Math 453 Section 01: Abstract Algebra

Marietta College, Fall Semester 2017

Bartlett 285, TuTh 11-12:15

John Tynan

Office: Selby 232DPhone: 740-376-4873

Office Hours: MTThF 10-10:50 and by appointment

E-mail: eb-page:

Text: A First Course In Abstract Algebra 7th Ed., by John B. Fraleigh

Course Overview: This course will provide you with an introduction to Abstract Algebra. Just like Introduction to Analysis is about proving the topics in Calculus, Abstract Algebra will lead up to the concepts of Algebra that you are familiar with.

Exercises and Reading: On most days, you will be asked to read from the text as well as work some problems. I actually will assume that you have done the assigned reading. A recommended approach to reading would be to first quickly read through the section to get a feel for the topics that are covered. Then you should go back through the section more carefully and take notes on what you do not understand. Then, during the lecture, feel free to stop me and ask questions. Question answering usually is more beneficial then straight lecture. Homework will be regularly assigned and turned in on ______of each week. Your solutions should be written up neatly in a well-organized manner. It is expected that you will be using complete sentences in your write up with proper grammar. If you are having trouble with the assignments, you should ask questions during class or see me during my office hours. You are allowed and encouraged to work together on these problems, but the final write up must be in your own words.

Quizzes: There may also be some quizzes during the semester. These will be both in-class and take-home. If you do not want to have quizzes, do the assigned reading. As long as I think everyone is trying to keep up with the reading, I will not see a reason to give quizzes.

Exams: There will be one midterm exam as well as a comprehensive final. These exams will most likely be take-home. You are allowed to use any NONHUMAN resources for these. More details will follow.

Exam Dates:

Exam I:Week 7 or 8

Final Exam*:Tuesday, December 12, 8:30-11

Make-Up Policy and Late Homework Policy: No make-up exams are given unless you discuss arrangements with me PRIOR to the scheduled exam time. Late homework loses 10% for each day that it is late. There are NO make-ups for quizzes.

Semester Grades: Your grades from all of the different parts of the course will be weighed approximately in the following manner. I will use the weighted average and my own best judgment to assign grades.

Homework, in-class work, and quizzes:33%

Exam I:33%
Final Exam:34%

Grading Scale: A+ 98-100, A 93-97.99, A- 90-92.99, B+ 87-89.99, B 83-86.99, B- 80-82.99, C+ 77-79.99, C 73-76.99, C- 70-72.99, D+ 67-69.99, D 63-66.99, D- 60-62.99, F 0-59.99

Occasionally, point totals do not accurately measure a particular student’s mastery of the subject, so the instructor reserves the right to use professional judgment as well as point totals in determining grades.

Academic dishonesty: A substantiated case of academic dishonesty may result in disciplinary action, including a failing grade on the project, a failing grade in the course, or expulsion from the College. Academic dishonesty includes cheating (such as copying from other students or using notes not permitted by the instructor on a test), plagiarism, theft, improper manipulation of data, or any representation of work as if one were fully responsible for it, when it is in fact the work of another person. This is of particular importance for the take-home exams.

NOTES: 1) Students who believe that they may need accommodations due to a documented disability should contact the Academic Resource Center (Andrews Hall, Third floor, 376-4700) and the instructor as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely manner. You must meet with the ARC staff to verify your eligibility for any accommodation and for academic assistance.

2) Please be aware of the Co-curricular probation policy.

3) Classes missed due to participation in college-sponsored co-curricular events or college-recognized religious observances are considered excused absences provided appropriate procedures are followed. The student must notify the instructor at the earliest possible time before the absence and arrange to make up missed work as defined by the instructor’s syllabus. The co-curricular activity must be a performance, professional meeting, or athletic contest to be considered an excused absence. The religious observance must appear on the College’s calendar of religious observances in order to be considered an excused absence. If it does not, an excused absence can be granted only if the student requests special permission from the Dean of the Faculty

*The date and time of the Final Exam cannot be altered without explicit permission from the Provost’s office. Students are advised to make their travel arrangements in a way that does not conflict with their exams.

This syllabus may be changed as needed by the instructor to better suit the needs of this course.