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Mathematics 216 — Abstract Algebra
Spring 2007
Alan H. Stein
This course studies fundamental algebraic systems in mathematics, selected from groups, rings, fields, and modules. Examples of groups include the invertible matrices with a fixed size and the roots of unity. Rings are illustrated by integers, polynomials, and modular arithmetic. Complex numbers, rational numbers, and rational functions are examples of fields. (There are also finite fields, which are used all the time in computer science.) Finally, ordinary vectors in space and any lattice in the plane are examples of modules. The concern with these algebraic systems is not simply the study of individual systems, but also of functions between systems which carry one operation into the other. For instance, the determinant not only converts matrices into numbers, but it sends a product of matrices into a product of numbers. The level of attention given to such operation-preserving transformations (putting them on an equal footing with the algebraic systems they transform) is one of the characteristic features of abstract algebra, and also one of the algebraic ideas which have reached into other areas of mathematics. Math 213 and a linear algebra course are prerequisites.
This web site is adapted from the sites used for other courses; since this course is being taught on an independent study basis, some of the material may appear to be irrelevant. If you notice anything like that, please let your instructor know.
Contents
Links
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Meeting Times
This course is being taught on an independent study basis. We meet at 2:00 pm on Wednesdays. We will not meet Wednesday, April 4, but will arrange another meeting time for that week.
Textbook
We will probably use Abstract Algebra: A First Course, by Dan Saracino.
Listserv Mailing List
The class has a listserv mailing list set up. The name of the list is
WMA216-L and it is hosted on listserv.uconn.edu. Every member of
the class will be automatically signed up for the list upon filling out the
and
is expected to participate in the discussions.
Posting a Message to the Mailing List
To post a message to the mailing list, simply address it to
WMA216-L@listserv.uconn.edu. Other than that, it may be handled in
the same way as any other email message.
Notes for This Course
Notes
There are a number of sets of available. The following sets of slides specific for this class are also available. Each set is available in a normal size text format as well as the slides used in class.
These slides will be created as the semester progresses.
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