189-235A: Basic Algebra I

Professor: Henri Darmon
TA's: Shahab Shahabi and Nick Touikan.
Markers: Dave Zeber and Colin McNally.
Classes: MWF 8:35-9:25. in Burnside Hall 1B45
Tutorials:
Touikan M 12:35-1:25 in Leacock 15
Shahabi Tu 16:05-16:55 in Leacock 15

Office Hours:
Darmon MW 10:30-12:00, in Burnside Hall 1111.
Touikan M 13:30-15:00, Tu 11:00-12:30, and Th 15:00-16:30 in Burnside Hall 1008
Shahabi Tu 14:00-15:55 and F 13:00-14:00 in Burnside Hall 1033.

Recommended Texts:
Abstract Algebra (Dover Books on Mathematics) by W.E. Deskins. This book can be useful reference, although some might find it a bit dry and formal. But you can't beat the price!

Abstract Algebra by Hungerford. This book is a nice, pedagogical introduction to the topics covered in the course, and in fact we will be following the treatment in this book fairly closely. So students who find the lectures challenging and would like a textbook to rely on will find this book helpful. It comes with a hefty price tag though---try buying it used!

Syllabus: This course will cover the standard syllabus for a first year undergraduate course in abstract algebra. The content and pace will be challenging: emphasis will be placed on rigorous proofs, and on developping mathematical maturity and problem-solving skills.

Assignments:
Assignments are to be turned in on Wednesdays and returned, graded, the following Monday. There will be ten assignments in all during the semester.

Grading Scheme : There are three possible schemes, and I will take the maximum of those.

1. 20% Weekly assignments, 30% Midterm, 50% Final.
2. 20% Weekly assignments, 80% Final.
3. 100% Final.

Midterm:

Here is the midterm. (In pdf, ps, dvi, or tex formats.)

Here are the midterm grades.

Here are the midterm solutions. (In pdf, ps, dvi, or tex formats.)

The final grades:

The final grades are now in.
I will be out of town from this Wednesday until next week, so if you have questions about your exam or would like advising on your future algebra plans, it is best to contact me by email.

In the meantime have an excellent holidays!