Links to Problems sets

• Problem set 1 (due Friday, September 3, 2004). (Solutions)
• Problem set 2 (due Friday, September 10, 2004). (Solutions)
• Problem set 3 (due Friday, September 17, 2004). (Solutions)
• Problem set 4 (due Friday, September 24, 2004). (Solutions)
• Problem set 5 (due Friday, October 1, 2004). (Solutions)
• Problem set 6 (due Friday, October 8, 2004). (Solutions).
• Problem set 7 (due Friday, October 15, 2004). (Solutions).
• Problem set 8 (due Friday, October 29, 2004). (Solutions).
• Problem set 9 (due Friday, November 5, 2004). (Solutions).
• Problem set 10 (due Friday, November 12, 2004). (Solutions).
• Problem set 11 (due Friday, November 19, 2004). (Solutions).
• Problem set 12 (due Friday, December 3, 2004). (Solutions)
• Gram-Schmidt Handout and Solutions

Class Information

Instructor: Brian Harbourne
Class Time: 11:30-12:20 MWF
Office: 331 Avery Hall
Tel.: 402-472-4476
email: bharbour@math.unl.edu
web: http://www.math.unl.edu/~bharbour/
Office Hours: MW 1:45-2:30, Th 3:30-4:30 and by appointment, but feel free to
stop by anytime; if I can't see you then we can set a time.

• Text: Algebra, Michael Artin.
• Content: We will do most of Chapters 2-5, some of Chapter 6, and most of Chapter 7, covering group theory and linear algebra. I also expect to present some additional material related to finite groups that is not covered in the book. (M818 in the spring will cover rings and fields.) Chapter 1, on matrix algebra, should already be familiar to you, but especially if it's been a while since you've seen it or if it is presented in a way which is different from what you've seen before, you should read through chapter 1 on your own for review.
• Goals: A major goal of this course is to prepare graduate students for the qualifying exam in algebra. A topic list for the algebra quals and copies of recent exams are available at http://www.math.unl.edu/pi/graduate/GradExams.
• Coursework:
  • Homework: There will be weekly homework assignments (which I will post at this web site) that will probably take a lot of time to work. You are encouraged to work together in finding and explaining to each other solutions to the homework problems, but you should write up your solutions separately. Just copying someone else's solution is not allowed. Write ups should be clear and to the point; do not write a lot hoping to hit the target. Once you have a solution, reread it to make sure it makes sense and is complete, then copy it over for legibility and clarity of expression.
  • Exams: There will be two exams, a noncumulative final exam (10:00 to 12:00 noon Thursday, Dec. 16, 2004) and a midterm, to be scheduled later. (If possible, the midterm will be a two hour evening exam. If no such time outside of class can be found that works for everybody, it will be a 1 hour in-class exam.)
  • Grades: Your semester grade will be determined by the following items with the weights given:

            Weekly Homework         50%
            Midterm Exam            25%
            Final Exam              25%
    

• Departmental Grading Appeals Policy: The Department of Mathematics and Statistics does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. If you believe you have been subject to such discrimination or harassment, in this or any math course, please contact the Department. If, for this or any other reason, you believe your grade was assigned incorrectly or capriciously, appeals may be made (in order) to the instructor, the Department Chair, the Departmental Grading Appeals Committee, the College Grading Appeals Committee, and the University Grading Appeals Committee.