Mathematics 301: Introduction to Abstract Algebra. Section B.

Fall 2002

Instructor:

Stephen J. Willson
office: Carver 411
telephone: 294-7671
email: swillson@iastate.edu
More information: homepage

Prerequisites:

Math 166 and (either Math 307 or Math 317). We will assume knowledge of matrices, vectors, and how to use them.

Credits:

3 credits

Current course grades

Current course grades and all recorded scores are available on the web by clicking grades. Scores are listed by the last 6 digits of student social security numbers. If a score has been incorrectly recorded, you should contact the instructor.

Homework:

Most homework assigned will be ungraded. Ungraded problems on the homework will usually be the basis for the beginning of the next class period. Some homework assignments will also include a few problems to be turned in the next class period for grade. These assignments may also be found by clicking assignments

Class meetings:

MWF 2 in Carver 60. The first class is Monday, August 26, 2002, and the last class is Friday, December 13, 2002. There are no classes on Labor Day (September 2) and Thanksgiving Break (the week of November 25-29).

Office hours:

Tentatively MWF 3:10 - 4:00, TR 1:10 - 2:00 in Carver 411.
Please also feel free to make an appointment if the office hours are inconvenient for you.

Textbook:

A First Course in Abstract Algebra, 6th edition, by John B. Fraleigh (Addison Wesley Longman, ISBN 0 201 33596 4).
The course will include parts of chapters 0, 1, 2, 3, 4.

Information about the instructor:

For more information about the instructor, click here.

Course Grading

Grades will be based on points accumulated. There will be a combination of graded problem sets in addition to ungraded practice problems. There will be at least three hour exams and a final exam. In addition there will be occasional quizzes. All graded work will be announced ahead of time. Grades may include a plus or a minus. Grade cutoffs will be announced for each exam and quiz. The cutoff for a given level (for example A-) in the course will be the sum of the cutoffs for that level for each exam, quiz, etc.

Sickness policy:

If you are sick the day of an exam or quiz, you should contact the instructor by phone on the day of the exam to arrange a timely make-up exam.

Last updated August 23, 2002.