Math 621
Topics in Modern Abstract Algebra
Prerequisite: Permission of the department head.
Text: Contemporary Abstract Algebra by Joseph A. Gallian, 6th edition, Houghton Mifflin
Objectives
- Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental concepts of abstract algebra and provide examples of algebraic structures.
- Prove theorems related to both basic and advanced topics in group theory.
- List all finite Abelian groups of a given order and determine the isomorphism class of a given Abelian group.
- Apply Sylow theorems to investigate the structure of groups.
- Demonstrate knowledge of tests for nonsimplicity and the significance of simple groups in the development of group theory.
- Determine the structure of groups defined by a set of generators and relations.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of Galois Theory and the role played by Galois groups in proving insolvability of the quintic.
Course material
Course material will include the following topics:
| Topic | Chpt. |
|---|---|
| Brief review of basic group, ring and field theory | |
| Fundamental theorem of finite Abelian groups | Chapter 11 |
| Sylow theorems | Chapter 24 |
| Finite simple groups | Chapter 25 |
| Generators and relations | Chapter 26 |
| Introduction to Galois theory | Chapter 32 |
Topics may be added or deleted at the instructor's discretion.
Assessment
The Semester score for the course will be calculated by using the weights (%) indicated below:
| Weight (%) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 75% | Semester average | Tests | ______ % |
| Assignments | ______ % | ||
| _________ | ______ % | ||
| 25% | Final exam grade |
The Semester letter grade in the course will be assigned according to the scale below:
| Semester grade | Semester score |
|---|---|
| 90–100 | A |
| 80–89 | B |
| 70–79 | C |
| 60–69 | D |
| 0–59 | F |
Notes:
- In cases of an excused absence, the instructor reserves the right to reweigh the final exam in lieu of a make-up test.
- In the case where a student's score on his final exam indicates exceptional achievement above and beyond that indicated by the semester average, the instructor reserves the right to reweigh the value of the final exam in computing the semester grade.
Please read the Department's Attendance Policy.
Instructor's office hours
can be found on the MSU web site at
http://www.faculty.mcneese.edu
Click on individual instructor to view their web page.
Or navigate from MSU Home Page; select Faculty & Staff, select Faculty Web Server.
Students should visit the MSU web page at
http://www.mcneese.edu/policy/diversity.htm
for information about diversity awareness and sexual harassment policies and
procedures, as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Students should also visit the MSU web page at
http://www.mcneese.edu/integrity
for information on the Academic Integrity Policy.
ANY STUDENT WITH A DISABILITY IS ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT THE OFFICE OF SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN DREW HALL, ROOM 200, VOICE (337) 475-5916, HEARING IMPAIRED (337) 475-5722. IT IS EACH STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER WITH THE OFFICE OF SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES WHEN REQUESTING A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION.
One week of summer school is equivalent to 2 ½ weeks of Fall or Spring classes
DMCS
Location:
Kirkman Hall, Beauregard Drive
Mail:
Box 92340, MSU, Lake Charles, LA 70609
Phone:
(337) 475–5788,
Fax:
(337) 475–5799
e-Mail:
sbradley@mcneese.edu
