Mathematics 3500: Applied Algebra
Fall 2007
AG 2018, MWF 10-11
Instructor: Bryan Shader
Contact info: Ross 223, 766-6826
Office Hours: M 11-12, W 2-3, F 1-2 and by appointment.
e-mail: bshader@uwyo.edu
Prerequisites:
Grade of C or better in MATH 2250
(Elementary Linear Algebra) and at least
one of 2300 (Discrete Structures)
or 3200 (Polynomials) or 3000 (Fundamental Concepts).
Grading:
- Two in--class exams, 25% each
- Homework, 25%
- Final Exam, 25%
The topics to be covered include:
- Properties of integers and basic Number Theory.
- Parity check schemes.
- Cryptography.
- Coding Theory.
- Permutations and Rigid Motions.
- Elementary Group Theory.
- Latin Squares and their Applications.
Expectations
- Attend class. Many concepts covered are not contained in the book.
- Ask questions. Be curious. Thirst to try to truly understand concepts.
- Although this is not a theory class, you will be expected to know precise definitions and to write proofs. Your definitions and proofs shoulduse correct mathematical terminology and be in complete sentences.
- To study for this course, I suggest that after each class you should carefully rewrite all of your notes (filling in any details that I might have left out), memorize definitions, and understand any proofs presented. Begin working on homework early. You should spend at least 6 hoursper week outside of class.
- After you have solved a homework problem you should rethinkthe problem to see if all of your steps are necessary, and to see if you really understand your solution. Only after you feel you really understand the problem, write the solution in a clear, concise form.
Note: this syllabus may be changed at the discretion of the instructor. Any changes to the syllabus will
be announced in class.