Course Goals: To learn about the properties of groups; to improve your ability to reason abstractly, to construct counterexamples and rigorous proofs.
Text: Contemporary Abstract Algebra, Joseph Gallian, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Sixth Edition, 2006. We will cover material from Chapters 0-11.
Topics: Basic examples and properties of groups, subgroups, homomorphisms, cosets, factor groups, and the structure of finite abelian groups.
Homework: Problems will be assigned each class period, and discussed during the following class session. Each Friday (beginning September 2) you will turn in all problems assigned during the previous week for comment by the instructor (no numerical grade will be given on the homework).
Tests: There will be three tests; half of each test will be completed in class, and half out of class. Test dates will be announced at least one week before each test.
Project: A substantial paper is required for the course. The paper should describe a topic related to the course; it should be based on library research, and should include a bibliography of sources used in the research. Good lists of resources for beginning the project are found in the “Suggested Readings” section at the end of each chapter of the textbook. Conferences for obtaining approval of the topic of your project will be held during the week of October 24. The project is due on Monday, November 21, 2005.
Final Exam: An in-class, closed book final exam will be given on:
Friday, December 9, 2005, 2-5 PM.
Final Grades: Final grades will be based on the total points accumulated on the following work:
Test 1 100
Test 2 100
Project 100
Final Exam 200
Total Points 600
Instructor: Dr. Ellen E. Kirkman
Office: 358 West Hall
Phone: 758-5351 (secretary 758-5354)
E-mail address: kirkman@wfu.edu
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 2-4 PM
(or by appointment)