MAT 443. Introduction to Abstract Algebra
Fall 2005 . Line number 91998
This is an abbreviated version of the official course information:
Time and place / T Th 12:15-1:30 in PSA 304
Text: / ThomasW.Hungerford: Abstract Algebra - An Introduction, 2nd ed., (used)
Instructor: / Matthias Kawski
e-mail, URL / (preferred),
office / GoldwaterCenter room 354
office hours: / Tue 11:15-12:05 and 3:40-4:30, Thu 1:40-2:30 and by appointment
Content, goals and objectives
MAT 443 Introduction to Abstract Algebra.(3) fall. Introduces concepts of abstract algebra. Not open
to students with credit for MAT 444. Prerequisites: both MAT 300 and 342 or only instructor approval.
This introduction to abstract algebra serves a dual purpose: as capstone-course that gives students who do not plan to
continue an in-depth look at what modern algebra is like, and for students who plan to continue as a preparation for
courses such as MAT 444, MAT 543 and many other graduate subjects. The course is organized in a way that revisits various topics three times at increasing levels of abstraction: First in the context of the ring of integers, then in the context of the ring of polynomials over a field, and finally in the context of abstract rings.
General expectations and policies
  • All students are expected to present their work on the board in class, and to actively participate in constructive criticism of presented work.
  • All students are expected to work ALL assigned homework problems, and should bring the neatly organized collection of their work to office hours when asking for help.
  • Each problem will be assigned to one student who is responsible for preparing a model solution in a timely fashion. Only these model solutions will be collected by the instructor for grading. If correct, each will be put on 2-hour reserve at NOBLE library (also available on-line), if not, it will be returned to the student to be reworked until it is ready to be put on reserve. For full credit the correct model solutions are to be handed in by the due date, delays will earn reduced credit. Students may hand in their solutions at any time at the front-desk of the main math dept offices in PSA 2xx (ask for the work to be time-stamped and placed into the instructor's mail-box).
  • Unless otherwise agreed upon, there will be between two and four tests and a two-hour final exam. These are to be taken individually. The tests will most likely be given in the testing center. Detailed policies will be announced in a timely fashion before the first test.
Daily routine
Students are expected to prepare for each class by reading the upcoming section in the textbook, starting to work exercises, and prepare in writing a list of questions regarding the new material. Do NOT expect that everything from the textbook will be copied to the black-board - we have chosen a very readable textbook so that most of the basic definitions etc. do not have to be written out in class. Students are expected to prepare by reading ahead, allowing for more class-time devoted to more advanced discussions. A substantial part of every class shall be devoted to student presentations of their work - questioning by the class, and suggestions for improvements and alternative arguments.
Grading policies
Unless otherwise agreed upon, the semester grade will be composed of
30 % / Homework, possibly mini-quizzes, and in-class participation
especially, black-board presentations, and constructive criticism of the presented work.
30 % / Final examination (two hours, in-class)
40 % / Written tests
A weighted average of 90% and above is guaranteed an A, 80% and above is guaranteed at least a B, 65% and above
is guaranteed at least a C, 55% and above is guaranteed at least a D. Upward adjustments will be made for regular outstanding contributions in class, and if later tests and the final exam are much better than the first exams.