Math 411: Algebra I
Fall 2011

Instructor: Paul Hacking, LGRT 1235H, hacking@math.umass.edu

Meetings:
Classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:15AM - 12:30PM, in LGRT 113.
Office hours: Mondays 4-5PM, Tuesdays 3-4PM, Wednesdays 3-4PM.

Course text: A first course in abstract algebra, by J. B. Fraleigh, 7th ed., Addison-Wesley 2002. googlebooks.

Prerequisites: Math 235 or 236 and Math 300, or permission of the instructor.

Overview of course

This course is an introduction to group theory, which is one of the oldest branches of modern algebra. It was invented by a 19-year-old Evariste Galois with a goal of proving that there is no algebraic formula expressing the roots of an equation of degree 5 in terms of its coefficients. Since then, group theory has become the crucial tool in uncovering hidden symmetries of the world. The emphasis of this class will be on using concrete examples to develop problem-solving and proof-writing skills. We will cover permutations, cyclic and Abelian groups, cosets and Lagrange's theorem, quotient groups, and group actions.



Syllabus

We will cover Chapters I,II,III of the textbook. We will also cover parts of Chapter VII.

Class log

Homework:

There will be weekly homework, due at the beginning of Thursdays class. (First homework due Thursday 9/15/11.)

Homework sets

Exams:

There will be two midterm exams and one final exam.

The first midterm will be on Thursday October 13, 7-8:30PM, in LGRT 113. The midterm review questions are here. There will be a review session Wednesday October 12, 7-8:30PM, in LGRT 113. The midterm exam is here.

The second midterm will be on Thursday November 17, 7-8:30PM, in LGRT 113. The midterm review questions are here. There will be a review session Wednesday November 16, 7-8:30PM, in LGRT 113. The midterm exam is here.

The final exam will be on Wednesday December 14, 1:30-3:30PM, in LGRC A301. The final review questions are here. There will be a review session Monday December 12, 7-8:30PM, in LGRT 113.

Calculators, notes, and the textbook are not allowed on exams and quizzes. You should bring your student ID (UCard) to each exam.



Grading:

Your course grade will be computed as follows: Homeworks and quizzes 30%, Midterm exams 20% each, Final exam 30%.






This page is maintained by Paul Hacking hacking@math.umass.edu