Core Algebra I

commutative diagram
Saunders Mac Lane
isomorphism theorems
free group
Description
This course in algebra develops the foundation required by all graduate students in the mathematical sciences. Together, we will explore some fundamental algebraic structures including groups, commutative rings, and modules. A wide range of examples should also enhance the learning experience.
Instructor
Gregory G. Smith (512 Jeffery Hall, ggsmith@mast.queensu.ca)
Lectures
Mondays and Wednesdays (mostly)
References
Paolo Aluffi, Algebra: chapter 0, Graduate Studies in Mathematics 104, American Mathematical Society, Providence, RI, 2009.
David S. Dummit and Richard M. Foote, Abstract algebra, third edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ, 2004.
Serge Lang, Algebra, revised third edition, Graduate Texts in Mathematics 211, Springer-Verlag, New York, 2002.
Assessment
The course grades will be computed as follows:
  • 5% Feedback
  • 40% Homework
  • 30% "In-class" exam
  • 25% "Take-home" exam
Feedback
Students are expected to provide constructive feedback on the course notes. Each original correction, helpful comment, or actionable suggestion will add 1% to your final grade.
Homework
Weekly problem sets consist of approximately 3 questions and are posted in Portable Document Format (PDF) on the course website. Solutions will be collected using the Crowdmark software. The best 10 of 12 problem sets will determine your homework grade.
Academic Integrity
Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with all of the regulations concerning academic integrity and for ensuring that their assignments and their behaviour conform to the principles of academic integrity. Students are welcome to discuss problems, but should write up the solutions individually. Students must explicitly acknowledge any assistance including books, software, technology, websites, students, friends, professors, references, etc.
Accommodations
The instructor is committed to achieving full accessibility for people with disabilities. Part of this commitment includes arranging academic accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure they have an equitable opportunity to participate in all of their academic activities. If you are a student with a disability and think you may need academic accommodations, then you are strongly encouraged to contact both the instructor and the Queenʼs Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) as early as possible.
Licensing
Materials generated by the instructor may not be used for commercial advantage or monetary compensation. Some material is clearly copyrighted and may not be reproduced or retransmitted in any form without express written consent. Other material, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, may be remixed, adapted, or built upon it, as long as appropriate credit is given and the new creation is distributed under the identical terms.