Time and place: Schedule #74869 TTH 5:30pm - 6:45 pm S2 308.
Instructor: Lance Burger
Office: Peters Business (PB) 338, (559) 278-4906
Office hours: TTH 11:30a-2:00p, and by appointment (see my schedule).
Email: lburger@csufresno.edu
Web page: http://zimmer.csufresno.edu/~lburger.html
Text(s): An Introduction to Abstract Algebra with Notes to the Future Teacher, Nicodemi, Sutherland and Towsley, Pearson, 2007; Math 250 Lecture notes by Dr. Oscar Vega (Fresno state) found here.
Other Required Materials: Colored pencils, scientific calculator, three-ring binder, graph paper.
Tentative schedule, assignments and handouts
Pre/co-requisites: Math10B or permission of the instructor.
Units: 3 (3 hours per week in class).
Catalog description: Study of advanced topics in algebra, providing a higher perspective to concepts in the high school curriculum. Topics selected from, but not limited to, groups, rings, fields, and vector spaces.
Informal course description and goals: This course is designed to help graduate mathematics students to deepen their knowledge of algebraic concepts related to systems of numbers, polynomials, groups, rings and fields. A primary focus of this class will be the use and relevance of advanced graduate level knowledge to teaching mathematics topics common to the secondary level.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion MATH 250 students should:
Grading policy: Your grade for the course will be based on your performance the class Portfolio, several mini-projects, and tests.
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Tests: There will be (3) three class-length midterm exams and a comprehensive 2-hour final exam. Make-up exams will be given only in cases of a documented serious illness or family emergency. Calculators are allowed on all exams. One low midterm score will be dropped. The final exam is mandatory. Keep in mind that the running percentage found on Blackboard is a 'weighted average;' hence, you can not simply calculate your points total divided by the total number of points the class is currently worth. For example, to calculate your points for this class, one would have to compute an equation such as: 0.15*(sum of Portfolio scores - 1 low score)+0.25(sum of mini-project scores) + 0.4*(sum of test scores - 1 low score)+0.2*(Final exam score). A similar computation would need to be done to determine total points of the class so far, as if one got 100% on every assignment. The weighted average percentage showing on BB is: (your weighted sum of points)/(total weighted some of points possible so far).
The Portfolio: The portfolio is to be compiled in a 3-ring binder and turned in at each test, and NOT for the Final exam, as you will be allowed to use your Portfolio for reference during the Final. Before each viewing of the binder, three (3) problems will be selected using a random number generator on the web and graded during the test. One low portfolio grade will be dropped. The dropping of a portfolio grade does not need to be associated with the low midterm score that is dropped. One point (1) of the 10-point binder grade is awarded/deducted for the overall organization/sloppiness and completeness/incompleteness of the portfolio. The other 9 points for the correctness and quality of work on the three 'randomly' selected problems (worth 3 points each). Numbering of Portfolio problems will proceed as 1, 2, 3, ... with sub-numbering of the actual problem assigned from the text (see schedule for assignments). For example, problem #2; 3.1-14 would be the second problem of the Portfolio which is #14 of section 3.1 of the text. Finally, concerning the portfolio, please have the work presented for grading easily accessbile in the binder, with perhaps a divider for class notes, or you may take them out while the binder is graded. Your binder will be returned when you are finished with the test.
Mini-Projects: Three (3) mini-projects will be assigned throughout the semester which focus on the use of Geogebra, Common core standards, and the natural connections which occur between secondary algebra and coordinate geometry. Part of the project grade will be based on presentations of the projects. The first two assignments will be given to the student by the instructor. On the last assignment, it is up to the student to conceive of the project.
Class attendance: It is important to attend every class because group/class discussions and examples presented are vital for your success in the course.
Computers: At California State University, Fresno, computers and communications links to remote resources are recognized as being integral to the education and research experience. Every student is required to have his/her own computer or have other personal access to a workstation (including a modem and a printer) with all the recommended software. The minimum and recommended standards for the workstations and software, which may vary by academic major, are updated periodically and are available from Information Technology Services or the University Bookstore. In the curriculum and class assignments, students are presumed to have 24-hour access to a computer workstation and the necessary communication links to the University's information resources.
Students with disabilities: Upon identifying themselves to the University, students with disabilities will receive necessary accommodation for learning and evaluation. For more information, see http://studentaffairs.csufresno.edu/ssd
Academic honesty: Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class. For information on the University's policy, see the University Catalog (section Policies and Regulations).
Honor Code: Members of the CSU Fresno academic community adhere to principles of academic integrity and mutual respect while engaged in university work and related activities. You should:
Disruptive Classroom Behavior: Student conduct which disrupts the learning process will not be tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action and/or removal from class.
Copyright policy: Copyright laws and fair use policies protect the rights of those who have produced the material. The copy in this course has been provided for private study, scholarship, or research. Other uses may require permission from the copyright holder. The user of this work is responsible for adhering to copyright law of the U.S. (Title 17, U.S. Code). To help you familiarize yourself with copyright and fair use policies, the University encourages you to visit its copyright web page: http://www.csufresno.edu/library/libraryinformation/campus/copyright/copyrtpolicyfull.pdf. For copyright Questions & Answers: http://www.csufresno.edu/library/libraryinformation/campus/copyright/faqcopyright.pdf. Digital Campus course web sites contains material protected by copyrights held by the instructor, other individuals or institutions. Such material is used for educational purposes in accord with copyright law and/or with permission given by the owners of the original material. You may download one copy of the materials on any single computer for non-commercial, personal, or educational purposes only, provided that you (1) do not modify it, (2) use it only for the duration of this course, and (3) include both this notice and any copyright notice originally included with the material. Beyond this use, no material from the course web site may be copied, reproduced, re-published, uploaded, posted, transmitted, or distributed in any way without the permission of the original copyright holder. The instructor assumes no responsibility for individuals who improperly use copyrighted material placed on the web site.
Subject to Change: This syllabus and schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check on announcements made while you were absent.
