University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Math 411
Introduction to Abstract Algebra I
Fall Semester 2009 (Section 2)


Homework Page

Catalog Description Introduction to groups, rings, fields, vector spaces, and related concepts. Emphasis on development of careful mathematical reasoning. Prerequisites: MATH 235 or 236; MATH 300 or consent of instructor.

Instructor: Dr. Farshid Hajir.    Office: Lederle Graduate Research Tower 1118.    Phone: 545-6015.    
e-mail: hajir@math.umass.edu     web: http://www.math.umass.edu/~hajir

Office Hours: Currently, M W 2-3 and by appointment. After the first two weeks, I may change the hours to suit student demand.

Meeting coordinates: LGRT 113 Tu,Th 1:00-2:15pm.

Text:    Algebra: Pure and Applied, by Aigli Papantonopoulou

Homework: Homework will be due generally once a week, usually on Thursdays. Please check the Homework Page for details.

Course Content: This semester we will study the theory of groups, which plays an important role in many areas of mathematics. In number theory some of the most fundamental relations between numbers, such as divisibility, are best described in the language of groups. In geometry, groups are used to study the symmetries of objects. There are also important practical applications to cryptography, computer science, chemistry, and physics.

Grading: HW and Quizzes (30%), Midterm Exam I (20%), Midterm Exam II (20%), Final Exam (30%).

Quizzes: I might occasionally give an unannounced quiz. For such a quiz, the questions will be very similar to those from homework sets that had already been turned in.

Exams: The midterms (covering TBD) will take place on DATE TBD in ROOM TBD. Do not miss the exams. Make-up exams will be given only in exceptional circumstances. The date and time for the final are to be determined. Grading:
   homework, quizzes, participation - 30%
   2 midterms - 20% each
   Final exam - 30%

Grading Scales

A

>= 93%

A-

>= 90%

B+

>= 86% and < 90%

B

>= 82% and < 86%

B-

>= 78% and < 82%

C+

>=74% and < 78%

C

>= 70% and < 74%

C-

>=65% and <70%

D

>=60% and < 65%

F

below 60%

Tentative Course Schedule:

Week 1 (9/9):
Week 2 (9/14,16):
Week 3 (9/21,23):
Week 4 (9/28,30):
Week 5 (10/5,7): [MIDTERM I TH OCT ?? in class]
Week 6 (10/12,19):
Week 7 (10/19,21):
Week 8 (10/26,28):
Week 9 (11/2,4):
Week 10 (11/9,11):
Week 11 (11/16,18):[MIDTERM II TH NOV ?? in class]
Week 12 (11/22,23):
Week 13 (11/30,12/2):
Week 14 (12/7,9):
FINAL EXAM TBD.