Math 504: Abstract Algebra

Fall 2007

 

Instructor:         Ling Long

Office:                Carver Hall 452
Phone:                515-294-8150
E-mail:               linglong@iastate.edu

Office Hours:    TR:  11:00 to 11:50 a.m. & M: 2:10-4p.m.

Textbook :  Dummit and Foote, Abstract Algebra, 3rd Edition, Wiley, 2004,

                     Dr. Richard Ng's notes will be handed out during the semester.

 

References:  Smith and Romanowska, Post-Modern Algebra, Wiley, 1999.

                        Hungerford, Algebra, Graduate Texts in Mathematics 73, Springer-Verlag, New York-Berlin, 1980.

                        Jacobson, Basic Algebra I, 2nd Edition, W. H. Freeman and Company, New York, 1985.

                        Herstein, Topics in Algebra, 2nd Edition, Xerox College Publishing, Lexington, Mass.-Toronto, Ont., 1975

                      

Course Description:  The course covers  the elementary theories of groups, rings, and fields--Chapter 0 to Chapter 9 of the textbook. Class lectures may cover the material from different points of views of the textbook. Two semesters  of undergraduate abstract algebra and one semester of undergraduate linear algebra are prerequisites. The topics on group  theory include cyclic groups, permutation groups, Lagrange Theorem, isomorphism theorems, Sylow Theorems, p-groups, the fundamental theorem of finitely generated abelian groups. The topics on ring and field include polynomial rings, matrix rings, group rings, ring homomorphisms, quotient rings, ideals, ring of fractions, Chinese Reminder Theorem, Euclidean domains, principal ideal domains, and  unique factorization domains. 

 

Grading Policy:

Grading

2 Midterm Exams
(20 % each)

Homework
(30%)

Cumulative Final
(30 %)

  • Weekly homework assignments will be given  in the class. Students are encouraged to study together and write up their own solutions for the homework assignments. Only some of the assigned problems from the homework will be graded but students are required to complete all their homework in order to understand the material and develop the skill.

  • No make-up exams will be given unless a compelling documented excuse is presented. Any cheating or dishonesty will be treated seriously, especially in an examination, and a grade of zero will usually be given.

 

Disability Policy: Please  address any special needs or special accommodations with me at the beginning  of the semester or as soon as you become aware of your needs. Those seeking accommodations based on disabilities should obtain a Student Academic  Accommodation Request (SAAR) form from the Disability Resources (DR) office  (515-294-6624). DR is located on the main floor of the Student Services  Building, Room 1076.