Topics. This is the second part of a two semester course in Algebra, the qualifying course for graduate students in Mathematics.

Time. Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 pm to 2.30pm in Cupples I, 218.

Prerequisites. Math 5031.

Text. The lectures will follow the book by Serge Lang, ALGEBRA, Graduate Texts in Mathematics(211), Springer. Most of the material I cover will be found in other books, such as the one by Hungerford. Please look for a more detailed syllabus below.

Homework. There will be weekly homework which will be posted on or after Thursdays on this web page, but before Sunday. These will not be graded. Nowadays, most solutions can be found on the web and I find it difficult to use it as a way of assigning grades. I would strongly encourage you to work these out by yourself (or in a group) before going to the internet. But if there is enough enthusiasm, we can meet sometime during the week to discuss your solutions and thus providing a feedback. I need not emphasize that the only way to learn Mathematics and especially train yourself for research is by doing a lot of exercises. You are also encouraged to collaborate on homework, and to work additional exercises from the relevant problem sections. If there is enough demand (and I feel it is necessary), I may post sketches of solutions to the homework.

Tests. The midterm will be a take home exam and will be posted here the Friday before spring break and due after spring break. Final Examination: May 5, 2016, 1- 4 pm in class (Notice that the examination lasts three hours, since it includes the qualifying examination. For those taking only the final, the examination will be for two hours).

Grading. One grade for the midterm, and one for the final examination. These will contribute equally to the course grade. Letter grades, computed from the course score will be at least the following:

Students taking the Cr/NCr or P/F options will need a grade of D or better to pass. Students auditing the course will need to attend at least 15 lectures to receive a successful audit grade.

Office Hours. My office is Cupples I, room 111A, and my office hours are on Thursdays from 3-4pm, or make an appointment by telephone or email.

Questions? Return to Mohan Kumar's home page for contact information.

Last modified on January, 2016.