Class Meetings: MW 4:00-5:15 pm in EMS E159
[Spring break March 21-28; Last class May 12; Final May 19]
Instructor: Allen Bell, EMS E449, 229-4233; e-mail adbell@uwm.edu
Web Page: http://www.uwm.edu/~adbell/ -- then
follow the link for Math 531.
Text and Topics: Contemporary Abstract Algebra (should be Fifth Edition) by Joseph Gallian.
We will cover roughly Chapters 0-18 (basics of groups & rings), although we may not do them in exact order and we may supplement them or skip some.
Office Hours: Exact official times are still to be
determined, but here are the times you'll have the best chance of
finding me in: MWF 10-11; MW 2:30-4:00; Tu 12:00-12:45; right
after class. You can also talk to me any time you can find me in
my office or by appointment.
All times are subject to change and to cancellation on some
days due to other duties.
Prerequisites: The main prerequisite for this class is Math 241/341 - an introduction to proofs and the formal language of mathematics. You will be expected to do many proofs on homework and exams.
Grades: Your grade will be based on the examinations,
quizzes, homework, and class participation. The grading scale
will be determined by the class performance on the exams (i.e.,
there will be a curve). The final exam grade will count
approximately 
of your course grade; homework, quizzes,
and in-class work and participation will make up at least
of your course grade; other exams will make up the rest
of your grade. I will say more about exams, quizzes, etc., as the
semester progresses.
There will be at least one in-class midterm exam. The final exam will take place from 3-5 pm on Wednesday, May 19; in particular, it will be an in-class exam. It will be comprehensive, although it may place emphasis on the last topics covered (ring theory, probably).
There will be no make-up exams, and the final exam cannot be re-scheduled. If you cannot come to an exam for a very good reason, we may be able to make some kind of arrangement if you let me know in advance: you may call me or leave a message at the Mathematics office, 229-4836.
Homework: The best way to learn the material in this course is to (1) read actively, that is, work things out for yourself as you read, and (2) work as many problems as possible.
Most homework will not be collected, but you should work as many problems in the problem sets as you can. You are free to discuss homework among yourselves, except homework that is to be handed in for a grade, but please remember: if you don't do it yourself, you won't learn it. Some homework will be graded and other homework may form the basis of quizzes or presentations.
Other: If you have any special requirements or concerns regarding this course, please let me know as soon as possible. Friday, March 19 is the last day to drop the class (with a W on your transcript) without special approvals.