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.

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.