Course Description:
This semester we will study elementary coding theory, elementary cryptography, combinatorial game theory, and some computational algebra.
Prerequisite: MAT 4/523 (Modern Algebra I). This may be waived in certain circumstances.
Texts and media:
- Required texts:
- Applied Abstract Algebra (Second Edition), by Rudolf Lidl and Günter Pilz, published by Springer
- Winning Ways for Your Mathematical Plays, by Elwyn Berlekamp, John Conway, and Richard Guy, published by AK Peters (or the hardback by Academic Press)
- (graduate students only) On Numbers and Games, by John Conway, published by AK Peters (or the hardback by Academic Press)
Recommended texts: I will supplement these occasionally with my own notes.
Final Exam Date: Wednesday 7 May 2014, 4⋅15-6⋅45p.
Grading policies
Grading:
Your grade will be averaged evenly between two groups of grades: in-class and homework.
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For the in-class work, you should expect two tests and several “reading quizzes”.
Tests will count 100 points each; quizzes will count roughly 10 points each.
I simply add the number of points earned and divide by the number of points total.
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For the homework, each problem in a section covered in class will be worth a certain number of points, usually 10.
Your goal is to earn 500 points, so: answer 50 problems perfectly, roughly 3 problems/wk. (Most likely, you'll need to answer more.)
These problems need not come from different topics of the material, though it's a bad idea to study some topics and not other.
In the end, I divide the number of points earned by 500.
Late Assignments:
Any assignment turned
in past the specified due date and time will receive a grade lowered by
ten percent for each school day late.
Makeup work:
I do not give makeup tests/quizzes/etc. without an excused absence.
If you must miss class, then you must also produce documentation of the reason for your absence.
If you were sick, you can show me the receipt from the hospital or doctor;
if you had a sports event, you can show me the schedule;
if someone died, you can show me an obituary notice;
if the tire on your car blew out, you can show me the receipt from the mechanic.
Other policies
Additional class materials:
- Type, or use a pencil. I do not accept work that is written in pen. It will receive a 10% deduction.
Language and behavior:
I do not tolerate profanity or rude behavior.
You are free to express any opinion you choose, but you must do so in a manner that conforms to the formal,
respectful setting of a classroom lecture. Mathematicians value the ability to reason and to solve problems,
not the ability to inflame passions or to express oneself colorfully.
- If a student violates this policy during lecture, I will ask that student to leave the room immediately. The student's attendance grade will not be affected.
- If a student violates this policy in email, I will neither acknowledge nor answer the email.
- I am not concerned with what you say or write in other forums. Feel free to express your opinions of me and the course in whatever manner you choose.
Mobile phones:
I expect you to turn your phone off once class begins, and to leave it off.
If you absolutely must use the phone, please step out of class, take care of business, then return.
If you use the phone in the class, I will ask you to leave.
If you do not comply with this request, you will forfeit the next test.
If you use the phone during a test, even as a calculator, you will forfeit the test.
Note:
The last day to drop a full-semester course without academic penalty is Monday, 24 February.
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ADA Syllabus Statement
If a student has a
disability that qualifies under the American with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and requires accommodations, he/she should contact the Office for
Disability Accommodations (ODA) for information on appropriate policies
and procedures. Disabilities covered by ADA may include learning,
psychiatric, physical disabilities, or chronic health disorders.
Students can contact ODA if they are not certain whether a medical
condition/disability qualifies.
Address:
The University of
Southern Mississippi
Office for Disability Accommodations
118 College Drive # 8586
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
Voice Telephone: (601) 266-5024 or (228) 214-3232
Fax: (601) 266-6035
Individuals with hearing impairments can contact
ODA using the Mississippi Relay
Service
at 1-800-582-2233 (TTY) or
email Suzy Hebert at Suzanne.Hebert@usm.edu.
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