V3040 Introduction to Modern Algebra

Fall 1997

Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:40pm-3:55pm, 520 Mathematics
Dave Bayer (x42643, 426 Mathematics)

http://www.math.columbia.edu/~bayer/F97/algebra.html

Practice Exam 1
Exam 1
Practice Exam 2
Exam 2

Prerequisites: The most important prerequisite is some prior background in linear algebra, such as is provided by the Linear Algebra course Math V2010, or by the Honors Mathematics sequence. Most of the needed material on matrices is in fact covered in a multivariable calculus course; we begin by reviewing the remaining topics introduced in V2010.

Text: Algebra, by Michael Artin. Prentice Hall, 1991, ISBN 0-13-004763-5. First semester we will cover most of chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

Exams: There will be two exams (25 points each) and a final (50 points).

Exam 1, Monday, October 6, in class.
Exam 2, Monday, November 10, in class.
Final, Wednesday, December 17, 1:10pm-4:00pm.

Homework: Homework will be assigned throughout the semester, and may optionally be handed in for comments. I will also organize as many study sessions throughout the semester as demand will sustain, and I welcome groups of students approaching me to schedule such sessions.

Office Hours: My office hours will be Monday and Wednesday after class, 4pm to 6pm in my office. I will often be around at other times in the afternoon; stop by, or check by email or phone. The series of peculiar doors leading to my office may remind you of the opening credits of the old "Get Smart" TV series; call if you have any trouble.