MATH 401 - Modern Algebra I [Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Binghamton University]

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====== MATH 401 - Modern Algebra I ======

Fall 2016 \\
Instructor: [[people:ben:start|Ben Brewster]] \\
Office: WH 114 \\
e-mail: [[ben@math.binghamton.edu]] \\
phone: 777-4201

-----------------

===== SYLLABUS for  Course =====

Text:  Introduction to Abstract Algebra,  4th Edition  by  W. Keith
Nicholson


The title of the text describes the nature of the material to be
studied during this course. Modern Algebra differs from the algebra
encountered in high school and Calculus. Linear Algebra provides some
hint of the more modern approach. The idea establish concepts  central
to what makes algebra useful and doable and then define  and interpret
in such ways that generalize and expand the calculation one is used to
in algebra. It becomes more abstract of course, but in ones eye, there
should remain notions of symmetry, solving polynomial equations and
using permutations. These will be central to our study.

The course will cover Chapters 0, 1, and 2 of the text. If time is
sufficient, we will consider portions of Chapter 3 or Chapter 8.
Modern Algebra is basic material for anyone going on to graduate
school to study math and this course is designed to serve those with
such intent.

There will be one or two quizzes, a mid-semester exam, and a final exam
during the Finals period. Also from homework assigned for students to
solve between classes, some will be selected to be handed in and graded.  
These will provide, together with attendance and class
participation, the data upon which final marks in the course will be
determined. I will try to keep each person fairly aware of the general
direction in which he/she is headed.

Note that MATH 330 is a prerequisite for this course. Skill and
experience with reading,writing, and talking through proofs is essential
and will be a focus of the class. Attendance and participation is
required to get full competence the material. I find this material very
intriguing and, if you allow yourself, you can learn some very useful
information enjoyably and fulfillingly.

Also note that the class meets 4 days in each complete week.


===== Tentative Weekly Schedule =====

|  Aug.26           |        Sec 0.1  |
|  Aug. 28- Sept. 2 |    0.2 , 0.3, 0.4 and Posets  |
|  Sept.6-9         |       More Posets, Lattices and Sec. 1.1  |
|  Sept. 12-16      |     More 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3  |
|  Sept. 19-23      |     1.3, 1.4  |
|  Sept. 26-30      |     Sec. 2.1, 2.2,  Quiz I  |
|  Oct.  5-7        |       More 2.2, 2.3  |
|  Oct.10-11 & 14   |  2.3, 2.4,           Quiz II  |
|  Oct.17-21        |     Sec.2.5, 2.6  |
|  Oct. 24-26       |     Sec.2.6, 2.7  |
|              MIDTERM EXAM in class Friday Oct.28   ||
|   Oct.31-Nov. 4  |    Sec.2.8, 2.9  |
|   Nov. 7-11      |       Sec. 2.10,  8.1  |
|   Nov.14-18      |      Sec.8.2, 8.3  |
|   Nov. 21-22     |      Review and Test  |
|               NOVEMBER 23-27 Thanksgiving Break   ||
|  Nov.28-Dec. 2   |   Sec. 3.1 ,3.2  |
|  Dec.5-8         |       Sec 3.3,   Quiz III  |
|                FINAL EXAM as Scheduled by University   ||