Math 100A (Abstract Algebra I) - Fall 2026

Professor: CRISTIAN D. POPESCU - Lectures: TTh 11:00-12:20, in AP&M B402A
Office Hours: TTh 1:00-2:00, in AP&M 6218.
Office: AP&M 6256; E-mail: cpopescu@ucsd.edu

Teaching Assistant: DIMITRI DINE - Discussion Sections: M 2:00-2:50 and M 3:00-3:50, in AP&M 2301
Office Hours: TBA in TBA.
E-mail: ddine@ucsd.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

WHAT IS MATH 100A? This is the first in a series of three courses in abstract algebra for students majoring in mathematics at UCSD. In this course we will examine several topics in group theory. We will cover most of the material in Chapters 1, 2 and parts of Chapter 8 in the textbook.

TEXT W. Keith Nicholson Introduction to Abstract Algebra, Fourth Edition. (Wiley 2012). You are expected to read the text BEFORE each lecture. The students enrolled in this class are expected to be familiar with the material taught in Math 109 (Mathematical Reasoning), which is a strongly enforced background requirement for Math 100A. If you need a review in Math 109, you are strongly encouraged to read on your own Chapter 0 and Section 1.1 in your textbook and solve some of the exercises within.

EXAMS

Midterm I - Tuesday, October 20, 11:00-12:20, in AP&M B402A. Topics: TBA
Midterm II - Tuesday, November 24, 11:00-12:20, in AP&M B402A. Topics: TBA.
Final Exam - Wednesday, December 9, 11:30-2:30, in AP&M B402A. Topics: Comprehensive.

No notes, textbooks, calculators or AI tools are allowed during exams. No make-up exams will be given and no late homework will be accepted. Cheating on an exam results in 0 points for that exam, as well as further disciplinary action.
Please read very carefully the following: ACADEMIC INTEGRITY GUIDELINES and USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE POLICY.

GRADING POLICY

Midterms 1+2: 20% each; Final Exam: 40%; Weekly Homework: 20%. The grading will be done on a curve, the median corresponding to a B-/C+.

CLASSROOM CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

Lecture attendance is mandatory. Office hour attendance is strongly encouraged.

Electronic devices: Please do not use devices (such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, iPods) for non-class-related matters while in class/section. No visual or audio recording is allowed in class/section without prior permission of the instructor (whether by camera, cell phone, or other means).

Conversations: Please avoid having private conversations with your classmates during lecture and office hours.

E-mail etiquette: I will not discuss mathematics (e.g. solutions or hints of solutions to HW problems) via email. Office hours and lectures are the best venue for that purpose. However, if you have any type of administrative questions regarding this class, please do not hesitate to send me short and to the point email messages.

IMPORTANT: The weekly HW assignments, lecture topics and exam topics will be announced in CANVAS in a timely manner.

GETTING HELP

Help with mathematical problems:

Section: Ask questions in section --- this is one of the main reasons why sections exist.
Office Hours: You are strongly advised to take full advantage of your professor's and ta's office hours.
Classmates: Sometimes a classmate can help. Sometimes you can learn by working out problems together with your classmates.

Help with personal problems which affect your class work:

Talk to the professor or, if appropriate, your college provost.