Topics. This is the first 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 430 or equivalent. I will also post a few preliminary questions below which I would like you to do before the first day of classes and turn it in. This will give me a feeling for what level to pitch the class at. If you have doubts as to your readiness, please ask me.

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.

	Questionnaire Syllabus Some examples Homework 1 Answer 1 Homework 2 Answer 2 Homework 3 Answer 3 Homework 4 Answer 4 Homework 5 Answer 5 Nagata's theorem Homework 6 Answer 6 Midterm 1 Answers to midterm 1 Homework 7 Answer 7 Homework 8 Answer 8 Homework 9 Answer 9 Answers to second midterm Final Answers to final

Tests.The first midterm will be on Thursday, Oct 8th in class. This will not be counted for final grades. The main purpose is for a feed back for me and to let you know the kind of possible improvements you should make during the semester. The next midterm examination: Thursday, Nov 12, in class and this will count for your final grade. Cumulative Final Examination: December 15, 2015, 1- 3 pm

Grading. One grade for the (second) 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 August 12, 2015.