MATH 317-001                                                                                               Spring 2013     

Introduction to Algebraic Systems

 

8:00 – 8:55 MWF

 

                      SH B102                       3 credit hours

 

Instructor:  Dr. Tom Richmond        COHH 3106               745-6219

     tom.richmond@wku.edu                                           http://people.wku.edu/tom.richmond

 

Office Hours:             MWF 1:30-2:30;  TR 8:30-9:20

                                    and by appointment

 

 

Purpose of Course:  This course serves not only as a starting point for continued study in the broad and rich field of algebra, but also exposes the student to the methods of abstract thought.  While many of the techniques utilized should be familiar to your from Math 310, here we will use them for a sustained development of a single topic—algebraic structures.  Required of all mathematics majors, this course should instill some of the Òmathematical maturityÓ necessary for advanced studies in all areas of mathematics.

 

Prerequisite:  Math 307 and Math 310 with grades of C or better.

 

Attendance Policy:  Registration in a course obligates the student to be regular and punctual in class attendance.  Three or more unexcused absences from class may result in an "F" as final course grade.  A student absent from class bears full responsibility for subject matter and announcements missed.

 

Testing and Grading:  Students are responsible for material presented in class and the material in the text.  There will be three one-hour in-class tests, each worth 100 points.  The comprehensive final exam, to be given at 8:00 Friday, May 10, is worth 125 points.  There will be up to 150 points of daily grades, consisting of homework, quizzes, or projects. Grading will follow the 10-point scale.

 

Text: Modern Algebra: An Introduction.  6th Editon. 

John R. Durbin, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2009.  ISBN 978-0470-38443-5.

 

 

Course Outline:  We will cover the first seven chapters of the text.  Additional material from the text or other sources may be presented.

 

 

 

Last Date to Withdraw/Audit:  March 15.

 

ÒIn compliance with university policy, students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids or services) for this course must contact the Office for Student Disability Services in DUC A-200 of the Student Success Center in Downing University Center.  Please DO NOT request accommodations directly from the professor or instructor without a letter of accommodation from the Office for Student Disability Services.Ó