Abstract Algebra

Math 732 Spring 2015

Teacher: Jeb F. Willenbring

Office: EMS E461, e-mail: jw@uwm.edu

Hours: TF 3-4pm Phone: (414) 229-5112

1 Course Description
Math 732 is the second semester of a year long algebra sequence for graduate students. In the past, the year
has focused on prerequisite material for all other 700- level courses in algebra: groups, rings, fields, Galois
theory, modules, algebraic geometry, representation theory, and categories. Please see the Graduate Bulletin
for the official description. Note that Math 732 is designed to follow the Fall 2014 Math 731 course.

We are using the book by Dummit and Foote. The book was chosen as our textbook this year, in
part, because of the broad range of topics when compared to other algebra books at this same level. As a
primary goal, we will focus on material up to and including the Fundamental Theorem of Galois theory. As
a secondary goal, we will survey the entire book.
The specific plan will be to begin Section 14.1 on the first day, then each week move forward until Chapter
14 is covered completely. This plan will take the entire semester. However, while we cover the material, we
will take brief tours of other chapters of the book so as to completely survey the text by the time the year
long sequence is over.

2 Course Details
Class time 12:30pm-1:45pm Monday and Wednesday in EMS W129
Section number LEC 001 (42536)

Textbook Dummit, David S.; Foote, Richard M. Abstract algebra. John Wiley & sons, Inc.; Third Edition;
(2003); Hardcover 944 pages; ISBN: 0471433349
Examinations: There will be a total of two exams: the midterm and the final. Each will count one third
of your course grade. No make-up exams, except in severe situations.

Midterm Exam March 23. Written Exam. Administered in regular classroom, at regular class time.
Counts for one third of your course grade.
Final In person, as with the PhD prelim exam. Time and location to be arranged individually with
instructor. Counts for one third of your course grade.

Unless otherwise noted, no calculators or other electronic devices are permitted during the exams/quizzes.
Use of notes, books or other materials is not permitted during exams/quizzes.

1
Homework and Quizzes Homework will be assigned in class, but not collected. There will be in class,
unannounced, quizzes given throughout the semester. The average quiz grade counts for one third of
your course grade. Roughly speaking, students in this course should expect to spend two hours outside
of class for every hour in class. Some students may require more time.
Prerequisites Graduate standing; Math 731(P); consent of instructor. In general, students should be
advised that in Math 732 we assume that you know what a mathematical proof is and how to read and
write one. Furthermore, we assume you have familiarity with elementary algebraic constructions in
the undergraduate curriculum (e.g. groups, rings, vector spaces, linear transformations, determinants,
eigenvalues). Lastly, we assume an understanding of field theory.
Note that part of the goal of the Math 631-2 sequence is to prepare students for the Masters Proficiency
Exam in Algebra. See
https://pantherfile.uwm.edu/jw/www/TEACHING/MA_EXAM/ALGEBRA.html
Part of the goal of the 731-2 sequence is to prepare students for the PhD preliminary exam.
Final Grades will be calculated as follows: one third Quizzes average, one third Midterm Exam grade, one
third Final exam grade.
Grading scale (minimum cutoffs)
A A− B+ B B− C+ C C− D+ D D−
95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45

Attendance Attending lectures regularly is in your own interest. Attendance will occasionally be taken.
Accommodations will be made for absences due to illness, religious observations, and military duty,
where proper documentation is provided.
Special Accommodations: If you need special accommodations in order to meet the requirements of the
course, please contact me and provide proper documentation (VISA form) as soon as possible.
Statement of Academic Misconduct: The university has a responsibility to promote academic honesty
and integrity and to develop procedures to deal effectively with instances of academic dishonestly.
Students are responsible for the honest completion and representation of their work, for the appropriate
citation of sources, and for respect of others’ academic endeavors. Cheating on exams or plagiarism
are violations of the academic honor code and carry severe sanctions, including failing a course or even
suspension or dismissal from the University. More information is available at
http://www4.uwm.edu/acad_aff/policy/academicmisconduct.cfm
Statement of Discriminatory Conduct, Including Sexual Harassment: Discrimination and sexual
harassment is reprehensible and will not be tolerated by the University. It subverts the mission of
the University and threatens the careers, educational experience, and well being of students, faculty,
and staff. The University will not tolerate behavior between or among members of the University
community which creates and unacceptable working environment. More information is available at
http://www4.uwm.edu/secu/docs/other/S47.pdf
Posted room changes or class cancelations will be on Official Department Letterhead
Course Evaluation Policies are posted at

http://www4.uwm.edu/secu/docs/other/S52.5.htm
Other Information on UWM policies can be found at

http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/SecU/SyllabusLinks.pdf