Department of Mathematics, Statistics
and Computer Science
Wim Ruitenburg's Spring 2017 MATH 4931-102. Syllabus
Last updated: January 2017
Comments and suggestions: Email wim.ruitenburg@marquette.edu
OBJECTIVES:
(1) Learn good ways of how one develops basic aspects of the discipline of
abstract algebra.
(2) Learn about algebraic structures like groups, rings, fields, and modules,
with an emphasis on commutative rings with unit, fields, and modules.
We give special attention to linear algebra over finite fields and closely
related aspects, and add selections on Boolean algebras, lattices, and
M\"{o}bius inversion.
(3) Learn about proofs, about precise and correct reasoning, and about how to
develop skills to create or employ these.
For example develop skills to balance the duality of structure and theory.
(4) Discover the usefulness of abstract algebra in the "real" world, through
applications to error correcting coding and encryption.
CLASS PLACE AND TIME: CU 114, MWF 11.
INSTRUCTOR: Wim Ruitenburg
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment. Office CU 384
PREREQUISITES 4121: MATH 4120.
PREREQUISITES 5121: MATH 5120.
BOOK: John B. Fraleigh: A First Course In Abstract Algebra, 7th edition,
Addison-Wesley.
For now we focus on Sections 4, 5, 13, 18-33, and 45-47 of this book.
Later on we add extra notes on finite fields and on error correction coding.
GRADES will be determined by performance on exams and on homework
problems.
There will be three exams: EX1, EX2, and EX3.
Each exam is worth 10 points.
There will be homework problems worth extra points.
All homework combined is estimated to be worth 10 points.
There will be a project estimated to be worth 10 points.
In case of inclement weather during finals week, the final EX3 will be
canceled and grades calculated on the basis of the coursework the student has
completed up to the cancellation.
Points to grade conversion:
The following are minimum guarantees:
Points
Grade
46-50
A
41-45
AB
36-40
B
31-35
BC
26-30
C
21-25
CD
16-20
D
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
You are expected to attend all classes for their full periods.
MAKEUP OF MISSED WORK:
Makeup of missed work that contributes to your final grade for reasons of
absence not automatically recognized by Marquette University:
My policy is NO, but then again I tend to give everybody a chance to make up
work once
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: See the undergraduate bulletin
SEMESTER estimated outline: See the outline at the end of the
4121 syllabus.
