Math 416 – Spring 2014
Modern Algebra II
Course Information
Course Description: Math 416. Modern Algebra II: 3.0 credits. Continuation of topics introduced
in Math 415. We will cover most of Chapters V, VI, VII, and X, with additional topics if time
permits.
Prerequisites: Math 415.
Learning Outcomes: Students will learn advanced topics in modern algebra: ideals and quotients
of rings, field extensions, Sylow theory, and Galois theory.
Required Text:
John Fraleigh, A first course in Abstract Algebra, 7th ed., Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-201-76390-7.
Instructor Information
Instructor: Laura Felicia Matusevich
Office: Milner 221
Email: laura@math.tamu.edu
Website: http://www.math.tamu.edu/˜laura
Office Hours (tentative): TR 11:00 – 12:30 am.
Classes
Lecture 12:45 – 2:00 pm BLOC 121.
Grading
Course Grade: The course grade will be based on weekly homework, two midterm exams, a
final exam, and a project. This project is optional for Section 500. Collaborative work is allowed,
indeed, encouraged, on Homework assignments, but each student must submit their own solution
set, written in their own words. No collaboration is allowed on Exams.
Homework assignments, exams and projects are different for Sections 200 and 500.
Section 200 (Honors):
◦ Homework assignments: 25%;
◦ Midterms: 20% each;
◦ Final Exam: 30%;
◦ Project: 10%.
Section 500 (Non Honors):
◦ Homework assignments: 30%;
◦ Midterms: 20% each;
◦ Final Exam: 30%;
◦ Optional Project: 5%.
The usual cutoffs apply, namely more than 90% guarantees an A, more than 80% guarantees a B,
more than 70% guarantees a C, and more than 60% guarantees a D.
For both Sections, there is a possibility of 5% of extra credit.
Exams
Midterm I: Thursday February 20 (in class).
Midterm II: Thursday April 10 (in class).
Final: Wednesday May 7, 8:00–10:00 am.
Projects
Section 200. Each student in Section 200 is required to attend (at least) one mathematical lecture at
a mathematical seminar or mathematical conference taking place at Texas A&M. Students should
consult with the Instructor to select which lecture to attend.
In consultation with the Instructor, students will select one mathematical term mentioned in their
chosen lecture, and write a short paper on that concept (more than two pages, less than three),
defining this term, providing examples, and including a theorem (not necessarily proved) where
this concept is used.
First Draft Due: March 20.
Final Version Due: April 22.
Possible Seminars:
Algebra and Combinatorics Seminar (Fridays, 3:00–4:00 pm, Milner 317),
Mathematics Graduate Student Organization Seminar (Thursdays,4:00–4:50 pm, Blocker 113),
Algebraic Geometry Seminar (Mondays,3:00–4:00 pm, Milner 317),
Number Theory Seminar (Wednesdays, 1:45–2:45 pm, Milner 317).
Possible Conferences:
SLAM14 (Southwest Local Algebra Meeting), March 1–2, 2014, Texas A&M Campus.
CombinaTexas 2014 (Combinatorics in the South-Central US) April 19–21, 2014, Texas A&M
Campus.
Section 500. Students in Section 500 may choose to do a project for 5% extra credit. Students
who choose this option must do so before February 25, and communicate this decision to the
Instructor as early as possible.
The Instructor will assign a mathematical term to a student, who will write a short project (less
than two pages) introducing this concept, and providing examples.
First Draft Due: March 20.
Final Version Due: April 22.
Detailed Schedule (subject to change)
Week 1 (Jan 14, 16): 26, 27.
Week 2 (Jan 21, 23): 29, 30.
Week 3 (Jan 28, 30): 31, 32.
Week 4 (Feb 4, 6): 33, 34.
Week 5 (Feb 11, 13): 35, 36.
Week 6: EXAM I on Feb 20, covers Sections 26 through 34 (28 excluded).
Week 7 (Feb 25, 27): 37, 38.
Week 8 (March 3, 4): 39, 40.
Week 9 (March 18, 20) 16, 48.
Week 10 (March 25, 17) 51.
Week 11 (April 1, 3) 53, 54.
Week 12 EXAM II on April 10, covers until Section 54.
Week 13 (April 15, 17) 55, 56. (Q-drop: April 14.)
Week 14 (April 22, 24) 28.
Other
Attendance: Attendance of all lectures is required. Make-up work or deadline extensions will be
given only in case of absences authorized under Student Rules: Attendance.
ADA Policy Statement: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination
statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among
other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accomodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accomodation, please contact the Department of
Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities, in Room B118 of the Cain Hall, call
845-1637, or email disability@tamu.edu.
Copyright: All printed handouts and web-materials for this course are protected by US Copyright
Laws. No multiple copies can be made without written permission by the instructor.
Scholastic Honesty: Always abide by the Aggie Code of Honor: An Aggie does not lie, cheat,
or steal or tolerate those who do. Please refer to Honor Council Rules and Procedures
at http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor for more information on academic integrity
and scholastic dishonesty.
Contact Information: Course announcements may occasionally be made via e-mail (e.g. in case
of a change to office hours or to clarify problems in homework sets). Students should regularly check their University - designated e-mail accounts.