MAT 455 -- Spring 2012
Advanced Algebra

TuTh, 12:15-1:30 pm
Chambers 3234

Instructor:
Stephen L. Davis; click here for my weekly schedule.

Text:
I. Martin Isaacs, Algebra: A Graduate Course, American Mathematical Society, 1994.

Course Information:
This is primarily a reading course on Isaacs' text, with a primary focus on group theory. Our goal will to be to find our way through Chapter 9 (Transfer) or later [perhaps as far as into Chapter 12 (Rings, Ideals, and Modules)], with some omissions along the way. Topics to be broached which are new relative to MAT 355 include: the Sylow Theorems, solvable and nilpotent groups, transfer, and modules.

During class, we will discuss issues raised by the text and to go over problems and exercises. This is a cooperative course in which the roles of instructor and student have a nontrivial intersection. You are obliged to prepare for our meetings with both roles in mind. Give me advance warning if a conflict arises which precludes your attendance at one of our scheduled meetings. (I will be unavailable on March 15.)

The written portion of this course will consist of a weekly summary of selected problem solutions. In addition, you are expected to complete an "extended" project. The project should consist of a written overview of one of the topics in the course and an oral presentation of some portion of this topic, suitable for a Math Coffee audience.

Your course grade will be concocted from your efforts as revealed in our regular meetings and your project. Intangible contributions are a significant part of your evaluation.