M 343K Introduction to Algebraic Structures

INSTRUCTOR: Felipe Voloch (RLM 9.122, ph.471-2674, e-mail:

CLASS HOURS: Tue, Thu 9:30 -- 11:00 RLM 7120

OFFICE HOURS: Wed 10:00 -- 11:30 or by appointment.

This course will study integers, rational, real and complex numbers, polynomials and similar algebraic structures. The abstract notion that encompasses all these structures is the notion of ``ring''. By studying rings we will get insight into the similarities and differences among these structures.

This course will follow the Moore method. In this method the students try to develop on the blackboard the theory, helped with hints from the instructor and, hopefully, other students. Grading will be based solely on class participation. Effort will be taken into account but I expect students to keep up with the course material so that they can be prepared to go to the blackboard.

There will not be a textbook but the material will follow the outline given in the Web page Abstract Algebra Online which contains the definitions and the statements of the theorems we plan to cover (and much more). I hope to go through the pages on integers, functions, polynomials, rings, and unique factorization domains.

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