Lectures: MWF 9:30-10:20 in Physics 144 [Holidays 9/5 and 11/26; Last class 12/13]
Instructor: Allen Bell, EMS E449, 229-4233; e-mail adbell (adbell@uwm.edu)
Office Hours: MWF 10:30-11:20; other times by
appointment.
You can also talk to me any time you can find me in my
office.
Text and Topics: Algebra by Michael
Artin.
I expect to cover parts of Chapters 1-8 this
semester, focusing on groups and linear algebra and their
interaction.
You should begin by reading sections 1 & 2 of the
Appendix and Chapter 1 (this is basically review).
Grades: Your grade will be based on the examinations and the homework: the grading scale will be determined based on the class performance (i.e., there will be a curve). The homework will count for approximately 65% of your grade and the final exam for 35%.
Homework: It is crucial that you do the
homework. It is impossible to really learn
mathematics without doing problems!
Some homework
will be collected and graded; you may be asked to
present some problems at the board. Most of the
assigned problems will not be collected or graded,
but we will discuss homework in class whenever you
have questions about it, and I encourage you to come
to my office hours to discuss homework problems.
You are free to discuss homework problems among
yourselves, except homework that is handed in
for a grade, but please remember: if you don't do it
yourself, you won't learn it.
Exams: I anticipate that there will be no exams during the regular semester, only homework, but I may change my mind about this. There will be a comprehensive in-class written final exam. The final exam will take place on Thursday, December 16 from 10 a.m. until noon.
There will be no make-up exams. 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.
Other: If you have any special requirements or concerns regarding this course, please let me know as soon as possible. Friday, October 29 is the last day to drop the class (with a W on your transcript). You can drop classes using SASI without any signatures until Friday, October 22.