Math
103A (Modern
Algebra I) - Winter 2018
Professor: CRISTIAN
D.
POPESCU
- Lectures: TTh 12:30pm-1:50pm, in AP&M B402A
Office Hours: TTh 11:00-12:00,
in AP&M 5829.
Office: AP&M
6256;
Phone: 858-534-6297; E-mail: cpopescu@math.ucsd.edu
Teaching Assistant: JAKE POSTEMA -
Discussion
Sections: W 6-6:50 and W 7-7:50, in AP&M B402A
Office Hours: W 3-5; F 2-4, in AP&M 6132
E-mail: jpostema@ucsd.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
WHAT IS MATH 103A?
This is the first
undergraduate course in modern (abstract) algebra. In this course we will examine topics in group theory. We will
cover most material in Chapters 0-11 in the textbook.
TEXT Joseph A. Gallian Contemporary Abstract Algebra, Ninth Edition.
(Cengage Learning, 2017). 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 background
requirement for Math 103A. Chapter 0 in your textbook reviews
some of the main topics in Math 109. Please read it on your own in
detail, as it will be covered only very briefly in class.
EXAMS
- Midterm I - Tuesday, January 30, 12:30pm, in AP&M B402A.
Topics: Chapter 0.
- Midterm II - Tuesday, February 27, 12:30pm,
in AP&M B402A.
Topics: Chapters 1,2,3,4.
- Final Exam - Tuesday, March 20, 11:30am-2:30pm.
Location: AP&M B402A. Topics: Chapters 0-6 (inclusive).
-
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+.
CLASSROOM CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS
- 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.
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.