Prerequisite:
Math 2110 (Techniques of Proof).
Corequisite:
Math 2240 (Linear Algebra).
Text:
Contemporary Abstract Algebra
(10th Edition)
by Joseph A. Gallian,
ISBN: 978-0367651787
(Used cost approx. $50 -- you can go to
Bookfinder.com for prices).
Previous editions going back decades are nearly identical for our purposes. You can find older editions for less than $20. In fact, one previous edition of our text seems to be freely available online.
Web Page:
My webpage is located here:
https://BillCookMath.com
and
our course webpage is located here:
https://BillCookMath.com/courses/math3110-fall2023.
Meeting times: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9:00am – 9:50am in Walker Hall room 302 (unless otherwise announced).
Final Exam:
Our final exam will be held on Monday, December 11th, 8:00am – 10:30am.
Tentatively, this is to be held in our regular classroom (WA 302).
Lecturer:
| Name: | Dr. William (Bill) Cook |
| Office: | Walker Hall 345
or via Zoom [Please call my office for the Zoom password and to make sure I have joined the meeting.] |
| Office hours: | Monday, Wednesday, & Friday before and after class In particular, Monday, Wednesday, & Friday at 8:00am to 9:00am & 10:00am to 11:00am Other times by appointment. |
| Phone: | (828) 262-2367 |
| Email: | cookwj@appstate.edu |
| Webpage: | https://BillCookMath.com |
Technology: You are welcome to use any technology at your disposal to complete out of class assignments. No calculators or other computer technology will be allowed on exams or quizzes. This includes cell phones. Your cell phone should never be out during an exam or quiz.
Course Topics: The course catalog says, “Topics covered include equivalence relations, groups, subgroups, homomorphisms, isomorphisms, and a survey of other algebraic structures such as rings, integral domains, and fields.” I plan to cover most of chapters 0 – 15 of our text and possibly some selected topics from chapters 16-18 & 24-31 (time permitting). A tentative course schedule can be found at: https://BillCookMath.com/courses/math3110-fall2023/schedule.html.
Your term grade will be based on the results of your tests and final exam as well as your scores on quizzes and homework. Here is more information about the individual components of your grade:
Tests and Final Exam: There will be three tests and a cumulative final exam. Each test will make up 15% of your final grade and the final exam will make up 25% of your final grade. The dates of the tests listed in the tentative course schedule may change. The actual dates will be announced in class.
Homework & Quizzes: I will assign a few homework problems to be turned in (approximately every week to two weeks). In addition, I will post a list of suggested homework problems – these additional suggested problems will not be collected. Even though the suggested problems will be not collected, working out or at least attempting all of them is strongly recommended. Please ask questions about homework with which you have had difficulty. I may give a few short quizzes and assign a few extended homework "projects" as well. I encourage you to work on your homework with your classmates. However, you must write up your solutions yourself. Do NOT copy your collaborators work and turn it in as your own. The homeworks, quizzes, and projects will make up 30% of your term grade.
In summary, here are the components of the term grade with their weights:
| Component | Weight |
| Tests | 15% x 3 = 45% |
| Final Exam | 25% |
| Homework, Quizzes, & Projects | 30% |
Attendance: Don't miss class. If you miss class, you are responsible for the material covered during your absence. If you miss a quiz, test/exam, or assignment, you must bring in documentation proving that you absence is excusable or otherwise receive a zero. If a make-up quiz/test/exam is granted, it must be made up before the next quiz/test/exam.
Help! If you need help, please come to my office hours. If you are in Walker Hall and my office door is open, please feel free to stop by and ask questions – even if it's not during my regular posted office hours. Also, you should be aware of the Math Lab – they might be able to help. More information about the Math Lab can be found at https://mathsci.appstate.edu/Student/Mathlab/. Do be aware that the Math Lab is primarily intended for Freshman and Sophomore level classes. It might be hard to find a tutor that is knowledgable enough about modern algebra to be helpful.
Fine Print that Generally Applies to All Classes: Copies of App's face covering policy, the academic integrity code, disability services information, religious observance policies can be found at https://academicaffairs.appstate.edu/resources/syllabi-policy-and-statement-information.