AMAT 326 (2033), Classical Algebra

Fall 2017

Instructor: Prof. Antun Milas

Office: Earth Sciences 123A

Contact phone: 442-4608

Email : [email protected]

Web: http://www.math.albany.edu/~am815139/

Lectures: MWF, 9:20-10:25, ES 146

Office hours: MWF 11:30-12:25 PM , or by appointment.

Text: A Concrete Introduction to Higher Algebra, by Lindsay Childs, 3nd Edition, Springer.

Prerequisites : AMAT 299

Objective: The objective of the course is to offer students a motivated introduction to the basic concepts of classical algebra such as integers, congruence classes, congruences equations, and polynomials, with an eye on more abstract topics such as groups and rings. We also present several important applications of these concepts especially in cryptography and number theory. This course takes a rigorous approach initiated in AMAT 299 (Intro to Proofs) - many results discussed in class will be proven in full detail.

Material covered: We will cover the following sections of the text:

Chapters 1-6,8,9,11,12,14,15,16 (time permitting: 20,23,24,28,30.)

Attendance: You are expected to attend class on time everyday . I reserve the right to lower your course grade for absences.

Examinations: There will be two one-hour exams and the final :

Exam 1 (early October)
Exam 2 (early November)
There will be a cumulative final exam during the final examination period (place and time will be announced in class.)
All students are expected to take the examinations at the announced time. There is no reason to miss an exam other than getting sick (bring note from doctor), being on a team that has a game at the same time an exam is given (bring a note from your coach), or a death or serious illness in your family. In the event you can not attend an exam, you need to notify me IN ADVANCE . You can call me, e-mail me (preferred contact!) or leave a message with the secretaries.

Homework: Writing assignments (aka homeworks) are an essential part of the course. Daily homework problems will be assigned on each section of material covered in class. Homework will be collected and graded! If you want to attach your whole problem set together, use a paperclip or staple. Your homework should be nea\ t and legible.

Use of electronic devices: The use of cell phones is prohibited in class. Ringtones must be turned off in class and, if on, cell phones \ must be in vibrate mode. If there is a need to check for and/or receive a call, the student must inform me in\ advance to excuse him/herself to take an important call. Students must not engage in text messaging in the c\ lassroom. Students who create disturbance with ringing cell phones or text messaging, will be asked to leave \ the class session. Also, I do not allow laptops, tablet devices (iPads, etc.), music players, or any other el\ ectronic devices I deem potentially distracting in class.

You are expected to follow the University's Standards of Academic Integrity and Medical Excuse Policies .

Grade breakdown:
Final exam, Exam 1, 2: 30%,20%,20% (total 70%). Homeworks: 30%.

Letter grades:

90% or more "A". 80% or more, at least "B". 70 % or more, at least "C". 60% or more, at least "D". Less than 55%, "E". I also assign +/- grades.