Math 4210/5210 -- Abstract Algebra
Fall 2017
Instructor: D. Klain
Lectures: R 6:30-9:20pm in Olney 519
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 2:00-3:30pm and by appointment
Office: OH 428V
Text: Pinter, A book of abstract algebra,
2nd edition, Dover Publications, 2010
This course provides an introduction to abstract algebra.
The tentative syllabus covers Chapters 1-25 and Ch. 27, as time permits.
Homework sets will be announced on this page each week.
The homework will not be collected. However,
questions related each problem set will appear in weekly
quizzes.
Additional take-home quizzes may be occasionally assigned.
Homework from each week will be discussed in the subsequent class. You may be asked to come to the blackboard to present your solutions to the homework. The homework will account for the most
substantial part of your learning, so you should
take the homework very seriously. If you do the homework you will also
find the quizzes and exams much easier.
Quizzes are open book, open notes.
Exams are not open book (see below).
Calculators are not permitted during quizzes or in-class exams.
Attendance policy:
Attendance will not be taken, but you are of course responsible for everything covered in every class.
There will be no make-ups for missed quizzes. Instead I will drop the lowest quiz score for each student.
Make-ups for exams require official documentation (doctor's note, letter from coach regarding away games,
letter from the Dean of Students, etc.).
Academic Integrity:
Academic dishonesty is prohibited in all programs of the University, and sanctions may be
imposed on any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty. Details on UML policy
can be found
here.
Examinations:
There will be two exams and a final exam.
Exams are closed book. However, you are allowed to bring one double-sided 8.5" x 11" sheet of notes.
Tentative Exam Schedule
Exam #1 -- 10/05/2016
Exam #2 -- 11/02/2016
Final Exam -- Please see below
The final grade will be determined by the quiz average (20%), the 2 exams (20% each),
and the final exam (approx 40%).
Readings: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4
Problem Set #1:
Chapter 2 - Exercises A3, A4, A5, B4, B6
Chapter 3 - Exercises A3, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3
Chapter 4 - Exercises A4, B1, B4, B6, C2, D1, D6
due Thursday, September 14.
Readings: Chapters 5, 6, 7
Problem Set #2:
Chapter 4 - Exercises G1, H1, H5
Chapter 5 - Exercises B4, C3, D1, D3, D7, E4
Chapter 6 - Exercises A2, A3, C2, C5, C6, G1, G2
due Thursday, September 21.
Readings: Chapters 7, 8, 9
Problem Set #3:
Chapter 7 - Exercises A1, B2, B3, F3
Chapter 8 - Exercises A1(b), A2(b), A3(b), B1(a), B2, B3, C1(a), C2, C3, D4, F4
due Thursday, September 28.
Readings: Chapters 9, 10, 11
Problem Set #4:
Chapter 9 - Exercises A3, B3, D1, I3
Chapter 10 - Exercises B2, B3, B4, C4, C6
Chapter 11 - Exercises A2, B1, B3, B4, D2, E2, E3.
due Thursday, October 5.
Reminder: The first exam is on Thursday, October 5.
You may bring a one sheet of notes, double-sided, US letter sized (8.5 x 11 inches).
Electronic devices are not permitted during exams.
Readings: Chapters 12, 13
Problem Set #5:
Chapter 12 - Exercises B2, B9, D3
Chapter 13 - Exercises A3, A4, A5, A6 (refer to A3,4,5 only), B1, C1, C2, C3, D1, D2, D3, E1, E6, F1, F2, F3
due Thursday, October 12.
Reminder: The take-home portion of the first exam is due at the start of class on Thursday, October 12.
Readings: Chapters 13, 14
Problem Set #6:
Please review any exercises you may have skipped earlier, and...
Chapter 13 - Exercises E1, J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6
Chapter 14 - Exercises A2, A3, B2, C1, C2, D1
due Thursday, October 19.
Solutions to the first exam are here: [pdf]
Readings: Chapters 15, 16
Problem Set #7:
Chapter 15 - Exercises B2, C1, D1, E5, F1-4, G1-5
Chapter 16 - Exercise A5
due Thursday, October 26.
Readings: Chapters 16, 17
Problem Set #8:
Chapter 16 - Exercises C1-3, H1,2,6,7
Chapter 17 - Exercises E1-3
due Thursday, November 2.
The take-home quiz is due at the start of class on November 2 and can be downloaded
here: [pdf]
Reminder: The second exam is on Thursday, November 2.
You may bring a one sheet of notes, double-sided, US letter sized (8.5 x 11 inches).
Electronic devices are not permitted during exams.
Readings: Chapters 17, 18
Problem Set #9:
Chapter 17 - Exercises H3, H4, I5, I6, J4
Chapter 18 - Exercises A1, A2, B2, B5, D3
due Thursday, November 9.
The take-home portion of the exam is due at the start of class on November 9 and can be downloaded
here: [pdf]
Readings: Chapters 19, 20
Problem Set #10:
Please review any exercises you may have skipped earlier, and...
Chapter 18 - Exercises D4, D5, F3, F4, F5
Chapter 19 - Exercises D1, E4
Chapter 20 - Exercises A3, B1, C1
due Thursday, November 16.
Solutions to the second exam are here: [pdf]
Readings: Chapters 21, 22 (first half), 24
Problem Set #11:
Chapter 19 - Exercises G4, H1, H7
Chapter 21 - Exercises F6
Chapter 22 - Exercises A1, B3, G1, G2, G3, G5
Chapter 24 - Exercises A2
due Thursday, November 30.
There is no class on November 23 (Thanksgiving).
The take-home quiz is due at the start of class on November 30 and can be downloaded
here: [pdf]
Readings: Chapters 22 (second half), 24 (continued), 25
Problem Set #12:
Chapter 22 - Exercises F1, G4, G8
Chapter 24 - Exercises A1, A7, B5, B6, C5, F1
Chapter 25 - Exercises A1, A4, B1, F2 (Read F1 first for the method)
due Thursday, December 7.
Last Class Readings: Chapter 26
Final Exam (take-home)
Please download the
final exam (pdf).
This final exam is due in Olney 428V by 4pm on Friday, December 15.
My homepage (including contact information) can be found here.