Math 417: Introduction to Abstract Algebra (Spring 2018)
Table of Contents
Basic information
- Instructor: James Pascaleff
- E-mail: jpascale@illinois.edu
Office: 341B Illini Hall
Office hours: Tuesdays 3:00-5:00 (or by appointment) - Lectures
- Section E13: MWF 1:00-1:50 in 447 Altgeld Hall
- Web page
- http://math.illinois.edu/~jpascale/courses/2018/417
- Viewing Grades
- View your scores online at https://www-s.math.illinois.edu/grades/grades.cgi
- Detailed schedule with lecture notes, homework, and exams
Course description
This course is an introduction to the modern abstract theory of algebra and algebraic structures. The main objects of study will be groups, which are "abstract groups of composable transformations" (think of permutations or linear transformations), as well as rings and fields, which are "abstract number systems" in which there are abstract versions of the four arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and (in the case of fields) division.
- Required text
- F.M. Goodman, Algebra: Abstract and Concrete. This e-book is available free-of-charge: Website for the book.
- Supplementary text
- J.B. Fraleigh, A First Course in Abstract Algebra, 7th edition. Note: this book is listed as "required" at the bookstore, but it is optional for this section of Math 417.
- Prerequisite
- Either Math 416, or one of Math 347, Math 348, together with one of Math 410, Math 415, CS 273.
Course policies
- Overall grading
- Grades will be based on homework (18%), three in-class midterms (18% each), and a final exam (28%).
- Weekly homework
- These are due at the beginning of class on the due date. Late homework will not be accepted. However, the lowest two scores are dropped, so you may miss one or two assignments without penalty. Collaboration on homework is permitted and expected, but you must write up your solutions individually and understand them completely.
- Midterms
- Three midterm exams will be given, at the usual lecture time and room. The dates are February 14, March 14, and April 18.
- Final exam
- The final exam will be comprehensive. The final exam will be held Monday, May 7, 8:00-11:00 AM in 447 Altgeld Hall.
- Missed exams
- If you need to miss an exam for valid reason (such as illness, accident, or family crisis), please let the instructor know as soon as possible. Normally, you will be excused from the exam so that it does not count towards your overall grade.
- Cheating
- Cheating, that is, an attempt to dishonestly gain an unfair advantage over other students, is taken very seriously. Penalties for cheating on exams may include a zero on the exam or an F in the course.
- Disabilities
- Students who require special accommodations should contact the instructor as soon as possible. Any accommodations on exams must be requested at least one week in advance and will require a letter from DRES.
Detailed schedule
This schedule may change slightly as the semester progresses. Lecture notes and homework assignments will be linked below as they become available. The references such as [G, section X ] refer to Goodman's text.