Abstract Algebra II
M467, Spring 2013


Professor: Dr. Rachel Pries
e-mail: pries ATSYMBOL math DOT colostate DOT edu
web page: www.math.colostate.edu/~pries
office: Weber 118, office hourss: Mon 2-3, Thurs 1-2, or by appointment.

Lecture: MWF 1:00-1:50, Engineering E105 (code 16859).

Tentative syllabus:

HW2

HW3

HW4

Detailed information on project

Course description:
Abstract algebra is a fundamental subject in mathematics. Its theory was developed in the 1800s when people realized that many different types of problems could be solved in the same way using underlying algebraic structures. It has applications in many fields such as cryptography and chemistry. In this course, we will study group actions, representations of groups, elliptic curves, and Galois representations.

Prerequisite: M466 and M369 or equivalent experience.

Textbooks: 1) Goodman, Algebra: Abstract and Concrete.
2) Newer version
Judson, Abstract Algebra: Theory and Applications.
3) Garrett, Abstract Algebra. Click on course notes, or pdf version, or individual chapters.
4) Ash, Abstract Algebra: The Basic Graduate Year.
5) Wilkons, Abstract Algebra Lecture Notes.

Grading: The course grades will be computed as follows:
20% homework; 20% first midterm; 20% second midterm; 10% presentation; 30% final project.
Borderline grades will be decided on the basis of class participation.

Homework: Due five Fridays. Homework is the most important part of this class. Doing homework problems is crucial for doing well in this class. The process of doing homework will help you solve unfamiliar problems on the tests. The homework problems will help you develop skills in algebraic computation and logical reasoning. I will only grade homework which is neat, legible, and stapled. I encourage you to brainstorm the problems in groups and write up your solutions independently.

Project: There are many amazing topics and applications of abstract algebra which we will not have time to cover fully. Each person will do a 10 page report and presentation. This gives everyone a chance to explore a topic in a new way.

Examinations: There will be two midterms in class on Monday 2/18 and Friday 4/5. The project is due Tuesday 5/14.
There is no final exam for this course.
There are no makeups for missed exams, regardless of the reason for absence. You must take the final examination at this time scheduled by the university; no final exams will be given earlier. Examinations will not be rescheduled because of travel arrangements. It is your responsibility to schedule travel appropriately.

CSU Honor Pledge: Academic integrity is important to me. Paraphrasing the words of Greg Dickinson, Director of Graduate Studies; Professor, Dept. of Communication Studies:
Plagiarism is the unauthorized or unacknowledged use of a person's academic or scholarly work. Regardless of how it occurs, plagiarism is a theft of intellectual property.
Academic integrity means having a true educational experience. It involves doing your own reading and studying. It includes regular class attendance, careful consideration of all class materials, and engagement with the class and other students. Academic integrity lies at the core of our common goal: to create an intellectually honest and rigorous community.
Because academic integrity is so central to our mission as students, teachers, scholars, and citizens, we will ask you (but not require you) to sign the CSU Honor Pledge when completing all major assignments.
"I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance."
If you plagiarize in your work you could lose credit for the plagiarized work, fail the assignment, or fail the course. Each instance of plagiarism, classroom cheating, and other types of academic dishonesty will be addressed according to the principles published in the CSU General Catalog (see page seven, column two: http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/FrontPDF/1.6POLICIES1112f.pdf).

Help: Help is always available if you have trouble with homework or lecture material. If your classmates can't answer your question, come ask me! Office hours are Mon 2-3, Thurs 1-2, or by appointment, in Weber 118.