Prerequisite: Math 3110 or permission of the instructor.
Text: Abstract Algebra (3rd Edition) by David S. Dummit & Richard M. Foote ISBN: 978-0-471-43334-7 (Used cost approx. $65 -- you can go to AddAll.com for prices)
Web Page:
My webpage is located here:
https://mathsci.appstate.edu/~cookwj
and
our course webpage is located here:
https://mathsci.appstate.edu/~cookwj/courses/math4720-fall2010.
Meeting times: Tuesday & Thursday 11:00am – 12:15pm in Walker Hall room 303A (unless otherwise announced).
Final Exam: The final exam will be held on Tuesday, December 14th from 9:00am to 11:30am in Walker 303A (our regular classroom).
Lecturer:
| Name: | Dr. William (Bill) Cook |
| Office: | Walker Hall 347 |
| Office hours: | Monday & Wednesday 10:00am – 11:30pm Wendesday 2:00pm – 4:00pm Tuesday & Thursday 10:00am – 11:00am |
| Phone: | (828) 262-2367 |
| Email: | cookwj@appstate.edu |
| Webpage: | https://mathsci.appstate.edu/~cookwj |
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.
Course Topics: The course catalog says, “A study of ring and field theory, including integral domains, ideals, polynomial rings, vector spaces, and algebraic field extensions.” Our semester will break up into 3 parts: Group Theory, Ring Theory, & Module Theory.
Your term grade will be based on the results of your tests and final exam as well as your scores on quizzes, homework, and class participation. Here is more information about the individual components of your grade:
Tests and Final Exam: There will be two tests and a final exam. Each test will make up 20% of your term grade and the final exam will make up 20% of your term 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 post a list of suggested homework problems from the text – these will not be collected. Even though these homework problems will be not collected, working out all of the suggested problems is strongly recommended. Please ask questions about problems with which you have had difficulty. I will regularly assign sets of homework problems to be turned in for a grade. We may have a few quizzes (if needed). 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 and quizzes will make up 30% of your term grade.
Class Participation: At the beginning of most classes someone will present a homework problem or give a mini-presentation on a topic of interest. Everyone will be required to do this (at least) once during the semester. In addition how engaged you are in class and your attendance will factor into this portion of your grade. Class participation will make up 10% of your term grade.
In summary, here are the components of the term grade with their weights:
| Component | Weight |
| Tests | 20% x 2 = 40% |
| Final Exam | 20% |
| Homework & Quizzes | 30% |
| Class Participation | 10% |
Differences between 5210 and 4720: This course is dual listed with Mat 4720. We have the same meeting times and you will take the same in-class exams. However, to get credit for 5210, you will be required to complete additional take-home portions of each exam. Also, most homework assignments will include additional problems just for 5210 students.
Grades will be assigned based on the standard +/- system. (92-100 = A, 90-91 = A-, 88-89 = B+, 82-87 = B, 80-81 = B-, …, 60-61 = D-, 0-59 = F)
Attendance: Don't miss class (this may hurt the class participation component of your grade). 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.
Academic Integrity Code: As a community of learners at Appalachian State University, we must create an atmosphere of honesty, fairness, and responsibility, without which we cannot earn the trust and respect of each other. Furthermore, we recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from the value of an Appalachian degree. Therefore, we shall not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing in any form and will oppose any instance of academic dishonesty. This course will follow the provisions of the Academic Integrity Code, which can be found on the Office of Student Conduct Web Site: www.studentconduct.appstate.edu.
Accommodations: Appalachian State University is committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented qualifying disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you have a disability and may need reasonable accommodations in order to have equal access to the University’s courses, programs and activities, please contact the Office of Disability Services (828.262.3056 or https://www.ods.appstate.edu/). Once registration is complete, individuals will meet with ODS staff to discuss eligibility and appropriate accommodations.