Course:  103A

Title:  Modern Algebra I

Prerequisites: MATH 31CH or MATH 109 or consent of instructor.

Description:   First course in a two-quarter introduction to abstract algebra with some applications. Emphasis on group theory. Topics include definitions and basic properties of groups, properties of isomorphisms, subgroups. (Students may not receive credit for both MATH 100A and MATH 103A.)

Textbooks: (1) [Arm10] -- Required: Groups and Symmetry, by Mark A. Armstrong; Springer-Verlag, UTM, 2010.

• Groups and Symmetry

Subject Material:   Most of Chapters 1-16 in [Arm10].

Homework:  Homework will be assigned on the course homework page and is due on Fridays at 11:30am in your TA's box. Make sure you use the correct box. Misplaced or late homework will not be accepted.

Lecture:  Attending the lecture is a fundamental part of the course; you are responsible for material presented in the lecture whether or not it is discussed in the textbook.  You should expect questions on the exams that will test your understanding of concepts discussed in the lecture. As a courtesy to your fellow students, and the instructor, please put your phones away on silent mode during class.

Reading:  Reading the sections of the textbook corresponding to the assigned homework exercises is considered part of the homework assignment; you are responsible for material in the assigned reading whether or not it is discussed in the lecture.

Midterm:  There will be two midterm exams, in class on Mon Oct 21st and Wed Nov 13th.  You may bring one 8.5 by 11 inch handwritten sheet of notes with you to the exam, but no books or calculators will be allowed.  Please make sure your cell phone is turned off and put away during exams.   There will be no makeup exam.

Final Exam:  The final examination will be held at the following date and time.

• 8:00am - 11:00am Friday, December 13th (See the course calendar.)
  • Please note:
    • It is your responsibility to ensure that you do not have a schedule conflict involving the final examination; you should not enroll in this class if you cannot sit for the final examination at its scheduled time.

Regrades:  Homework and midterm exams will be returned in the discussion sections.  If you notice an error in the way your homework or exam was graded, you must return it immediately to your TA.  Regrade requests will not be considered once the homework or exam leaves the room.   If you do not retrieve your homework or exam during discussion section, you must arrange to pick it up from your TA within one week after it was returned in order for any regrade request to be considered.

Grading: Your course grade will be determined by your cumulative average at the end of the term and will be based on the following scale:

• 25% Homework,  15% Midterm 1,  15% Midterm 2,  45% Final Exam

Academic Dishonesty:  Academic dishonesty is considered a serious offense at UCSD. Students caught cheating will face an administrative sanction which may include suspension or expulsion from the university.