COURSE SYLLABUS

Instructor- Paul Brock

E-mail- pwbrock@sciences.sdsu.edu

Office- GMCS 510

Office phone- 594-6835

Office Hours- 1400 to 1600 MW

Text- Abstract Algebra 2nd Edition , Thomas Hungerford

Website: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~pwbrock/math601.htm

Prerequisites: graduate standing

Topics- Math 601, Topics in Algebra, is a first course in abstract algebra designed for graduate students interested in teaching high school and college level mathematics. The main intent of the course is to provide a semi-rigorous development of rings and fields, with some emphasis on polynomials. The topics include:

§ Arithmetic and modular arithmetic in the integers

§ Rings and fields

§ Polynomials over rings and fields

§ Polynomial arithmetic

§ Ideals and quotient rings

§ Advanced topics in arithmetic (time permitting)

Grading:

Homework---------50pts

Exam I------------100pts (Wednesday, October 7^th)

Exam II-----------100pts (Wednesday, November 18^th)

Exam III----------100pts (Wednesday, December 9^th)

The class is given weekly problem sets which are posted on the course website. Problem sets are posted on Monday and will be collected at the beginning of class on Wednesday of the following week. Solution keys for the problem sets are posted on Wednesday evenings. YOU SHOULD LOOK AT THESE KEYS. There is not sufficient time to discuss problem sets during lecture. Please bring all questions regarding problem sets (as well as all personal issues) to my office hours. As an alternative to making an actual visit to my office, YOU CAN USE EMAIL OR THE TELEPHONE (See above). The instructor reserves the right to suggest office hour consultation to any student at any time.

The exams will cover the content of the lecture and the problem sets. Students will be asked to give definitions and write proofs on exams. On Wednesday, one week prior to an exam, I will post a review sheet as a study aid. The review sheet will identify some important ideas which should not be ignored. The review sheet is not meant to be exhaustive; students must study the review sheet, their lecture notes, and the homework keys to be fully prepared for an exam. Students' grades are based on a total of 350 points. There is no extra credit and no exams will be dropped. The class period on the Monday before an exam will be dedicated mostly to review. Stay happy :) :)