Math 120A, Fall 2014

Course description

We will study the group axioms, permutation groups, isomorphisms and homomorphisms of groups, quotient groups, and more advanced topics if we have time. Because the subject is rather abstract, definitions and proofs will play a central role in the course.

Homework

Homework exercises will be assigned after each lecture and posted in the schedule below. The homework assigned in a given week will usually be due on the following Tuesday in your discussion section. Late homework will not be accepted. Your lowest homework score will not be used in calculating your grade in the class.

You may collaborate on the homework with other students and seek help from any source. As always, you must credit your collaborators and cite your sources.

Quizzes

Quizzes will usually be given on Tuesday and cover the same topics as the homework due on that day. Make-up quizzes will not be given. Your lowest quiz score will not be used in calculating your grade in the class.

Midterm exam

Sample midterm exam and solutions

Midterm exam (white) and solutions

Midterm exam (yellow) and solutions

Final exam

Sample final exam and solutions

Schedule (subject to change)

Week 1: Week 2: Week 3 (homework set 3 and solutions): Week 4 (homework set 4 and solutions): Week 5 (no homework was assigned this week): Week 6 (homework set 5 and solutions): Week 7 (homework set 6 and solutions): Week 8 (homework set 7 and solutions): Week 9 (homework set 8 and solutions): Week 10 (practice problems and solutions): Week 11:

Grading

Your course grade will be calculated as follows: Grades may be adjusted to bring them closer to the department's recommended grade distribution.