Math 120A, Winter 2015
- Title: Introduction to Abstract Algebra (Group Theory)
- Instructor: Trevor Wilson (twilson@math.uci.edu)
- Lectures: 2:00–2:50 p.m. MWF in MSTB 118
- Office hours: Office hours during final exam week will be Thursday, 4–7 p.m. in 510V Rowland Hall
- TA: Adrian Ferenc (aferenc@uci.edu)
- Text: A First Course in Abstract Algebra, 7th edition, by John B. Fraleigh
Course description
We will study the group axioms, subgroups, permutation groups,
isomorphisms, homomorphisms, cosets, and factor groups.
Because the subject is rather abstract,
definitions and proofs will play a central role in the course.
Homework
Homework exercises will be assigned after each lecture and posted in the
schedule below. The homework assigned in a given week will usually be
due on the following Wednesday in your discussion section. Late homework
will not be accepted. Your lowest homework score will not be used in
calculating your grade in the class.
You may collaborate on the homework
with other students and seek help from any source. As always, you must
credit your collaborators and cite your sources.
Quizzes
Quizzes will usually be given on Wednesday in the discussion section and cover the same topics as the homework due on that day.
Make-up quizzes will not be given. Your lowest quiz score will not be used in calculating your grade in the class.
Midterm exam
Sample midterm exam and solutions
Midterm exam (white) and solutions
Midterm exam (yellow) and solutions
Schedule (subject to change)
Week 1 (homework set 1 and solutions):
- Jan. 5 (F) Section 0
- Jan. 7 (M) Section 0
- Jan. 9 (W) Section 2
Week 2 (homework set 2 and solutions):
- Jan. 12 (M) Section 2
- Jan. 14 (W) Section 3
- Jan. 16 (F) Section 3
Week 3:
(homework set 3 and solutions):
- Jan. 19 (M) Holiday (MLK Jr. Day)
- Jan. 21 (W) Section 4
- Jan. 23 (F) Section 4
Week 4:
(homework set 4 and solutions):
- Jan. 26 (M) Section 5
- Jan. 28 (W) Section 5
- Jan. 30 (F) Section 6
Week 5:
(homework set 5 and solutions):
- Feb. 2 (M) Section 6
- Feb. 4 (W) Review (lecture) and midterm exam (discussion)
- Feb. 6 (F) Sections 6, 8
Week 6:
(homework set 6 and solutions):
- Feb. 9 (M) Section 8
- Feb. 11 (W) Section 8,9
- Feb. 13 (F) Section 9
Week 7:
(homework set 7 and solutions):
- Feb. 16 (M) Holiday (Presidents' Day)
- Feb. 18 (W) Section 9
- Feb. 20 (F) Section 9
Week 8:
(homework set 8 and solutions):
- Feb. 23 (M) Section 10
- Feb. 25 (W) Section 10
- Feb. 27 (F) Section 11
Week 9:
(homework set 9 and solutions):
- Mar. 2 (M) Section 11
- Mar. 4 (W) Section 13
- Mar. 6 (F) Section 13
Week 10:
(practice problems and solutions):
- Mar. 9 (M) Section 14
- Mar. 11 (W) Section 14
- Mar. 13 (F) Review
Grading
Your numeric course grade will be calculated as follows:
- 15% homework
- 15% quizzes
- 30% midterm exam
- 40% final exam
Letter grades will be assigned so as to make the grade distribution close to the one recommended by the department.
Letter grades will be at least 'A-' for 90%, 'B-' for 80%, etc.; probably significantly higher.