MTH 516   Algebra II

Spring 2012


Instructor: Lubos Thoma                  
Office: Lippitt Hall 101G               Tel: 874.4451
Class schedule: TuTh 3:30 - 4:45pm, Lippitt Hall 201



Description:   This is the second semester of our two semester graduate algebra sequence. Algebra is one of fundamental disciplines of mathematics and an algebraic way of thinking is pervasive in much of mathematics. There are numerous applications of algebra; for example coding, computer graphics, mathematical biology (using algebraic geometry). The goal of this course is to continue with the basic concepts and facts of modern algebra. This should prepare the student to be able to manipulate and understand fairly abstract concepts, and provide the necessary background for further graduate courses.

In the second semester, we will study: rings, modules, Galois theory, and commutative algebra. The second semester will tentatively cover chapters 8-10, 12-15 of our textbook.

Syllabus, lecture notes, and homework:     Please login into sakai at URI

Textbook:     D. Dummit, R. Foote, Abstract Algebra, 3rd edition, Wiley 2003, ISBN-10: 0-471-43334-9, ISBN-13: 978-0-471-43334-7
                      (errata from Prof. Foote's webpage)

Additional texts:
      T. Hungerford, Algebra, Graduate Texts in Mathematics v. 73 (v. 73), Springer 2003, ISBN-10: 0387905189, ISBN-13: 978-0387905181
      S. Lang, Algebra, Springer 2005, 3rd edition, ISBN-10: 038795385X, ISBN-13: 978-0387953854
      J. S. Milne, Fields and Galois theory, lecture notes
      J. S. Milne, A primer of commutative algebra, lecture notes

Prerequisites: MTH515

Accommodations: Any student with a documented disability is welcome to contact me as early in the semester as possible so that we may arrange reasonable accommodations. As part of this process, please be in touch with Disability Services for Students Office at 330 Memorial Union, 401-874-2098.