Math 5-282 Fall 1998
Course Syllabus
Math 5282 (Fundamental structures of algebra)
MWF 9:05 AM
Vincent 207
Instructor: Professor Joel Roberts
Text: Algebra, by M. Artin. Prentice-Hall, 1991
Subject matter:
- Group theory and linear algebra corresponding to chapters 1 through 5 of the text. (Likely omissions: §5 of chapter 3, §§8,9 of chapter 5.)
- Learning to read, understand, and write proofs of propositions in algebra. This can be difficult if you haven’t previously taken abstract math courses. I will try to facilitate the process of learning to do this by giving appropriate feedback about the homework and by being available to answer questions during office hours.
- Winter and Spring Quarters (Math 5283 and 5284
). In the Winter Quarter we will cover selected topics from chapters 6, 7, and 8, and most of chapter 10 (ring theory). In the Spring Quarter we will cover large parts of chapters 11, 12, and 13 (factorization, modules, and fields).
Prerequisite:
A sophomore math sequence, including linear algebra. Possibilities include Math 1553H/3551H/3552H, Math 3354/55/56, and Math 3251/52/61. Math 3262 can be helpful, whether taken previously or concurrently.
Required work:
- Homework assignments: due each Wednesday (except October 28)
- One midterm test, on Wednesday, October 28
- Final exam: A comprehensive exam during finals week
Note: The official schedule says that our exam is on Saturday, December 12.
It has been changed to Thursday, December 10, from 10:30 a.m.
to 12:30 p.m.
Grading policies:
- The final exam will count for 45% of the grade.
- The midterm will count for 25% of the grade.
- Homework will count for 30% of the grade.
Some procedures:
- Late homework:
- 5% penalty for a late assignment submitted by the Friday after the due date
- 15% penalty for an assignment submitted at the following Monday class. Assignments will usually not be accepted after that time.
- Exams must be taken on the scheduled date except for serious emergencies, for example illness that requires medical attention. Prompt notification is required.
- An Incomplete is given only when most of the required work for the course has been completed with passing grades and there is a reasonable expectation that the missing work can be made up.
Comments and questions to: roberts@math.umn.edu
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