Math 504: Abstract Algebra

Fall 2005

 

Instructor:     Richard Ng

Office:             Carver Hall 466
Phone:            515-294-1016
E-mail:            rng@iastate.edu
Homepage: http://www.math.iastate.edu/rng
Office Hours:  M W 2:10pm-3pm, F 1:10pm-2:pm  (or by appointment)

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

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. 

 

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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.

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Grading Policy:

• Biweekly 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.

 

• Final course grade will solely base on the performance on exams, homework and quizzes. The instructor reserves the right to slightly alter the grading scale, if he deems it necessary.  Simple graphing calculators are allowed to use for exams.