Welcome to Math 308!
Instructor: Juan Orendain
E-mail: juan.orendain[at]case[dot]edu
Office: Will appear soon
Office hours: Will appear soon
Schedule: MonWedFri 9:30am-10:20am
Location: Sears 333
Textbook: Abstract Algebra 3rd edition, D.S. Dummit and R.M. Foote, Wiley.
What is this class about? This is a first course in abstract algebra, which introduces the main types of algebraic structures used in mathematics and studies them in a mathematically rigorous way. Basically, we'll study lots of different situations where we work with mathematical objects that can be put together in different ways to produce new objects of the same type.
Official course description: A first course in abstract algebra, studied on an axiomatic basis. The major algebraic structures studied are groups, rings and fields. Topics include homomorphisms and quotient structures. This course is required of all students majoring in mathematics. It is helpful, but not necessary, for a student to have taken MATH 307 before MATH 308.
Homework: There will be reading and homework assignments based on the text. Homework should be written in pencil on plain printer paper. Please write the number and statement of each problem above its solution, and write your name at the top of the page. Homework will be collected and scored on a 0-10 scale, based on clarity, legibility, completeness, and correctness.
Grades: The three in-class exams will each count 10% of the grade and the final exam will count 30%. The remaining 40% of the grade will be based on homework, quizzes and class participation.
Discord: I have created a Discord server for the group to discuss homework, tests, etc. I will serve as moderator but won’t participate much. If you wish to be added, please send me an E-mail.
Proofs: In this class we'll be doing full-fledged, abstract theoretical mathematics from the very beginning of the class. In this document borrowed from Prof. Mark Meckes, you can find useful information on how to write rigorous mathematical proofs. Throughout the first couple of weeks I will be taking you through different methods for proving things.
General Schedule
Subject
Introduction
Groups
Rings
Fields
Introduction
Groups
Rings
Fields
Book chapters
0-1.2
1-3, 5-6
7-9
13
0-1.2
1-3, 5-6
7-9
13
Weeks
1 week
5-6 weeks
4-5 weeks
2 weeks
1 week
5-6 weeks
4-5 weeks
2 weeks
Weekly schedule
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