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Alexander Paulin |
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me | research | teaching | CV
Introduction to Abstract Algebra (Math 113) Summer 2018
Lectures: MTWT, 2pm-4pm, 1015 Evans Hall.
Office hours : MTWTF 12pm-1pm, 796 Evans Hall.
Discussion sections: There are no discussion sections.
Enrollment: For question about enrollment contact Thomas Brown.
Announcements
(6/18)
Welcome to Math 113, an introduction to abstract algebra. Abstract algebra is a truly amazing subject.
It is one of the fundamental branches of modern mathematics and we'll build the whole subject from the ground up. All you'll need is a good grasp of elementary arithmetic, the basics of linear algebra and a good dose of imagination.
I hope you're looking forward to the course! It should be a lot of fun!
(6/18)
This being the summer session, the format of the class will be a little different than in the fall/spring semesters.
Firstly, we have been allotted a 2 hour class time on MTWT. Generally speaking, this is too long for a single continuous lecture.
As such, hopefully most classes will begin with a standard lecture (1 to 1.5 hours) and end with a problem solving session.
This will take the place of usual discussion sections. There will definitely be occassions where this won't be possible. I'll also make sure we have a five to ten minute break during every class.
(6/18)
We may also have certain days which will be exclusively devoted to discussion and problem solving. So that we don't fall behind, I will expect you to read the relevant material ahead of these lectures. On these occassions I'll also post a video lecture for you to look at ahead of time.
(6/18)
Much of this course will be about introducing abstract conepts and proving things about them. Writing proofs is hard and takes practice and time. Here's a nice introduction to mathematical proof courtesy of Professor Hutchings. I strongly advise you to read this document, it will really help.
(6/18)
Because the summer session is so intense it's crucial that you keep up with the material. Attendance in the class is not mandatory,
but it'll be incredibly challenging to master the material if you're not there.
(6/18)
We will not be using a textbook. Instead we will follow my own course notes.
These are more focused than a textbook (making them ideal of the summer session) and provide a comprehensive exposition of the whole course.
In addition, I will also post the handwritten notes from each individual lecture. These should nicely supplement the notes with extra examples and details.
You'll find links to them from the detailed syllabus below as the course progresses.
(6/18)
Everything related to the course will be on this website. We will not be using bCourses.
There will be weekly homework (posted below). I will post it on the Thursday of each week and it will be due on Thursday of the following week. As such, there will be no homework due in the first week. I will have office hours everyday of the week so there should always be an opportunity to
get my help if you need it. If you can't make any office hours, e-mail me and we'll find another time to meet.
(6/19)
Make sure to read the course policy and the
detailed syllabus below.
Textbook
We will not be using a textbook. Instead we will follow my own course notes:
Introduction to Abstract Algebra
These notes may be subject to minor changes over the course of the semester. If I make any changes I will be sure to tell you.
If you would like to consult other resources I'd recommend, in no particular order, the following books:
Classic Algebra by P.M.Cohn
Abstract Algebra by Dummit and Foot
First Course in Abstract Algebra by J.B. Fraleigh
Algebra by M. Artin
As I said, these are not required. They should only be used to supplement the course notes.
They may cover the material in a slightly different way on certain occasions. When I learnt abstract algebra, I always found it useful to consult a number of sources to broaden my understanding.
It's also a good practice for learning more advanced topics in the future.
| Homework | 20% |
| Midterm | 40% |
| Final Exam | 40% |