Math 216 - Spring 2005
Abstract Algebra I

Syllabus: We plan to cover the theory of groups. Our focus will be on the following topics, most of which are related to chapter headings in the textbook. In some cases, there will be handouts to supplement the textbook.

• Cyclic and dihedral groups
• Symmetric and alternating groups
• Matrix groups (GL_n, SL_n, Aff)
• Cosets and congruences in a group; Lagrange's theorem
• Conjugacy classes; the class equation
• Homomorphisms; Cayley's theorem
• Normal subgroups and quotient groups; Cauchy's theorem
• Direct products (possibly semi-direct products)
• Group actions
• Sylow's theorems and some applications

For an indication of what group theory is good for, go here.

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Prerequisites: Math 213. In particular, you are expected to know something about writing proofs, although the course itself will provide a lot of further practice.

Course grade:  The course is over!!

Homework: Homework assignments will be posted on the bottom of this web page, and are due at the start of class for each due date. As a general rule, no late homeworks will be accepted. I tend to post solutions right after class.

• An integral part of each homework is the assigned reading from the text (or handout) and the re-reading of your lecture notes. Focus on both explanations and examples.
• Homework will be done in student groups. The procedure will be discussed during class in the first week.
• Each student's lowest homework grade is going to be dropped. (This rule does not apply to quizzes or exams.)
• You are encouraged to discuss homework problems with the instructor during office hours.
• It is a mistake to skip homework, because no skills (in mathematics, foreign language, athletics, and so on) can be learned by passive involvement, but only by regular practice. Moreover, many skills are learned over time, so do not expect to understand everything perfectly right away. You should find your understanding of basic topics improving gradually from one week to the next.
• Proofs on homeworks should not be simply a string of logical and mathematical symbols, but include complete sentences in English. The role of English is to explain the strategy of your proof and the details as well. There will not be partial credit based on having misunderstood a question.

Quizzes:  There will be a few quizzes at the start of the semester. Their purpose is to provide you some feedback about how well you are following the basic ideas of the course, independently of your homework group.  

• The quizzes will be short.
• You are not allowed to bring any aids with you to the quiz. (Compare with exams below.)
• There are no makeup quizzes. If you miss a quiz, your grade is 0.

Exams:  There will be two midterms and a final.  

• You are allowed to bring a single 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of notes to each midterm and the final. These notes must be your own work. In particular, they must be handwritten by you . You may be asked to submit the sheet with the exam. If you are discovered with a sheet of notes which was not handwritten by you, or whose contents are virtually identical to the notes of someone else, your grade on the exam will be 0.
• There are no makeup exams. If you miss a midterm, that midterm grade is 0.
• If you need exam accomodations based on a documented disability, you need to speak with both the Center for Student Disabilities and the course instructor within the first two weeks of the semester.

Attendance: Since you will be working in groups, your workmates can get frustrated if you regularly skip class and then cannot meaningfully contribute to the homework. This course involves a point of view on mathematics unlike anything you have met before. The best way to adjust is to come to class without exception, see examples and techniques discussed in real time, and ask lots of questions. The way you should think about the material will develop from the way it is presented in class.

Course conduct: To respect everyone's right to a productive learning environment, please refrain from disruptive activities during class. This includes reading newspapers or magazines, and using pagers and cell phones. Set cell phones on vibrate mode only. If your cell phone receives a message, you can check it after class. Please turn off all other electronic gadgets before entering the classroom. On a positive note, do feel free to ask questions!

Academic integrity: Students are expected to avoid academic misconduct. Your integrity is not worth losing (and the course not worth failing) by falsely presenting yourself in any aspect of this course. For further information on academic integrity, see Part VI of the Student Code. A broader discussion of academic conduct and discipline is at the web page of the office of the Dean of Students; look in the left margin under Judicial Affairs. You can find the complete Student Code there.