Catalogue Description
Groups, rings, fields and additional topics. Topics in group theory include groups, subgroups, quotient groups, Lagrange's theorem, symmetry groups, and the isomorphism theorems. Topics in ring theory include Euclidean domains, PIDs, UFDs, fields, polynomial rings, ideal theory, and the isomorphism theorems. In recent years, additional topics have included the Sylow theorems, group actions, modules, representations, and introductory category theory. Prerequisites: Math 40 and Math 55.
Instructor
Michael Orrison
("lastname"@hmc.edu),
Olin 1280.
Office Hours: Mondays, 4:15-5:30 PM, and by appointment.
Textbook
Abstract Algebra, 3rd Ed. by David Dummit and Richard Foote. (Errata.)
Grading
There will be homework (1/7), three midterms (1/7 each), and a final exam (3/7). However, if the score on your final exam is greater than the average score of your three midterms, then your final exam score will replace your midterm scores. The grading scale will be roughly the following: A 90%-100%, A- 85%-89%, B+ 80%-84%, B 70%-79%, B- 65%-69%, and so on.
Homework
You are encouraged to discuss the homework with other members of the class, and it is appropriate to acknowledge the assistance of others. You will, however, be expected to write up your solutions on your own and without the use of sources beyond your textbook, notes, and past homework. Graded homework, however, may in some cases be rewritten and submitted at a later date. Details about such "rewrites" will be given in class.
LaTeX
Because homework may often be rewritten for credit in this course, you are encouraged (but certainly not required) to consider typesetting your work. Students interested in using LaTeX to do this should consider using the HMC Mathematics Homework Class.
Honor Code and Disabilities
All students enrolled in this course are bound by the HMC Honor Code. Also, students who need disability-related accommodations are encouraged to discuss this with me as soon as possible.