|
Instructor: Andrew Clarke. Office: Math. Tower Rm. 3-103. Email: aclarke at math.sunysb.edu Course Description: MAT 312 is an introduction to algebraic structures with an emphasis on applications. The course centers on elementary number theory and the theory of groups. Applications to coding theory and cryptography are also given. Textbook - The required textbook is Numbers, Groups and Codes, by J. F. Humphreys and M. F. Prest, (Second Edition), Cambridge University Press. This book is available from the university bookstore but I would also look at prices from online retailers.
Homework The assessment for this class will consist of five homeworks, a midterm test and a final exam. It should be emphasised that mathematics is best learned through examples and exercises so making good attempts at the homework problems is very necessary. Students are strongly encouraged to work together on the homeworks and to speak to the instructor during office hours, however just to clarify ideas and not for homwork help. You cannot learn Mathematics without working problems. Homework problems will be assigned each week. Do all of the assigned problems. Solutions should be written neatly and clearly. Selected ones will be graded. It is also recommended that you work additional problems to increase your understanding. If you do not understand how to solve a certain problem, get help from your instructor, your classmates, or from tutors in the Math Learning Center. You are encouraged to study and discuss homework problems with others from the class, but please write your solutions yourself.See the link on your left for the list of homework problems, and their due dates. Homework will be assigned every Thursday, and will be due the following Monday. Quizzes There will be approximately one quiz per week throughout the term.
Office hours:
Grading - The final grade for this class will be computed from your final exam score, homework and quizzes weighted by the following amounts:
Important : There will be no make-ups for missed homework and quizzes. Calculators Books and other written material are not allowed during exams. Department approved calculators are permitted. If you need to bring a backpack etc. to an exam, you must place it, all pockets and flaps closed in plain sight of the proctors.
Students with disabilities - If you have a physical, psychological, medical, or learning disability that may impact on your ability to carry out assigned course work, you are strongly urged to contact the staff in the Disabled Student Services (DSS) office: Room 133 in the Humanities Building; 632-6748v/TDD. The DSS office will review your concerns and determine, with you, what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. A written DSS recommendation should be brought to your lecturer who will make a decision on what special arrangements will be made. All information and documentation of disability is confidential. Arrangements should be made early in the semester (before the first exam) so that your needs can be accommodated. |