301 Abstract Algebra
2:00 - 2:50 MWF
Hentzel 432 Carver
Phone: 515-294-8141
E-mail: hentzel@iastate.edu
Office Hours: for the present.
              see me after class.
              or send me an E-mail 

http://www.math.iastate.edu/hentzel/class.301

Text: A First Course in Abstract Algebra, sixth Edition 

by John B. Fraleigh

Course: Chapter 1,2,3,4,5 
       
Goals: I wish to explain algebraic techniques and algorithms

within a framework of real world examples.  The emphasis will

be on groups with their notation and application to permutation

problems.  We will cover Burnside's counting theorem, the Sylow 

theorems, and the Fundamental Theorem of Finite Abelian Groups.

We will also study polynomials over the reals, complexes, and

finite fields with emphasis on unique factorization.

       I tend to teach toward a definite goal or application.

When possible I will use basic algebraic ideas in applications

making the application the focus, rather than making the abstract

idea the focus and giving the application as an example.  I do

this because I think concretely.  I prefer to take a general 

technique and apply it to other situations.  I have found that 

deciding whether a particular application satisfies the hypotheses 

of a theorem generally takes a lot longer to do than just adapting 

the proof to the new situatation itself.

    We will have three or four tests.  The tests will be given 

after each major portion of the course.  Probably after Chapter 2, 

Chapter 3, Chapter 4, and Chapter 5.  They will be announced a

week in advance and the specific material that the test will cover 

will be given before the test date, but not necessarily the full 

week before the test.


Homework will be extremely important.  There will be a few problems

assigned each day which will be graded and which will count towards  

your grade in this course.  The homework in total counts for two 

parts, each hour test counts 1 part, and the final counts 2 parts.