Syllabus

Course Meeting Times

Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session

Prerequisites

Multivariable Calculus (18.02)

Description

This undergraduate course focuses on traditional algebra topics that have found greatest application in science and engineering as well as in mathematics. Topics include group theory, emphasizing finite groups; ring theory, including ideals and unique factorization in polynomial and Euclidean rings; field theory, including properties and applications of finite fields. Linear Algebra 18.700 and Modern Algebra 18.703 together form a standard algebra sequence.

Textbook

Herstein, I. N. Abstract Algebra. Macmillan, 1986. ISBN: 9780023538209.

Requirements

Homework will be assigned in class every week on Tuesday. It will be due one week later on Thursday, with the possible exception of those weeks when there is an exam. Late problem sets are not accepted, however the lowest problem set score will be dropped.

There will be two midterm exams and a final exam. A part of each exam will consist in reproducing definitions.

Grading