Lecture: MWF 12:00-12:50, Engineering E205 (code 64897).
Office hours: TBA (THIS WEEK Wed 1-2 and Thurs 2-3) in Weber 205A.

Course description: The main goal of this course is to understand abstract algebra, especially the topics of groups and rings. Another goal is for everyone to develop skills in solving unfamiliar problems with creative insight and logical reasoning. Abstract algebra is a fundamental subject in mathematics. Its theory was developed in the 1800s when people realized that many different types of problems could be solved in the same way using underlying algebraic structures. It has applications in many fields such as cryptography and chemistry.

Text: J. Gallian, Contemporary Abstract Algebra, 8th edition. Syllabus

Homework: Homework is the most important part of this class. Doing homework problems is crucial for doing well in this class. Some homework problems will help you learn the material and demonstrate this knowledge. Other problems will involve experiments and open-ended investigation. The process of doing homework will help you solve problems on the tests. Homework is due every Friday at the beginning of class. Homework must be neat, legible, and stapled in order to receive credit. I encourage you to brainstorm the problems in groups and write up your solutions independently.
Detailed information on homework and exams

Examinations:
Quiz 1: Friday September 19
Midterm : Friday October 17
Quiz 2: Friday November 21
Final: December 19, 7:30-9:30 am.

There are no makeups for missed exams, regardless of the reason for absence. You must take the final examination at this time scheduled by the university; no final exams will be given earlier. If you have two final examinations scheduled at the same time, it is the responsibility of the other department to provide an alternate exam. Examinations will not be rescheduled because of travel arrangements. It is your responsibility to schedule travel appropriately.

Grading: The course grades will be computed as follows.
Homework 30%, Quiz 1 10%, Quiz 2 10%, Midterm 20%, Final 30%. Borderline grades will be decided on the basis of class participation.

CSU Honor Pledge: Academic integrity is important to me. Paraphrasing the words of Greg Dickinson, Director of Graduate Studies; Professor, Dept. of Communication Studies:
Plagiarism is the unauthorized or unacknowledged use of a person's academic or scholarly work. Regardless of how it occurs, plagiarism is a theft of intellectual property.
Academic integrity means having a true educational experience. It involves doing your own reading and studying. It includes regular class attendance, careful consideration of all class materials, and engagement with the class and other students. Academic integrity lies at the core of our common goal: to create an intellectually honest and rigorous community.
Because academic integrity is so central to our mission as students, teachers, scholars, and citizens, we will ask you (but not require you) to sign the CSU Honor Pledge when completing all major assignments.
"I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance."
If you plagiarize in your work you could lose credit for the plagiarized work, fail the assignment, or fail the course. Each instance of plagiarism, classroom cheating, and other types of academic dishonesty will be addressed according to the principles published in the CSU General Catalog (see page seven, column two: http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/FrontPDF/1.6POLICIES1112f.pdf).

Help: Help is always available if you have trouble with homework or lecture material. If your classmates can't answer your question, come ask me!
Office hours are TBA (THIS WEEK Wed 1-2 and Thurs 2-3) in Weber 205A.