Academic Year/course:
2019/20
453 - Degree in Mathematics
27011 - Algebraic Structures
Syllabus Information
Academic Year:
2019/20
Subject:
27011 - Algebraic Structures
Faculty / School:
100 - Facultad de Ciencias
Degree:
453 - Degree in Mathematics
ECTS:
6.0
Year:
2
Semester:
Second semester
Subject Type:
Compulsory
Module:
---
1.1. Aims of the course
The goal of this course is to introduce the students to abstract algebra.
This will be done starting with the algebraic structures of commutative rings, extending their more concrete. knowledge of integers and polynomials.
1.2. Context and importance of this course in the degree
The student should have passed the courses "Números y conjuntos" and "Álgebra lineal" before enrolling in this course, as this is strongly based on them. The course is a step further in the abstraction process, which is part of the realm of Mathematics.
1.3. Recommendations to take this course
This course assumes an interactive approach in its structure and in its presentation, which requires engaged participation from all members of the class. The student's presence is essential to the liveliness of this course and concomitantly to their individual success in it. Therefore, regular attendance is expected.
Students should work on the exercises and problems sheets regularly, should study on a continuous basis and should make use of the office hours (their schedule will be communicated at the beginning of the course).
2.1. Competences
Being succesful in this course should mean that the student is competent to
- Reason in an abstract way.
- Recognize algebraic structures and be able to delve into their behavior.
- Be able to write and communicate abstract concepts of Mathematics.
- Be able to learn by oneself, and to look for information through different media.
- All the bla, bla, bla, one may think of.
2.2. Learning goals
The student, in order to pass this course, should show proficiency in the following aspects:
- Be familiar with quotient structures.
- Operations in abelian groups.
- Operations in commutative rings, with special emphasis on the rings of integeres and of polynomials.
- Construction of new rings from known ones and checking the properties that are inherited.
- Factorization as a product of irreducible elements.
- Manipulate algebraic expressions with algebraic elements.
- Work on finite fields.
2.3. Importance of learning goals
Being able to do abstract and logical reasoning is an essential part of Mathematics.
3. Assessment (1st and 2nd call)
3.1. Assessment tasks (description of tasks, marking system and assessment criteria)
10% of the final grade will be obtained by means of a continuous evaluation throughout the course. This will include solving exercises sheets and share the information with the classmates.
There will be a final exam which will amount for the remaining 90% of the final grade.
The student has the right to base his/her final graded on just a global exam.
4. Methodology, learning tasks, syllabus and resources
4.1. Methodological overview
The methodology followed in this course is oriented towards the achievement of the learning objectives. A wide range of teaching and learning tasks are implemented, such as lectures, problem-solving sessions, tutorials and autonomous work and study.
4.2. Learning tasks
This course is organized as follows:
- Lectures.
- Problem-solving sessions. Interactive classes for exercises and problems.
- Autonomous work and study. Use of the Moodle
- Tutorials. Professor will attend students during office hours, which is highly recommended.
4.3. Syllabus
This course will address the following topics:
- Topic 1. Integers.
- Topic 2. Rings
- Definitions and examples
- Homomorphisms and ideals
- Field of fractions
- Divisibility
- Matrices over a principal ideal domain
- Appendix: The Axiom of Choice and Zorn's Lemma
- Topic 3. Modules
- Definition and examples
- Direct sums. Free modules
- Finitely generated modules over PIDs
- Topic 4. Polynomials
- Irreducibility
- Roots
- Resultant and discriminant
- The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
- Topic 5. Fields
- Algebraic extensions
- Quadratic, cubic and quartic equations
- Ruler and compass constructions
- Appendix: pi is transcendental
4.4. Course planning and calendar
There will be four one-hour classes each week of the corresponding semester.
Further information concerning the timetable, classroom, office hours, assessment dates and other details regarding this course will be provided on the first day of class or please refer to the Faculty of Sciences website and Moodle.