Florida Atlantic University • Fall 2024 • Markus Schmidmeier
Welcome to Modern Algebra! We meet MWF 1:00 - 1:50 p.m. in Sanson Life Science 178. Modern Algebra
Why Abstract Algebra?
As scientists, when we capture facts, we never try to reproduce them in full, but only that side which is important or relevant in a particular context. This process of selecting what is relevant is the very essence of abstraction.
We therefore will not study, say, the integers as one subject, the complex numbers as another, and matrices as a third subject. Rather, particular aspects will be isolated, put in axiomatic form, and studied without reference to any specific objects. The other side is that each aspect is shared by many traditional systems.
One of the most basic and ubiquitous structures in mathematics is the concept of groups, of which we will study both theoretical aspects and many applications: As you know, the integers form a group, but also the functions on the real line, the letters in a code word, the symmetries in a wallpaper pattern...
Textbook and topics
Charles C. Pinter, A book of abstract algebra, 2nd edition, Dover, ISBN-13: 978-0-486-47417-5. I plan to cover in particular the following sections.
Groups 2: Operations; 3: Definition of groups; 4: Elementary properties; Subgroups 5: Cayley diagrams, introduction to coding theory Examples 6: Functions, 7: permutations, 8: dihedral groups Symmetry Some examples of symmetry groups, say of three-dimensional objects or from music theory Comparing groups & New groups 9: Isomorphisms, 12: Cosets, 13: Lagrange's Theorem, 14: Homomorphimsm (as time permits) Course Objectives
- Work with examples.
- Apply mathematical statements.
- Recognize mathematical structures in applications.
- Discuss axioms and definitions.
- Establish results about abstract mathematical structures, working from the axioms.
- Present in writing sequences of logical steps which demonstrate the validity of mathematical statements.
- Contribute to classroom discussion, in particular by presenting the solution of an algebra problem.
Prerequisite Discrete Mathematics with a minimum grade of C.
Tutoring The Math Learning Center in GS 211 offers in-person tutoring M-R 10-5 and F 10-4. Also, small group tutoring is available. For details please visit MLC or e-mail mlc@sci.fau.edu.
For online tutoring via zoom, please see ONLINE for available days and times.
Credit
- Homework: I will assign homework problems every week, they will be posted on CANVAS. The problems will not be graded, but some may show up on a quiz.
- Quizzes: We will have a quiz every week on Friday. The quiz is based on the homework assignments. The best twelve quizzes count for 50 % of the grade.
- Presentation: Three presentations during class, each about a problem from our textbook. The best two will count for 10 % of the grade. The first (second, third) presentation needs to be given before September 13 (October 11, November 8). Unless there are volunteers, I will assign presentations for the next class meeting at random among all registered students.
- Final Exam: The final exam is comprehensive and will count for 40 % of your grade. It is scheduled for Monday, December 9, 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in our classroom. Please bring a picture id (Owl card or drivers licence)!
Further Information For the Disability Policy, the Make-Up Policy, the Code of Academic Integrity, Religious Accommodation, my Grading Scale, the FAU Attendance Policy Statement, Financial Assistance Opportunities and the FAU Covid Statement please visit Infos for all my courses.
Contact Me
- Office hours: MW 10:00 - 11:20 a.m. in SE 272.
- Phone: 561-297-0275 (office)
- E-mail: mschmidm@fau.edu
- Web Site: Markus
Last modified: by Markus Schmidmeier