MATH439-12S1 (C)
Topics in Algebra
This is a semester one course.
Course Information
This course formally introduces rings and fields, which have been encountered at 100- and 200-level in special situations, and investigates their algebraic structure. It gives a deeper understanding of these algebraic concepts and thus provides a thorough grounding in the algebraic theory which underpins modern applications like cryptography, error-correcting codes, number theory or finite mathematics. If you are interested in any of these subjects or if you want to see how algebraic theory can be applied to solve certain geometric construction problems or prove their impossibility, then this is the course to take.
The topics covered by this course are:
• fundamentals of ring theory: subrings, ideals, factor rings, ring homomorphisms;
• special rings: integral domains and polynomial rings and factorizations of elements therein;
• fundamentals of field theory: field extensions, constructions of fields, in particular finite fields, and their uses, like the impossibility of certain geometric constructions such as trisecting the angle.
Learning outcomes
Students successfully completing this course should:
• understand a range of basic algebraic concepts.
• have developed a high level of competence at core algebraic skills.
• be able to confidently apply algebraic concepts in practical settings.
• be able to present clear and logical mathematical arguments.
Enquiries
Assoc. Prof. Günter Steinke
Room 603 Erskine Building
Phone Extension 7685
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