Program Overview

---

General Information

Instructor

Professor Sarah Frei is the instructor for Math 71. The course also has a teaching assistant, Luke Askew, who will be available for the first half of the term.

Scheduled Lectures

The scheduled lectures for Math 71 are as follows:

• Section 1: Sarah Frei
  • Block 2: MWF 2:10—3:15
  • x-hour: Th 1:20—2:10
  • Location: Kemeny 105

Textbook

The textbook for Math 71 is "Abstract Algebra" by David S. Dummit and Richard M. Foote, 3rd Edition.

Course Description

The sequence MATH 71 and 81 is intended as an introduction to abstract algebra. MATH 71 develops basic theorems on groups, rings, fields, and vector spaces. The goals of the course include:

• Understanding the basic structures of algebra: defining terms, explaining their significance, and applying them in context.
• Solving mathematical problems: utilizing abstraction and thinking creatively.
• Writing clear mathematical proofs: recognizing and constructing mathematically rigorous arguments.

Expectations

The instructor expects students to collaborate in developing and maintaining an inclusive learning environment where diversity and individual differences are understood, respected, and recognized as a source of strength. Racism, discrimination, harassment, and bullying will not be tolerated.

Resources

• The graduate teaching assistant, Luke Askew, will hold a weekly office hour on Wed 5:30-6:30.
• The Academic Skills Center is available for everyone, and their primary goal is to assist students in becoming more efficient and effective learners.
• The Peer Tutoring Program is also available if students would like to find a private one-on-one peer tutor.
• Mathematica and Wolfram|Alpha Pro are available at no charge to Dartmouth students.

The X-hour

In the first few weeks of the term, the X-hour will consist of an introduction to set theory, logic, and proof writing conducted by TA Luke Askew. After that, it will generally revert to office hours or midterm review, and occasionally will serve another purpose that will be announced in advance.

Grades

The course grade will be computed as follows: | Percent of Final Grade
---|---
Homework | 45
Midterms | 30 (15 each)
Final Exam | 25

Exams

There will be two take-home midterm exams and a cumulative final exam. The final is a 3-hour exam scheduled for Sunday, Nov 24, 8:00-11:00.

Homework Policy

Homework assignments will be assigned once a week on Wednesdays and will be posted on Canvas. It will be collected the following Wednesday at 11:59pm via Gradescope. Homework is a very important component of the course, and students should expect to spend a lot of time doing homework.

Student Office Hours

These are times the instructor has set aside specifically for students. Students are encouraged to come to office hours for any of the following reasons:

• To ask a question about homework or any other upcoming assessment.
• To ask a question about something that was said or done in class that they didn't understand.
• To listen and learn from other people's questions.
• To ask a question about why they received the grade they did on an assessment.
• To discuss how they're doing overall in the class.

The Honor Principle

The honor principle on homework: Cooperation on weekly homework is permitted, but students should write up the solution on their own. The honor principle on exams: Students may not give or receive assistance of any kind on an exam from any person except for the professor or someone explicitly designated by the professor to answer questions about the exam.

Student Accessibility and Accommodations

Students requesting disability-related accommodations and services for this course are required to register with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) and to request that an accommodation email be sent to their instructor in advance of the need for an accommodation.

Religious Observances

Dartmouth has a deep commitment to support students’ religious observances and diverse faith practices. Some students may wish to take part in religious observances that occur during this academic term. If a student has a religious observance that conflicts with their participation in the course, they should meet with the instructor as soon as possible to discuss appropriate course adjustments.

Mental Health and Wellness

The academic environment is challenging, and classes are not the only demanding part of a student's life. There are a number of resources available to students on campus to support their wellness, including the Counseling Center, the Student Wellness Center, and their undergraduate dean.

Title IX

At Dartmouth, we value integrity, responsibility, and respect for the rights and interests of others, all central to our Principles of Community. We are dedicated to establishing and maintaining a safe and inclusive campus where all have equal access to the educational and employment opportunities Dartmouth offers. We strive to promote an environment of sexual respect, safety, and well-being. In its policies and standards, Dartmouth demonstrates unequivocally that sexual assault, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking are not tolerated in our community.