points] 3 in-class hour exams, worth 30 points each
[60 points] Final Exam (in week April 30-May 4).
This gives a maximum of 200 points overall. The grading scale will be
| A,A- | B+,B,B- | C+,C,C- | D |
| 170-200 | 150-169 | 120-149 | 100-119 |
This webpage is http://www.public.iastate.edu/~roettger/301.
If you believe that you have a disability that qualifies under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and requires accommodations, you should contact the Disability Resources (DR) office for information on appropriate policies and procedures. DR is located on the main floor of the Student Services Building, Room 1076; their phone is 515-294-6624. The next step is to see me. I am happy to assist with accommodations, but I will not provide them retroactively (so get it done before the first exam!).