The PAPER for

Abstract Algebra

PURPOSE

I would like you to discover and write about an area of life in which mathematics of our class, Math 3110, has been used to make a useful and/or interesting contribution. There are many exciting applications of Abstract Algebra in general, and group theory, in particular, that are quite amazing. Exploring these instances helps to balance the "abstractness" of the theory and helps to make the subject come alive.

TOPIC

You are to write on an area that involves our topics in some way. Perhaps you will explain how the ideas of Abstract Algebra help to organize another domain, or how something works. If you choose to give an historical account of a discovery or a method that uses the ideas from our course, the major focus (i.e. most of the sentences) of the paper must explain the algebra, not the history. Applications of the material in this class to other classes are welcome.

FORM

The paper must have 2000 ‑ 2500 words not including illustrations or bibliography. It must be typed or written very neatly and be double spaced with attractive margins. Please use only one side of each page.

ORGANIZATION

Begin your paper with a paragraph labeled ABSTRACT. Use this paragraph to tell the reader about the topic or problem that you will discuss and what you intend to accomplish. The body of the paper may include illustrations, graphs and equations. Use the text as a model for these. You must have a bibliography which contains exact information about your references, if you use any printed material as a reference. I suggest that you use the APA system for citing references in the body of the paper (e.g. Pedersen (1980:47‑51) notes that...) and in organizing the bibliography.

LEVEL

Write the paper assuming that your reader has a good working knowledge of the mathematical ideas in this class.
LANGUAGE

I am not an English teacher. I do, however, expect your paper to use correct spelling and complete sentences. While I won't base the grade on your language skills, it is to your benefit to present a well‑written and readable paper. Unacceptable papers will be returned to be re-written. There are several places on campus that offer assistance in writing papers.

PREVIEW

You must write and submit the ABSTRACT to me for review no later than _______________________. (See above for a description of an ABSTRACT.) I'll read and respond to your written ABSTRACT before you begin to write the paper. This will allow you and me to be sure that the topic and scope of your paper will be acceptable.

DUE DATE The paper is due in my office on ____________

PUBLICATION

Please submit two (2) copies of your paper. I will keep one and return the other to you with my comments. I request that you allow your paper to be read by your classmates and members of my classes in the future. The circulated copy will have none of my comments and need not have your name on it, if you prefer. Copies of papers from previous semesters are available for you to look at in my office. Many are quite interesting and may give you some ideas.

GRADES

While the assignment is worth 50 points, the scores on the paper will range from 20 to 80 points. A well‑written interesting paper satisfying the above criteria will receive 45 - 50 points. Outstanding papers will be rewarded with higher scores. I will use the following criteria in assigning the score in descending order of importance.

* mastery of subject

* involvement of concepts from this course

* effort and care in preparation

* creativity

* attention to instructions

* neatness (This is 622 words!)