[Note: For the MAT 4720 syllabus, please go here.]

Prerequisites: Math 3110 or permission of the instructor.

Text: I do not plan to follow any particular text very closely. However, our primary text will be Fraleigh's book.

• A First Course in Abstract Algebra (8^th Edition) by John B. Fraleigh (ISBN: 978-0-136-77706-9)
  This text is available electronically. Go to our ASULearn page and click on "My Materials".
  
  Alternatively, the 7^th edition (ISBN: 978-0-201-76390-4) is fine as well. Bookfinder.com shows copies available for about $25. Also, there seem to be "freely" available pdfs of this edition available online.

• Abstract Algebra (3^rd Edition) by David S. Dummit & Richard M. Foote ISBN: 978-0-471-43334-7 (Cost approx. $35 -- you can go to Bookfinder.com for prices). Dummit & Foote is an excellent nearly encyclopedic text written at a higher level. Unsurprisingly, it seems to quite easy to find "freely" available pdfs of this text as well.
  
  
• Abstract Algebra: An Intergrated Approach by Joseph Silverman ISBN: 978-1-4704-6860-6 (Used cost approx. $30 see Bookfinder.com for prices.) This is an introductory text with a very nice accessible chapter on Galois theory.
  
  
• Contemporary Abstract Algebra by Joseph Gallian. Our old friend from MAT 3110. This may be quite useful for various introductory material. You can easily find "freely" available pdfs of various older editions.

  Web Page: My webpage is located here: https://BillCookMath.com and
                      our course webpage is located here: https://BillCookMath.com/index.html?page=./courses/math4720-fall2025.

  Meeting times: We meet Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays from 11:00am until 11:50am in Walker 308.

  Final Exam: We will have final project presentations (tentatively in our usual classroom) during our final exam period. Our final exam period is Friday, December 5th from 11:00am until 1:30pm.

  Lecturer:

  	Name:	Dr. William (Bill) Cook
  	Office:	Walker Hall 345
  	Office Hours:	Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday at 8am-9am & 10am-11am Other times by appointment.
  	Phone:	(828) 262-2367
  	Email:	cookwj@appstate.edu
  	Webpage:	https://BillCookMath.com

  Technology: You are welcome to use any technology at your disposal to complete out of class assignments unless that assignment specifies a particular restriction. For example, I may restrict usage of AI when working on take home exam questions. We may occasionally use Maple or some other computer algebra system in class or on homework. If necessary, Maple should be available on all campus lab computers. If you would like a personal copy, download and activation information are available on our ASULearn page. Calculators and other computer technology will not be allowed on (in class) exams or quizzes. This includes cell phones. Your cell phone should never be out during an exam or quiz.

  Course topics: I plan to break our semester up into 3 (quite unequal) parts: Group Theory, Ring Theory, & Module Theory.

  • Group Theory: We will begin by surveying & reviewing material covered in chapters I, II, & III (basic group theory) focusing on a few new examples and ideas which aren't covered in 3110 and begin discussing group actions. Then we will cover parts of chapter VII especially focusing on the Sylow theorems.
    
    
  • Ring Theory: We will begin by reviewing the definition of a ring and some basic concepts. Then we will discuss factorization theory - starting with polynomials and irreducibility criterion. Then we generalize to Euclidean domains, Principal Ideal Domains, & Unique Factorization Domains. This is drawn from chapters IV, V, & IX.
    
    
  • Module Theory: We will begin by studying basics about (ring) modules. Time permitting we will classify modules over a PID and then apply this result to group theory (classifying finitely generated abelian groups) and linear algebra (rational and Jordan canonical forms).
    
    
  A tentative course schedule can be found at: https://BillCookMath.com/courses/math4720-fall2025/schedule.html.

  Grades: Your term grade will be based on the results of your tests and final presentation as well as your scores on quizzes and homework and class participation. Here is more information about the individual components of your grade:

  Tests: There will be two tests. Each test will make up 25% of your term grade. I have not attempted to fix dates for these tests presently. The actual dates will be negotiated/announced in class. It is likely that both tests will be take home exams or at least involve a significant take home portion.

  Homework & Quizzes: I will regularly assign sets of homework problems to be turned in for a grade. We may have a few quizzes (if needed). I encourage you to work on your homework with your classmates. However, you must write up your solutions yourself. Do NOT merely copy your collaborators work and turn it in as your own. The homeworks (and quizzes) will make up 30% of your term grade.

  Participation & Final Presentations: Instead of having a final exam we will have final presentations. Everyone will pick a topic to present (this topic will have to be approved and should be something related to what we covered in class). I will require that you create a nice handout to go with your presentation. We will have presentations during the final exam period.
  
  Also, I except you to come to class and participate in discussions. I may periodically ask (especially grad students) to present a homework problem. Participation as well as your final presentation and handout will make up 20% of your term grade.

  Here are the components of the term grade with their weights:

  Component Weight Tests 25% x 2 = 50% Homework & Quizzes 35% Participation & Presentaion 15%

  Differences between 4720 and 5210: This course is dual listed with MAT 4720. We have the same meeting times. However, your exams will include extra problems (most likely given as additional take-home portions of the exam) and most homework assignments will include additional problems just for 5210 students. In addition, your presentations and presentation handouts will be held to a higher standard. (Don't you feel special?)

  Attendance: Don't miss class. If you miss class, you are responsible for the material covered during your absence. If you miss a quiz, test/exam, or workshop, you must bring in documentation proving that your absence is excusable or otherwise receive a zero. If a make-up quiz/test/exam is granted, it must be made up before the next quiz/test/exam.

  Help! If you need help, please come to my office hours. If you are in Walker Hall and my office door is open, please feel free to stop by and ask questions – even if it's not during my posted office hours.

  Fine Print: Copies of the academic integrity code, disability services information, religious observance policies can be found at https://academicaffairs.appstate.edu/resources/syllabi-policy-and-statement-information.