Math 100B (Abstract Algebra) - Winter 2011

Professor: CRISTIAN D. POPESCU - Lectures: MWF 11:00-11:50am, in WLH 2208
Office Hours: MW 12-1, in AP&M 6218 or 6256 (when 6218 is unavailable.)
Office: AP&M 6256; Phone: 858-534-6297; E-mail: cpopescu@math.ucsd.edu

Teaching Assistant: PETER OVERHOLSER - Discussion Sections: T 5-5:50, in WLH 2208
Office Hours: MF 1-2, in AP&M 6446.
E-mail: peter.overholser@gmail.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION

WHAT IS MATH 100B? This is the second undergraduate course in abstract algebra. In this course we continue to examine topics from the theory of groups, rings, fields, and vector spaces. We will cover most of Chapters 4, 5, and 9 in the textbook as well as some basic definitions and properties of vector spaces over arbitrary fields.

TEXT Beachy, J. A. and Blair, W. D. Abstract Algebra, Third Edition (Waveland Press Inc., 2006). You are expected to read the text BEFORE each lecture. The students enrolled in this class are expected to be familiar with the material in Chapters I, II and III of the textbook (covered in Math 100A, which is a background requirement for Math 100B.)

EXAMS

Midterm I - Wednesday, January 26, 11:00am, in WLH 2208. Topics: Sections 5.1, 5.2.
Midterm II - Wednesday, February 23, 11:00am, in WLH 2208. Topics: TBA.
Final Exam - Monday, March 14, 11:30am-2:30pm. Location: WLH 2208. Topics: comprehensive.
No notes, textbooks, calculators 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.

GRADING POLICY

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

IMPORTANT LINKS Schedule and Homework.

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.