Instructor: Rami Grossberg
Office: WEH 7204
Phone: x8482 (268-8482 from external lines), messages at
x2545
Email: Rami@cmu.edu
URL:
www.math.cmu.edu/~rami
Office Hours: Immediately after class or by appointment.
Purpose. I found the following excellent discription of what is Algebra on the web page of Texas A&M University: Algebra is one of fundamental disciplines of mathematics and an algebraic way of thinking is pervasive in much of mathematics. Many mathematical and physical phenomenon can be described by one of the many algebraic structures, such as groups, rings, fields, modules and vectorspaces. Applications are numerous and include computer graphics (as an application of algebraic geometry) and coding/cryptography (as an application of number theory).
The goal of this course is to introduce the basic
concepts and facts of modern algebra. This should prepare the student to
be able to manipulate and understand fairly abstract concepts, and provide
the necessary background for a large number of courses in
algebra and applications. We will present some of the most useful ideas of
algebra, which are of great importance in a
large number of subjects within mathematics and outside.
Course description. We will concentrate in the basic properties of
groups, and rings. We will cover most of chapters 1-9
(the first half of the book).
We will concentrate on chapters 3,4,8 and 9.
Assignments. A list will be posted on the web.
All homework will be collected in class once a
week on Monday and will be graded. The homework is an important
part of the learning process; you are strongly advised to try all of
the assigned problems;
in case of difficulties you may consult me.
Text: "Abstract Algebra" by D. S. Dummit & R. M. Foote. current
edition Published by John Wiley & Sons.
price comparison.
Test Dates: Will be announced.
Evaluation: There will be two one hour tests (in class), weekly homework
assignments, and a three hour final. These will be weighted as
follows:
Prerequisites. Ability to read and write proofs
and little linear algebra.
Rami's home page.
| Last modified: January 20th, 2006 |