If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

• Define the basic terms of abstract algebra:  group, subgroup, isomorphism, normal subgroup, homomorphism, ring, integral domain, and field.
• Determine whether a given structure is a group, a field, or a ring, as appropriate.
• Given two groups, determine if they are isomorphic, homomorphic, or if one is a subgroup of the other.
• Illustrate group behaviors using finite groups, cyclic groups, and permutation groups.
• Illustrate ring, field, or integral domain behaviors using appropriate models.

The required textbook for this course is:

• Gallian, Joseph A.  Contemporary Abstract Algebra, Sixth Edition.  Houghton Mifflin, 2006.

For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/

eNOVA Materials

This course uses eNOVA, the virtual web classroom. Consequently, you need to have speakers and a microphone, or a headset with microphone. Microphones and headsets can be purchased inexpensively at any computer store. See the microphone tutorial for assistance in installing your microphone.

Your course grade will be determined according to the following points:

There are 3 proctored exams in this course.  Exams will be taken in one of three ways:

• Students in the campus section will take the exams in class.
   
  
• Students in the distance (ELI) section who live in the Northern Virginia area must take the exams at an NVCC Testing Center.  Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect Empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.
   
  
• Students in the distance (ELI) section who live outside the Northern Virginia area may take the exams at any college or university where you have arranged for proctoring.  The proctor must be a college or university staff member, not related to you, and approved by ELI. Secure a proctor and submit a request form as soon as the course begins so that the proctor can be approved and sent the exam directions by ELI in time for the first exam.

Regardless of where you take the exams, they must be taken at 4:30 PM on the day specified in the schedule.

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside by proctor of the metropolitan area, click here.

This is an Extended Learning Institute (ELI) course. ELI courses differ from campus courses in several important ways, including enrollment dates, communication with faculty, assignment completion requirements, and exams. You must follow ELI's policies and procedures if you take this course. Read (or review) ELI's Policies and Procedures before you begin the course. If you have questions, call ELI at (703) 323-3347 or (888) 435-6822.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail : jwilkin@nvcc.edu
Telephone : (703) 845-6003
You may also call me to schedule a meeting in person at Alexandria Campus.

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://nvcc.my.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.