MATM31 Algebraic Structures , 7.5 credits, is an alternative-compulsory course at advanced level for a Bachelor or Master of Science degree in mathematics. The course is given jointly by the departments of mathematics at the Faculty of Science and at the Faculty of Engineering. Also, an extended version of the course can be taken of Ph.D students from both faculties. The course can be taken as an stand-alone course. The language of instruction in English.

The course is given at half-study pace during one half the spring semester. In the upcoming spring semester of 2024 the course is planned to be given in the second half of the semester.

Course Content
The course is an introduction to abstract algebra. The word abstract indicates that one is less interested in the nature of the mathematical objects with which one calculates than in HOW one calculates, i.e. what laws are valid. The purpose is to try to derive results that may be applied in many different concrete situations. It turns out that many of the structures that occur in mathematics belong to one of the categories GROUPS, RINGS and FIELDS, so these are the main objects of study during the course. During the twentieth century the applications of algebra have become more and more common within the engineering sciences. Important fields of applications are coding theory, cryptology and computer science. Algebraic methods also play a major role in modern physics, when one discusses the consequences of symmetries.

Teaching
The teaching consists of lectures and seminars.

Assessment
The course is assessed through a written and an oral examination. An assignment is included in the course MATM31, see official syllabus.

Course Literature

T.W. Hungerford, Abstract Algebra, An Introduction, 3rd edition, International Edition, 2012, ISBN: 978-1-111-57333-1.

Official Course Description

Course Evaluation
Link to course evaluations on the department's website:

Course Evaluations, Mathematics at Faculty of Science