Math 307 Abstract Algebra (Spring 2018)


Home  |  General Information  |  Course plan  |  Homework Assignment

Instructor: Gexin Yu, Jones 127, phone: 221-2040, gyu@wm.edu

Meeting time and location: TR 2-3:20pm, Jones Hall 306

Web pages:

Office Hours: TR 1-2pm or by appointment. Homework help session Wednesday 10-11am Jones Hall 131.

Text: Contemporary Abstract Algebra (7th edition) by Joseph A. Gallian. This one on amazon.com You may also get this book from W&M bookstore. An old version is also OK.

Course goal: We will study some basic abstract structures (groups and rings) in this course. These structures play a central role in modern mathematics and enable wide applications in other fields. As you may find in the course plan, we will cover Chapter 0-15 in the textbook, but we will not follow the order of the chapters.

Tests: There will be two mid-semester tests (dates TBD). Make-up tests are only given in extreme circumstances such as documented serious illness or personal circumstance. I must review such cases prior to the start of the test.

Final Exam: final exam will be offered on May 3 (Thursday) 2-5pm. Location TBD.

Homework: There will be weekly homework assignments. We cannot emphasize the importance of homework enough. Although understanding material while you read the text or listen to lecture is certainly important, your most important studying will be in completing the homework assignments.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to discuss your homework with us prior to handing in homework. Start homework early and work steadily! Your homework should be typed using Latex, see Homework page for information on Latex and weekly assigned homework sets. homework is due on every Friday 4pm (place a hard copy of your printed work in the folder on my office door).

Help Session: A weekly homework help session will be offer (every Wednesday 10-11am Jones Hall 131).

Attendance: Regular attendance is critical for your success in this course. I expect your presence at every lecture.

Grading: Your final grade is calculated as follows:

Honor Code: Students will uphold William and Mary's stated honor code as it is written, any infractions will be referred to the Honor Council.

ADA accommodation: William & Mary accommodates students with disabilities in accordance with federal laws and university policy. Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a learning, psychiatric, physical, or chronic health diagnosis should contact Student Accessibility Services staff at 757-221-2509 or at sas@wm.edu to determine if accommodations are warranted and to obtain an official letter of accommodation. For more information, please see www.wm.edu/sas