University of Wisconsin-Madison
|
Math 542 |
|
About the course:
Math 542 is the second course in abstract algebra. The core topics are ring and module theory, and some elements of Galois theory. Along with Math 521 and Math 551 this course is a necessity for students considering going on to graduate school in mathematics.
Special goal: One of the goals of this course is to reinforce what you have learned in Math 541 about how to construct and write proofs.
Lectures:
There will be two one hour and 15 minute lectures per week:
Text: The textbook for the course is
Office hours:
Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:00-11:50 in Van Vleck 605 and by appointment.
Grading: The term grade will be based on homework and the exams as follows: Homework: 30% Midterm: 30% Final Exam: 40%. Final grades are computed by totalling the points from the homework, the midterms and the final. Grade letters will be assigned with the following curve as a guideline: 20% A's, 30% B's, 30% C's, 20% D's and F's.
Homework: Homework will be due a week after it is assigned, during lecture. All claims that you make in your homework MUST BE PROVED in order to receive credit.
Homework assignments:
Homework assignment 1, DUE February 21, 2008: §10.1: 5,6,7,8,13; §10.2: 4,6,9; §10.3: 4,6,7,15
Homework assignment 2, DUE March 6, 2008: §10.4: 2, 4, 9, 11, 18, 19, 21
Homework assignment 3, DUE April 17, 2008: §10.5: 1, 3, 6, 7, 21
Homework assignment 4, DUE May 1, 2008: §11.1: 5, 7, 8; §11.2: 3, 4, 11, 29; §11.3: 4.
Homework assignment 5, DUE May 8, 2008: §12.1: 4, 6, 9; §12.2: 9 (only first two matrices), 10, 14, 18; §12.3: 5, 7, 18, 21.
Exams: There will be one 75 minute in-class midterm on Tuesday March 11. There will be a 2 hour final exam at 2:45 PM Wednesday, May 14 in room Birge 346. The exams will be a random selection of homework problems from the homework assignments. The final exam will be cumulative.
Syllabus: The syllabus will be announced here shortly after the start of term.