Instructor: Paul Jenkins
Office: 318 TMCB, 801-422-5868
Email: jenkins@math.byu.edu
Lecture: 2:00-2:50 PM MWF, 121 TMCB
Office hours: 3:00-3:50 PM MWF or by appointment
Textbook: Abstract Algebra, An Introduction, Second Edition, Thomas W. Hungerford, Brooks/Cole, ISBN 978-0-03-010559-3.
Grading: Homework 15%, reading assignments 10%, three midterms 15% each, final exam 30%.
Exams: In the testing center on January 28-29, February 25-26, and March 25-26. The final exam will be in the testing center during final exam week. The final exam will cover all material studied this semester.
Homework: Homework will be assigned each day throughout the semester, and will be due at 4:30 PM in the box in my office (or under the door) on the class day after it is assigned. Homework assignments will be posted on the course webpage. Your homework should be neat and should include enough detail that another student from the class could follow your arguments. Homework that is not stapled, is excessively sloppy, or is written on paper torn from a spiral notebook may receive less than full credit. Late homework will not be accepted. Working in groups on homework is encouraged, but each student should write up each problem, without looking at other students’ written solutions. The lowest three homework assignments will be dropped.
Electronic devices: Do not use mobile phones or permit them to ring during class. Calculators may be used on homework; if you use a calculator or computer, you should indicate this. Calculators will probably not be very helpful on many problems. Only testing center calculators may be used on exams.
Prerequisites: Math 190 (Fundamentals of Mathematics) and Math 343 (Elementary Linear Algebra). Many problems in this course will be theoretical and will involve proofs, so it is essential that a student be familiar with methods of mathematical proof. Other topics you should be familiar with from prior courses include basic logic and set theory, functions, mathematical induction, and equivalence relations.
This is a 3 credit class. The BYU Catalog states that “The expectation for undergraduate courses is three hours of work per week per credit hour for the average student who is appropriately prepared; much more time may be required to achieve excellence.” Thus, an average student should expect to spend at least 6 hours per week outside of lecture on working problems, reading the textbook, reviewing concepts, and completing assignments.
Preventing Sexual Harassment: Sexual discrimination or harassment (including student-to-student harassment) is prohibited both by the law and by BYU policy. If you feel you are being subjected to sexual discrimination or harassment, please bring your concerns to me. Alternatively, you may lodge a complaint with the Equal Employment Office (D-240C ASB) or with the Honor Code Office (4440 WSC, 422-2847).
Students with Disabilities: BYU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability that may adversely affect your success in this course, please contact the University Accessibility Center office (2170 WSC) at 422-2767. Services deemed appropriate will be coordinated with the student and instructor by that office.
Honor Code: In keeping with the principles of the BYU Honor Code, students are expected to be honest in all of their academic work. Academic honesty means, most fundamentally, that any work you present as your own must in fact be your own work and not that of another. Violations of this principle may result in a failing grade in the course and additional disciplinary action by the university. Students are also expected to adhere to the Dress and Grooming Standards. It is the university's expectation, and my own expectation in class, that each student will abide by all Honor Code standards. Please call the Honor Code Office (4440 WSC) at 422-2847 if you have questions about those standards.