The University of Massachusetts Boston

Department of Mathematics

MA360 Abstract Algebra, FALL 2024

NO COMPUTERS NO CELL PHONES IN CLASS

Instructor: Prof. Alfred Noël

Office: Room W-3-0154-14 Wheatley

Phone: (617)-287-6458

Email: Alfred.noel@umb.edu

URL: http://www.math.umb.edu/~anoel

Class hours: Tuesday, Thursday 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM, University Hall Y04 - 4130

Office hours: Tuesday, Thursday 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Text: A first Course in Abstract Algebra by John B. Fraleigh Seventh Edition Publ. Addison Wesley

Course Info: This is an introductory course in Abstract Algebra, one of the most fundamental tools in Mathematics and Science. The students are expected to be mathematically mature enough to start dealing with mathematical proofs and other abstract concepts. The goal of this course is to give to students a set of mathematical tools that they will need in order to pursue advanced studies in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering in particular and Science in general. Students who are concerned about their mathematical background should speak to me as soon as possible for advising. Students who have taken Calculus I, II and Linear Algebra should, in principle, be able to take this course. However, regardless of your background you will find the course to be very challenging. Consequently, you should not collaborate on homework and you should participate in class discussions. Also, I strongly advise students to form discussion groups that meet outside of classroom times.

Material to be covered: We hope to cover sections 2-11, 13-23.

There will be weekly homework assignments, two 75-minute exams, and a final exam.

The homework assignments should be clearly written. I expect proofs to be written in correct English. I will not grade messy manuscripts. Students are strongly urged to learn LaTeX so that they can use it to typeset their work.

Exams: (1 hour: 15min) Thursday 10/10, 11/21 ---- Final (TBD)

Grading Procedures: Homework 25%, Exam1 20%, Exam2 25%, Final Exam 30%.

Academic Honesty: The University of Massachusetts Code of Conduct is in effect. This Code of Conduct is published on the university website at:

https://www.umb.edu/campus-life/dean-of-students/student-conduct-process/

Special Accommodations: Students with documented special needs should inform the instructor during the first week of classes. Any special needs will be kept completely confidential. Contact the Ross Center for Disability Services (617-287-7430) located in the Campus Center Room 2100 for documentation if needed. Their website is https://www.umb.edu/academics/seas/disability-services/

Make-ups: Make-up exams will be granted only under compelling circumstances (e.g., medical emergency, religious holiday, etc.). Arrangements for make-ups must be made before the date of the exam (or as soon as possible thereafter when prearrangement is not feasible). Unexcused missed exams will receive a score of zero.

CLASS ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED. STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MATERIAL COVERED IN CLASS.