Instructor: Dr. Kevin Peterson

Text (required): Joseph A. Gallian,  "Contemporary Abstract Algebra" Third Edition, Heath (ISBN: 0-669-33907-5)

Office: Hobbs 314 Office Phone: (434) 544-8374 Email: peterson@lynchburg.edu

Webpage: http://lasi.lynchburg.edu/peterson_km/public/old/

• Inquire: frame questions that address issues and uncertainties across a range of disciplines.
  The student will
  • recognize precise and complete statements of problems.
  • recognize what information is necessary in order to solve given problems.
  • ask essential questions about given problems.
  • ask questions for further study regarding problems and reading assignments.
  • develop an interesting problem to investigate as a final project.
• Explore: investigate issues in depth and detail.
  The student will
  • think creatively about possible solutions to problems.
  • employ knowledge and techniques of Mathematical problem solving to explore problems.
  • comprehend given problems, reading assignments, and the arguments of others.
  • investigate a chosen final project independently.
• Conclude: develop informed responses to issues.
  The student will
  • marshal evidence in support of a solution to a problem or conclusion in an argument.
  • articulate an appropriate conclusion based on the evidence.
• Persuade: convince others of the validity and value of conclusions.
  The student will
  • produce precise and complete statements of solutions to problems.
  • construct effective written arguments based in evidence, reason and understanding.
  • deliver effective oral arguments based in evidence, reason and understanding.
• Engage: use knowledge and abilities for the good of self and society.
  The student will
  • describe applications of problem solving techniques in other disciplines.
  • value achievements in Mathematics for their intrinsic worth.
  • work effectively with other members of a group to solve problems and present their solutions.

Topics: will be selected from sections in:

(Review)

Chapter 2 - Groups   

Chapter 3 - Finite Groups; Subgroups

Chapter 12 - Introduction Rings

Chapter 13 - Integral Domains

Chapter 14 - Ideals and Factor Rings

Chapter 15 - Ring Homomorphisms

Chapter 16 - Polynomial Rings
Chapter 17 - Factorization of Polynmials
Chapter 18 - Divisibility in Integral Domains

In-class work and class participation: You are required to keep a portfolio of your work in this course (see the portfolio description near the end of the syllabus). You must bring your notes and portfolio to each and every class. Nearly everyday there will be a quiz, group work, a homework check, or other activity that may require your protfolio.  Each of these activities will be worth "class participation" points (there are a total of 200 points possible).  It may be from any assigned section. 

Attendance and Absences from Tests: Attendance at each scheduled class meeting is considered mandatory. Part of your grade is based on class participation.  Because of this, “legitimate” or “excused” absences are not treated any differently in regards to missed work.  If you are not present, then you cannot contribute to the cooperative problem-solving process. Class participation, attendance, quizzes, class activities and doing the homework (on time) is 1/3 of your grade or 200 of 600 points. You may send your homework to me via email on days you are absent ... but you will receive a zero for any missed in-class activities. If a student misses 5 of these assignments, they will lose 100 class participation points. Students with 6 or more missed class assignments, will lose 200 points.

Students who habitually: arrive  late for class, leave early, sleep, use their phone, don't ask questions, don't answer questions, or are otherwise unengaged  and unprofessional in the class will receive zeros for class participation.

 If you miss a scheduled test you will receive a grade of zero. At the end of the semester your grade on the comprehensive final exam will be substituted for the zero. There are NO "make-up" tests.

Email: Because this course only meets once a week, I will regularly email the class with updates, problems, solutions, quizzes, and information about the class.  You are expected to check your email (at least) once a day (especially during times when school is cancelled).  I will always use the subject line "Math 602".  You should respond to emails (that require a response) within 24 hours, as will I. 

Respectful Conduct: Everyone in the class will be respectful and considerate of others. Please observe the following policies:

Arriving late for class. Late class arrivals are disruptive and inconsiderate;

moreover, they may be regarded as absences. Students who frequently arrive late

may be asked not to return to class.

Talking in class: I encourage all students to participate in class discussions. Please keep all

discussions to the topic at hand. Personal conversations are disruptive and inconsiderate. Students

who frequently disrupt the class may be asked not to return.

Cheating and Plagiarism: Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses and will not be tolerated. Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else's work as your own (this someone may be another student, a tutor, a member of the faculty, or an author). Any student caught cheating or committing plagiarism will be subject to disciplinary action. See handbook for details.

ADA Statement:  Lynchburg College is committed to providing all students equal access to learning opportunities.  The Disability Services Coordinator (DSC) works with eligible students with disabilities (medical, physical, mental health and cognitive) to make arrangements for appropriate, reasonable accommodations.  Students registered with the DSC who receive approved accommodations are required to provide letters of accommodation each semester to each professor.  A meeting to discuss accommodations the student wishes to implement in individual courses is strongly suggested. Accommodations are not retroactive and begin when the accommodation letter is provided to faculty. For information about requesting accommodations, please visit http://www.lynchburg.edu/disability-services, or contact Julia Timmons, timmons.j@lynchburg.edu, phone (434)-544-8687.

Grades: Your course grade will be based on three main components.
1. Tests : 3 tests each worth 100 points

2. Quizzes, Projects, and Class participation: Worth a total of 200 points
3. Comprehensive final exam: 100 points

There are 600 points possible. The grades will be given on the following scale.

A+: 582-600

A :  540-581

A-:  510-539

B+: 486-509
B :  450-484

B-: 420-449

C+: 396-419
C :  330-395

F: 0-329

Test 1 Sept 18

Test 2 Oct 23
Test 3 Nov 27

Each student must keep a portfolio of their work in a 3-ring binder. The goal, format and requirements of the portfolio are listed below. 

The goal of keeping this portfolio is :

1. To help you organize your work in a meaningful way so that it may be more easily studied later.

2. To help you organize your thoughts and concentrate on the important aspects of each problem.

3. To encourage you to revisit important definitions and theorems as they apply.

4. To easily find and copy problems required for quizzes

Format and Requirements:

1. Clearly label each chapter and section.

2. Include every assigned homework problem for each section.

3. Include all graded tests, quizzes, and projects from that section (at the end of the section).

4. Do not include class notes.

5. Neatly write each problem statement.

6. Write the definition of every mathematical term in the problem.

7. Write down each theorem that you needed to solve the problem.

8. Include the solution to the problem.

9. If you can not solve the problem, in a different color, write a short description of where and why you are stuck.  "I got stuck" or "couldn't get started" are not appropriate descriptions.

10. Finally, if you were stuck on a problem write down the solution after we have gone over it in class.

Withdrawal Policy: If you wish to withdraw from this course, it is your responsibility to do so.