Math 731 is the first semester of a year long algebra sequence. In
the past, the year has focused on prerequisite material for all
other 700-799 level courses in algebra: groups, rings, fields,
Galois theory, modules, algebraic geometry, representation theory,
and categories. Please see the
Graduate
Bulletin for the official description. Note that Math 731 is
designed to follow Math 632.
We are using the book by Dummit and Foote. The book was
chosen as our textbook this year, in part, because of the broad
range of topics when compared to other algebra books at this same
level. For the first semester, we will focus on Parts III (Modules
and Vector Spaces) and IV (Galois Theory).
Dummit, David S.; Foote, Richard M. Abstract algebra. John
Wiley & sons, Inc.; Third Edition; (2003); Hardcover 944 pages;
ISBN: 0471433349
Examinations
There will be both a midterm and final exam. Each are one third of
your course grade. (The remainder of your grade will be homework
problems.)
The midterm will involve a meeting with the instructor at a mutually
agreed upon time. Part of the goal of Math 731 is to prepare
students to take the Ph.D. preliminary exam in algebra, and so the
format of the midterm will be similar to the prelim.
The final exam will be take home and will emphasize (but not be
limited to) the non-collected homework problems.
Midterm
November
Counts for one third of your course grade.
Final
Due December 19 (Wednesday)
Counts for one third of your course grade.
Homework
will be assigned throughout the
course and will constitute one third of your course grade. You will
want to do a very careful and thorough write-up of these problems.
The standard rules for neatness will apply (name in upper right
corner with date and course number, stapled, write on one-side only,
no more than one problem per page, no paper torn out of notebook,
etc...). No make-ups!, except in severe situations such as
illness. Students will be allowed to complete examinations or other
requirements that are missed because of a religious observance.
Usually, homework will be posted here, but some problems may be
described in class. For each lecture, there will be one problem
that you will turn in for grading. All turn-in problems are listed
in bold:
Chapter 10
Sec. 1: 15, 23 (Sep. 12); Sec. 2: 6, 11 (Sep. 17), 12;
Sec. 3: 18, 27 (Sep. 19); Sec. 4: 6 (Sep. 24), 13,
27 (Sep. 26); Sec. 5: 2, 7 (Oct. 1), 20 (Oct. 3).
Chapter 11
Sec. 2: 38 (Oct. 8); Sec. 3: 4, 5; Sec. 5: 1, 13 (Oct.10).
Chapter 12
Sec. 1: 13, 14 (Oct. 15), 21 (Oct. 17), 22;
Sec. 2: 6 (Oct. 22), 19;
Sec. 3: 9 (Oct. 29), 17 (Oct. 31)
Group Problems: 12.2.11-12.2.16 (Nov. 5) and
12.3.11-12.3.16 (Nov. 7).
Chapter 13
Sec. 1: 7 (Nov.12); Sec. 2: 18, 22
(Nov. 14) ; Sec. 3: 1; Sec. 4: 4; Sec. 5: 3 (Nov. 19), 8;
Sec. 6: 6 (Nov. 26), 12.
Chapter 14
Sec. 1: 4 (Nov. 28), 8; Sec. 2: 15 (Dec. 3), 16;
Sec. 3: 1, 5 (Dec. 5); Sec. 4: 6 (Dec 10);
Sec. 5: 3 (Dec 12).
Graduate standing; Math 632(P); consent of
instructor. In general, students should be advised that in Math 731
we assume that you know what a mathematical proof is and how
to read and write one. Furthermore, we assume you have familiarity
with elementary algebraic constructions in the undergraduate
curriculum (e.g. groups, rings, vector spaces, linear
transformations, determinants, eigenvalues).
Attendance
Attendance is required, and will be occasionally monitored. Absences
due to illness require a medical excuse on Physician's letterhead,
signed by the physician, which must be submitted before any
alternate arrangements for the exam will be considered. There is no
provision for absences due to vacations and other social activities.
In general, missing classes is a bad idea. Please arrive promptly.
Disabilities
If you have any disability, please feel free to contact me for any
help or accommodation which you may need.
Statement of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is reprehensible and will not be tolerated by the
University. It subverts the mission of the University and threatens
the careers, educational experience, and well being of students,
faculty, and staff. The University will not tolerate behavior
between or among members of the University community which creates
and unacceptable working environment. The draft policy on
discriminatory conduct, including sexual harassment, can be found at
http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/uc/briefings/S-47-Mar05rev.pdf
Statement of Academic Misconduct
The university has a responsibility to promote academic honesty and
integrity and to develop procedures to deal effectively with
instances of academic dishonestly. Students are responsible for the
honest completion and representation of their work, for the
appropriate citation of sources, and for respect of others' academic
endeavors. Further information can be found at http://www4.uwm.edu/acad_aff/policy/academicmisconduct.cfm.
Posted room changes
or class cancelations will be on Official
Department Letterhead