Math 103B (Modern Algebra) - Winter 2011

Professor: CRISTIAN D. POPESCU - Lectures: MWF 8:00-8:50am, in AP&M B412
Office Hours: MW 9-10, in AP&M B412.
Office: AP&M 6256; Phone: 858-534-6297; E-mail: cpopescu@math.ucsd.edu

Teaching Assistant: RYAN RODRIGUEZ - Discussion Sections: T 6-6:50, in WLH 2114
Office Hours: T 4-5, W 3-4 in 6414.
E-mail: rmrodriguez@math.ucsd.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

WHAT IS MATH 103B? This is the second undergraduate course in modern algebra. In this course we continue to examine topics from the theory of rings, fields, and vector spaces. We will cover most of Chapters 12-19 in the textbook as well as some basic definitions and properties of vector spaces over arbitrary fields.

TEXT Gallian, J. A., Contemporary Abstract Algebra, Seventh Edition (Brooks/Cole, 2010). 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-XI of the textbook (covered in Math 103A, which is a background requirement for Math 103B.)

EXAMS

Midterm I - Wednesday, January 26, 8:00am, in AP&M B412. Topics: Chapters 12, 13. Exam1
Midterm II - Wednesday, February 23, 8:00am, in AP&M B412. Topics: Chapters 14, 15. Exam2
Final Exam - Monday, March 14, 8:00am-11:00am. Location: AP&M B412. 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.