Math 103A  Winter 2007

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TEXT:  Contemporary Abstract Algebra (6th ed.)  by Joseph A. Gallian
Q:
I  have the 5th edition.  Can I use it?
A: Yes and no.  Yes as far as reading the text is concerned.  No for homework problems---since there are some changes in problems between the 5th and 6th editions, you should make sure to get the problems from the 6th edition.
Q: What material will be covered?
A: The emphasis in 103A is group theory (Part 2) and the emphasis is 103B is rings and fields (Parts 3 and 4).  In 103A I will cover most of the material on groups and may briefly introduce rings and fields.  In 103B I will cover some of the material on rings and fields.


MEETING TIMES:


GRADING AND EXAMS:  Academic Integrity Guidelines for homework and exams


Late homework is not accepted.

  25%

  homework

  due at Friday lectures (NO LATE HW)

  25%

  midterm

  Fri. 2/9 11AM in lecture room

  50%

  final exam

  Mon. 3/19 11:30 AM in Peterson 103

Q: I did poorly on the midterm exam, but I did well on everything else. Does this mess up my grade?
A: Probably not.  When I assign course grades, I try to take into account the fact that someone may have had a bad day.
Q:
Can I work with others on my homework?
A: Yes. BUT you should not be a scribe. Read Academic Integrity Guidelines for homework and exams. If you have questions about this, ask me.
Q: I did well on my exams but had trouble with homework because it takes me time to learn the material.
A: If you did the homework, but did much poorer on it than on the exams, I'll make allowances.
Q: I did well on my exams, but never bothered to do any homework. Does this mess up my grade?
A: Yes.  The homework is 25% of your grade.
Q: Can I be excused from homework ___ because of ___?
A: Homework is excused for reasons similar to those which allow you to get an incomplete in a course; e.g. health problems.  The lowest homework (which is zero for a missing homework) is dropped.
Q: I didn't understand some material in Section ___ at first, so I did poorly on that homework.  What can I do?
A: The lowest homework grade is dropped.