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Announcements |
- The fourth written assignment has a postponed deadline. It is due by the end of the day on Thursday, 10/06.
- Some problems, found here. You can complete them to get points back towards your homework. They are due at the start of class on 10/10.
- Notes on rings: first, second, third set.
- Notes on groups: first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh set.
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Instructor / Class Info |
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| Instructor |
Chris Cornwell |
Email |
ccornwell@towson.edu |
| Office |
YR, Room 364 |
Office hours |
M: 11 - 11:50am, T: 2 - 3pm, R: 10 - 11am |
| Classroom |
YR, Room 127 |
Class times |
M: 5 - 6:50pm, W: 5-6:50pm |
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About the course |
- Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in Math 265, Math 267, and Math 274.
- Course description: Elementary number theory; congruencies, groups up to and including the isomorphism theorems, commutative rings, polynomials, unique factorization, irreducibility, finite fields.
- Course objectives: In addition teaching the above topics, the course aims to help students gain greater facility and sophistication in abstract thinking.
Another goal is to help students develop their abilities with mathematical proofs. Writing rigorous proofs will be heavily emphasized in coursework. Ways in which rigorous reasoning can lead to discoveries will also be emphasized to underscore the value of this skill.
Mathematics is a collaborative activity, where one relies on peers to evaluate one's work (both its quality and rigor). Due to this, students will be expected to complete work in teams and review their peers' work, supporting further the goal of learning to write proofs.
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Textbook |
- The required textbook is Abstract Algebra (3rd edition) by Beachy and Blair.
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Assessment |
- One preparation assignment ("Prep") per class period and one written assignment per week. Two midterm exams and a comprehensive final exam. See the section below for the effect of Preps on your grade. The other assessments will have the following weights on the semester grade:
| Written assignments |
25% |
| Revisions |
5% |
| 2 Midterms |
40% (total) |
| Final exam |
30% |
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Preps |
- At the end of each class a reading and some basic exercises will be assigned (and posted on the homework page).
During the next class, 2-3 students will be asked to present solutions to these exercises, while I discuss the reading with the others. Then we will discuss the solutions presented.
- During these sessions each student will get a score of -1,0, or 1. At the end of semester, if these scores add up to enough, there will be a positive adjustment to the student's grade (by a third of a letter). A negative adjustment will be given if the total is sufficiently negative. An unexcused absence results in a score of -1 for that day.
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Revisions & written work |
- Written assignments will be done in teams, with one submission per team (though it is a good idea to make copies for each team member to keep). The problems for these are involved and require more consideration, so it is wise to work together and make sure everyone is satisfied with each solution before submission.
- Revisions are completed individually, after a written assignment is graded.
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Exams |
- The two in-class midterm exams and the final exam will be scheduled as listed.
| Date | 10/05 | 11/02 | 12/19 |
| Exam | Midterm 1 | Midterm 2 | Final Exam |
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Policies |
- Help: Please feel free to contact me, or make an appointment, if you have questions or concerns about the class. Strong suggestion: use my office hours if you need help with the material.
- Late assignments: Late work will not be accepted or graded (without previous arrangement, as described below). Revisions cannot be done on ungraded work. It should be that some team member can submit a written assignment. If you anticipate being unable to submit a revision (or write an exam) on time, due to circumstances beyond your control, contact me before the due date to make an appropriate arrangement.
- Calculators and other aids: Calculators will not be used in this course. Students are allowed to utilize the following website: Beachy and Blair study guide.
- Student Conduct: Every student should be able to concentrate and feel comfortable participating. Behavior which is distracting will not be tolerated in class, and I reserve the right to ask any student who is being disruptive to leave class.
- Academic Integrity: Revisions and exams are to be completed strictly individually. For written assignments, students should consult only with their text, instructor, or teammates, and not with any other external sources. It constitutes a breach of Academic Integrity for a student (or team) to submit, on any occasion, someone else's work as their own.
All students are expected to adhere to the Towson University Student Academic Integrity Policy, which can be accessed here.
Cheating or plagiarism in any form is unacceptable and failure to abide by the Student Academic Integrity Policy may result in the grade of F for the course; see student code of conduct here.
- Disability Support Services (DSS): This course is in compliance with Towson University policies for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are encouraged to register with DSS at:
- 7720 York Road, Suite 232
410-704-2638 (Voice) or 410-704-4423 (TDD).
Students who expect that they have a disability but do not have documentation are encouraged to contact DSS (see the DSS website) for advice on how to obtain appropriate evaluation. A memo from DSS authorizing your accommodation is needed before any accommodation can be made.
- Diversity: In accordance with TU, FCSM, and math department objectives, everyone in this course is expected to be respectful of each other without regard to race, class, linguistic background, religion, political beliefs, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, veterans status, or physical ability. If you feel these expectations have not been met, please speak with Dr. Elizabeth Goode.
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