Math 4000/6000           INTRO MODERN ALGEBRA & GEOMETRY                  FALL 2009

 

Contact:           Dr. Brian Boe, 601B Boyd Grad Studies,  542-2547, <my first name> math uga edu (insert appropriate punctuation)

Web:                http://www.math.uga.edu/~brian/Courses/4000.html

Office Hours:  M 1:25–2:25, W 2:30–3:30, F 9:00–10:00, and by appointment or chance MWF.

Text:                Abstract Algebra: A Geometric Approach, Theodore Shifrin.

Material:          Chapters 1–5 (omitting sections 4.3, 5.3).

Grading:          Homework                                25%

                        2 Tests                                      40%

                        Final Exam (comprehensive)    35%

                                                                        100%

Homework:     Doing problems is the most important part of the course—itÕs the only way to learn advanced mathematics! I encourage you to consult with me whenever

you need help—IÕll gladly provide hints in office hours. Homework will be due Wednesdays.  Late homework will normally not be accepted for credit.

 

Objectives:      In this class we will develop some theoretical aspects of mathematics in a rigorous fashion. Unlike in calculus, problems in this course are not routine -- you

may not find similar examples in the textbook, and you are required to write convincing proofs. To do this you will need to understand definitions and theorems very clearly. It is not uncommon to spend several hours on a single problem. But if you don't put in the effort, you won't benefit much from this course. You must take an active role in learning and understanding the material.

 

Test Dates:      Test #1:             Fri. Sep. 25           (tentative: please see me as soon

                        Test #2:             Fri. Nov. 6            as possible if there are conflicts)

                        Final Exam:      Wed. Dec. 16, 8–11 a.m.

 

Policy:             I don't accept late homework or give makeup exams. Every student has agreed to follow the UGA Student Honor Code: "I will be academically honest in all of my academic work and will not tolerate academic dishonesty of others." It is permissible to discuss the homework problems with other students, but you must write up your own solutions, independently. Referring to another studentÕs written work while writing yours, writing up homework together, or allowing another student to copy your written work, constitutes academic dishonesty. You are also expected to be familiar with the UGA Academic Honesty Policy, "A Culture of Honesty": http://www.uga.edu/honesty/ahpd/culture_honesty.htm  (see especially section 5). The official University attendance policy states: "Students are expected to attend classes regularly. A student who incurs an excessive number of absences may be withdrawn from a class at the discretion of the professor." The Math Department interprets "excessive" to mean four or more unexcused absences. Math Department policy: A student withdrawing after the first exam will receive a WF unless he/she has a marginally passing (D) average in the class.

 

This course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary.