18.703 | Spring 2013 | Undergraduate

Modern Algebra

Instructor Insights

Course Overview

This page focuses on the course 18.703 Modern Algebra as it was taught by Prof. James McKernan in Spring 2013.

This is a first course in abstract algebra. The focus of the course is on traditional algebra topics that have found the greatest application in science and engineering, as well as in mathematics.

Course Outcomes

Course Goals for Students

Students will learn the definition and basic properties of groups, permutation groups, groups of small order, cosets, Lagrange’s theorem, the classification of finite abelian groups, normal subgroups, quotient groups, simple groups and the Sylow Theorems. Students will also learn the definition of rings, basic properties of rings, ideals, quotient rings, integral domains, fields of fractions, unique factorization domains and principal ideal domains, and the classification of finite fields.

Curriculum Information

Prerequisites

Calculus II GIR

Any of the following courses at MIT will prepare you for 18.703:

Requirements Satisfied

This course has similar content to 18.702 Algebra II, and at most one of the subjects can be counted toward an undergraduate major or minor in mathematics.

Offered

Every spring semester

Assessment

The students’ grades were based on the following activities:

  • 50% Homework; Late problem sets are not accepted; however, the lowest problem set score will be dropped.
  • 20% Midterm exams (10% each)
  • 30% Final exam

Student Information

Enrollment

11 students this year. Enrollment has varied each year from ~10 students to 30 students.

Typical Student Background

This course is intended for math majors and anyone interested in the applications of abstract algebra, perhaps someone interested in theoretical computer science.

How Student Time Was Spent

During an average week, students were expected to spend 12 hours on the course, roughly divided as follows:

Lecture

  • Met 2 times per week for 1.5 hours per session; 24 sessions total.
  • The final exam was held during Finals Week, in one 3-hour session.

Out of Class

Course Info

Departments
As Taught In
Spring 2013
Learning Resource Types
Problem Sets
Lecture Notes
Exams
Instructor Insights