Course Syllabus
MATH 301/601: Abstract Algebra I
| Instructor | Nicholas Vlamis | Office | 507 Kiely Hall | |
| nicholas.vlamis@qc.cuny.edu | Office Hour | MW 1:30–2:30pm | ||
| Class | MW 3:40–5:30pm, 431 Kiely Hall | Website | https://301.vlamis.nyc |
Course Description
This is a standard first course in abstract algebra. We will begin with the basics of elementary number theory (that is, the structure of the integers) and then move on to the study of groups. We will end with a brief introduction to the basic structure of rings and fields.
Prerequisites
The prerequisite for the course is Math 231: Linear Algebra. We will require some of the theory of linear algebra in our examples.
Course Textbook
Abstract Algebra by Thomas W. Judson. This book is freely available to read online (http://abstract.ups.edu/aata/aata.html) or download (http://abstract.ups.edu/download.html). If you prefer (as I do) to have a physical copy of the book, it can be purchased for around ; see http://abstract.ups.edu/purchase.html.
Optional secondary texts: Contemporary Abstract Algebra by Joseph A. Gallian, Abstract Algebra by David S. Dummit and Richard M. Foote, and Topics in Algebra by I. N. Herstein, Visual Group Theory by Nathan Carter.
Course Website
With the exception of grades, all course content (course info, homework, daily recaps, etc.) will be accessed via our course website: https://301.vlamis.nyc. Grades will be posted on Brightspace.
Assessment
Your course grade will be determined from the following categories and weights:
Tests 35% Exams 60% Engagement 5%
There will be six tests of equal weight with your lowest score dropped, so each is worth 7% of your grade. There will be two exams of equal weight, so each is worth 30% of your grade. The schedule of the tests and exams is as follows:
Test 1 Tuessday, February 18 Test 2 Monday, March 3 Test 3 Wednesday, March 12 Exam 1 Wednesday, March 19 Test 4 Wednesday, April 2 Test 5 Wednesday, April 23 Test 6 Wednesday, May 7 Exam 2 Monday, May 19 (4–6pm)
Homework, Tests, and Exams. Each test will be based on a homework assignment. Tests will be the first 25 minutes of class on the days indicated above. Exam 1 will be based on the homework assignments for Tests 1–3; Exam 2 will be based on the homework assignments for Tests 4–6. Exams will be given the entire class period. If you are enrolled in Math 601, then you will be required to turn in a written homework assignment on test days, whose grade will be incorporated into your test score. More information will be provided on the course website.
Engagement. You are expected to be an active member of the class. This can take many shapes, including (but not limited to) asking/answering questions in class, being an active participant in group work, working diligently on problems in class (when appropriate), and presenting solutions to problems. As noted above, your engagement will account for a portion of your grade.
Additional information
Office Hours. My office hours will be held in my office, 507 Kiely Hall. This time will be student driven, so please come with questions—you can ask me anything you like. You may also make an appointment to meet with me at a time outside of office hours if necessary.
In addition, the math tutoring center will offer tutoring for the course with Ariana Verbanac on Monday and Wednesday from 2:30–3:30pm in the Math Lab (331 Kiely).
Cross-listing considerations. This course has been cross-listed as both an undergraduate course (MATH 301) and a graduate course (MATH 601). The class sessions will be the same for students enrolled in the two classes; however, students enrolled in MATH 601 will have higher expectations. Graduate students must enroll in MATH 601 and not MATH 301. Undergraduate students may decide to enroll in either MATH 301 or MATH 601. If an undergraduate student enrolls in MATH 301, they will not be able to enroll in MATH 601 in the future, and MATH 301 cannot count toward a graduate degree at Queens College. If an undergraduate student enrolls in MATH 601 and is an Accelerated Masters student, MATH 601 may count as 3 of the maximum 12 credits toward their Masters Degree. If an undergraduate student enrolls in MATH 601 and is NOT an Accelerated Masters student AND MATH 601 is not one of the courses that fulfills their MATH degree requirements AND MATH 601 is not used toward the 120 credits in their undergraduate degree, then MATH 601 may count as 3 of the maximum 12 credits toward an eventual Queens College Master’s Degree. Please contact me if you have any questions about this policy.
Special Services. The Office of Special Services (SPSV) is committed to supporting students with qualifying disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access. If you have previously received accommodations due to a disability, believe you may have a disability, or have a temporary disability, please visit the office’s website (https://www.qc.cuny.edu/sp/) for further information on the assistance they can offer you. Accommodations are not retroactive, so you are encouraged to get registered sooner rather than later. You may also contact their office at qc.spsv@qc.cuny.edu or call 718-997-5879 during office hours for assistance as well.
This document is a contract. Your enrollment in the course will be taken as your acknowledgement and acceptance of the contents of the syllabus.