Introductory Abstract Algebra

Math 2108; Winter 2004-2005

Instructor:
Professor Vlastimil Dlab, F.R.S.C.
Office: 4205HP
Tel: (613) 520 2600 (Ext. 2616)
Email: vdlab at math dot carleton dot ca
http://www.math.carleton.ca/~vdlab

General Information

Textbook used in the Fall session:
Elements of Modern Algebra by J. Gilbert and L. Gilbert

[Textbooks used for this course in some of the earlier sessions:
Modern Algebra (An Introduction) by J.R.Durbin,
Abstract Algebra (An Introduction) by T.W.Hungerford and
(A first course in) Abstract Algebra by Joseph Rotman]

Prerequisites:
MATH1102, MATH2107, or equivalent.
Students who have not passed the prerequisite course may be automatically de-registered during the term.

Classes:
Monday 17:30 – 19:30 Room: 516SA
Wednesday 17:30 – 18:30 Room: 404SA

There will be an additional (optional) session each Monday from 16:00 to 17:00 in room 4369HP
for the students interested in supplementary topics related to the course.

Tutorials (two groups):
Wednesday 18:30 - 19:30
Section (a) Room: 516SA (with Megan Dewar, TA)
Megan's Office Hours: Monday 9:00 –10:00 and Friday 10:00 – 11:00 in 4380HP
Section (b) Room: 4351HP (with Vlastimil Dlab)
Office hours: Monday 14:00 – 15:00 and Wednesday 20:00 – 21:00 in my office 4205HP

Classes begin: Wednesday, January 5, 2005.
Classes end: Wednesday April 6, 2005.

Term mark:
There will be four tests, each worth 15%, taken in tutorials on January 26, February 16, March 16 and March 30, 2005
Test solutions (as well as additional material related to the course) will be posted in the display case opposite to my office 4205HP.

Evaluation:
Term mark (three best test scores) is 45%. The final examination is 55%.

List of topics covered: Elementary logic; natural numbers, induction; divisibility, Euclidean algorithm, congruences, cryptography; complex numbers, roots of unity; polynomials, factorization, algebraic equations; relations and binary operations, monoids; groups, cyclic groups, groups of transformations; Lagrange theorem, homomorphisms, quotient groups, direct products; path algebras; rings, integral domains, fields of quotients; ideals, quotient rings; finite fields.

[These topics are subject to change.]