Syllabus Detail

Department of Mathematics Syllabus

This syllabus is advisory only. For details on a particular instructor's syllabus (including books), consult the instructor's course page. For a list of what courses are being taught each quarter, refer to the Courses page.

MAT 150B: Modern Algebra

Approved: 2003-04-01 (revised 2012-08-01, Vazirani, Kuperberg, and Schwarz)
Suggested Textbook: (actual textbook varies by instructor; check your instructor)
Algebra by Michael Artin; Addison Wesley; 2nd edition (August 13, 2010); ISBN-10: 0132413779; Price ranges from $111.00 to $145.00.
Search by ISBN on Amazon: 978-0132413770
Prerequisites:
MAT 150A
Suggested Schedule:

Lecture(s)

Sections

Comments/Topics

Week 1

Definition of Bilinear Forms (Note: Math 67 covers inner products); Symmetric Forms – orthogonality the Geometry associated to a symmetric form.

Week 2

Hermitian Forms (Note: Math 67 covers Hermitian matrices); The Spectral Theorem.

Week 3

The classical linear groups; The special unitary group (Note: Math 67 covers unitary matrices); Orthogonal representation of SU2.

Week 4

SL(2); Abstract Fields; Matrix groups and linear algebra over abstract fields (from Chap. 3 of Artin); Definition of Rings.

Week 5

Formal construction of integers and polynomials; Homomorphisms and Ideals; Quotient rings and relations in a ring.

Week 6

Integral domains and fraction fields; Maximal ideals; Factorization of integers and polynomials.

Week 7

Unique factorization domains, principal ideal domains, and Euclidean domains; Gaussian integers; Primes.

Week 8

Ideal factorization; Definition of modules; Matrices, free modules and bases.

Week 9

Diagonalization of integer matrices; Generators and relations for modules; Structure theorem for Abelian groups.

Week 10

Application to linear operators.

Additional Notes:
The class is based primarily on Chapters 7, 8, 10, and 11 of Artin’s book.

If there is extra time, continue with Chapter 11 of Artin (modules), or go back and fill in topics such as: 8.6 The Lie Algebra; 8.7 Simple Groups; 10.5 Adjunction of Elements.
Learning Goals:

Throughout the course, students will write proofs of mathematical statements of increasing complexity. They will develop the ability to reach conclusions by reasoning logically from first principles and to justify those conclusions in clear, persuasive language (either oral or written).

They will gain proficiency in abstraction, rigorously developing algebra from existing theory (and from axioms, definitions, undefined terms, etc.) in accordance with axiomatic method.

Students will learn how algebraic manipulations they have made in earlier courses follow the same familiar pattern in this course. This is a very important unifying objective of abstract algebra.

A major goal is that students thoroughly learn the definitions of the concepts studied and will have an intuitive idea of what any definition means; knowing some examples and non-examples, and having some practical skill in working with the definition in mathematical arguments.

Students will ask (and answer) their own investigative questions such as:

  • Can I find a good example or counter-example of this?
  • Is that hypothesis in that theorem really necessary? What happens if I drop it?
  • Does this property imply that property, and, if not, can I find a counterexample?
This reminds me of something I saw in linear algebra; is there a direct connection? AS A CAPSTONE: Students will develop and deepen their algebraic thinking in this 2nd course of the MAT 150 sequence. They will be exposed to advanced linear algebra as well as the basics of rings. Via this subject area expertise, they will gain mastery in this area of specialization and improve their ability to communicate mathematics at a capstone level, commensurate with that expected of one with an undergraduate degree in mathematics.