Math 4107 AG & AU

Abstract Algebra I

Instructor: Dr. Thang Lê.                                                                  Office: Skiles 102B.                          

Website: http://www.math.gatech.edu/~letu.                                     Phone: (404)385-0054. 

E-mail: letu@math.gatech.edu.                            The best way to contact me is by e-mail.

Lecture time & room: MWF 10:05-10:55am, Skiles 169

Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday  9-10am   & by appointments.

Text: "Topics in Algebra" by Herstein, 2nd edition, Chapters 1-3. We will cover the basic abstract algebraic structures: groups, rings, and fields. There will be a very strong emphasis on theory and proofs.

Examinations: There will be 2 full period in-class exams and a final comprehensive exam. The exact dates will be announced 1-2 weeks in advance in class. All examinations will be closed-book and closed notes unless otherwise indicated.

Homework: Homeworks will be collected once every two weeks. You can check the updates of the homework assignments at my website. No late homework papers will be accepted. You may collaborate on homework problems, but you have to write up your own solutions.

How to do well in this course: Unless you have studied this subject before you will probably need to spend 2 hours on the average to review each day’s lecture and complete the assignments. Learning mathematics requires steady effort. Cramming is very risky. Get help as soon as you begin to fall behind. It is important to keep a good set of lecture notes. If you miss a lecture, borrow notes from a classmate.

We will do a lot of  proofs. You might want to consult Dr. C. Heil’s note on proofs at http://www.math.gatech.edu/~heil/handouts/proofs.pdf.

Grading: Grades are computed so that all the in-class tests count 40%, final 40%, and homework 20%. 

Absence from examination:  Make-up exams will be given only for (1) official representation of the Institute, and (2) documented medical emergencies.

Academic Dishonesty. Any evidence of cheating or other violations of the Georgia Tech Honor Code will be submitted directly to the Dean of Students. The institute honor code is available at http://www.deanofstudents.gatech.edu/integrity/policies/honor code.php