Math 216

• Classes: Tue,Thu; 11:00--12:15. Classes start Tue Jan 22.
• Location: Mathematical Sciences Building, M-307.
• Office Hours: Tue, Thu; 12:30--1:30.
• Exams:
• The final will be held in MSB307 on Thu May 8th at 3:30 to 5:30 PM (guide).
• The first Midterm is tentatively scheduled for Thursday March 27th (guide).
  
• Homework: Will be set once a week on Thursday -- to be handed in the following Thursday.
• Syllabus:
• Textbook: Abstract Algebra, third edition; by Beachy and Blair.
  
• Outline: The purpose of this course is to cover some basic material in abstract algebra at a level which emphasises the understanding of mathematical ideas, rather than the ability to perform calculations. We will learn group theory and some ring theory. The topics that I intend to cover are:
• 2.3 Permutations
• 3.1 Definition of a group
• 3.2 Subgroups
• 3.3 Constructing examples
• 3.4 Isomorphisms
• 3.5 Cyclic groups
• 3.6 Permutation groups
• 3.7 Homomorphisms
• 3.8 Cosets, normal subgroups and factor groups
• 7.1 Isomorphism theorems; automorphisms
• 7.2 Conjugacy
• 7.3 Groups acting on sets
• 7.4 The Sylow theorems
• 4.1 Fields; roots of polynomials
• 4.2 Factors
  
• Note: This syllabus may be subject to modest alterations in content as the semester progresses.
• Assesment:
• Homework assignments will contribute to 25% of your grade. It is important that you hand them in on time.
• There will be a mid-sessional exam, which will be worth 35%.
  
• There will be a final exam, which will be worth 40%.

Homework