Math 327/327Z (9232/9233): Abstract Algebra

Fall 2016

Instructor: Prof. Antun Milas

Office: Earth Sciences 123A

Contact phone: 442-4608

Email : [email protected] (preferred contact)

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

Office hours: TTH 10:15-11:35, or by appointment.

Text: Abstract Algebra, by I.N. Herstein, 3rd Edition, Wiley & Sons. You do not need to bring it with you to class each day.

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


1. Introduction: set theory, relations, mathematical induction
2. Groups
3. Subgroups, Normal subgroups, Quotient groups
4. Permutation groups
5. Rings, ideals
6. Polynomial rings
7. Fields

Attendance: You are expected to attend class on time everyday. If you are more than 5 minuites late please do not enter the room! I reserve the right to lower your course grade for absences.

Examinations: There will be two in-class exams:

Exam 1 (10/10)
Exam 2 (11/14) Prior to each exam there will be a review session.
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 or quiz 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!) or leave a message with the secretaries.

Homework: Daily homework problems will be assigned on each section of material covered in class. Homeworks will be collected and graded!

Quizzes: We will have 10 or 11 quizzes. Questions on quizzes will be chosen from problems found in the homework sets. You will be able to drop the lowest quiz (missed quiz counts as zero).

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 classroom. 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 electronic devices I deem potentially distracting in class.

Grade breakdown:

Exam 1 and 2: 20+20 %, Final Exam 30 % Quizzes/Homeworks 25%. In-class participation ad attendance (5%).

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".