MA 603-01: Modern Algebra

Fall 2013

Section 1

Course Description: Simple groups, solvable groups, the Sylow theorems, presentations of groups, category terminology, introductory homological algebra important classes of groups, rings, modules.

Prerequisite: MAT 424 (Modern Algebra II). This may be waived in certain circumstances.

Texts and media:

• Required texts: Algebra, Michael Artin, 2011 (2nd edition), Pearson.
• Recommended texts: If you have not had two semesters of undergraduate algebra, I recommend having one of these on hand:
• A First Course in Abstract Algebra: With Applications, by Joseph Rotman, published by Pearson, 2005 (third edition), ISBN 0-131-86267-7.
• the notes I use to teach undergraduate algebra (contact me; they're available electronically).

Final Exam Date: Thursday 12 December 2013, 7-9⋅30p.

Grading policies

Grading: Every homework problem in a section covered in class will be worth a certain number of points. Tests will be worth 100 points each. An independent project will be worth 100 points. I determine your semester grade by dividing the points you earn out of 1000 total.

In theory, then, you don't have to take any tests, or do an independent project. You can simply do a lot of homework problems! However, it will take a lot of homework problems to earn 1000 points, so you probably want to do more than just the homework.

On the other hand, you can also quit doing the homework once you reach 1000 points, even if half the semester is left! That's unlikely, though: you'd have to complete all the problems in the first four assignments, with a score of 9 or 10 out of 10 on each.

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 Wednesday, 2 October.

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.