MATH 431 Abstract Algebra II
Instructor: Christian Haesemeyer
Office: SEO 516
phone: 312-996-2440
Office hours: Mo11-12 We9-10 Th2-3.
Math Learning Center hours:Mo5-6 Tu4-6 We11-12 Fr5-6 in the MLC, 430 SEO

Time and Location:
  • MWF 10:00am, 215 Taft Hall.


  • Review Problems: Those are here. Please take a look.
    • Syllabus and assignments:
  • Week 1. Introduction and overview. Group actions. Please read Chapter 29 in the book. Supplementary reading: Section 9 up to and including Theorem 9.18 in the notes.
  • Homework 1, to be turned in January 23: from the book Chapter 22, problems 7 and 18; Chapter 7, problems 15 and 33.
  • Week 2. Group actions, continued. Read the rest of Section 9 in the notes.
  • Homework 2, to be turned in February 1: Chapter 29, problems 1, 13, and 14.
  • Week 3. Sylow Theorems. Please read Chapter 24 in the book and Section 10 in the notes.
  • Homework 3, to be turned in February 8: Chapter 24, problems 6, 8, 12.
  • Week 4. Solvable and simple groups. Please read Chapter 25 in the book and Section 11 in the notes.
  • Homework 4, to be turned in February 15: Chapter 25, problems 2,4,18,22.
  • Week 5. More simple groups.
  • Here you can find the first midterm exam. It was due February 20.
  • Week 6. Fields. Please read chapters 19-22 in the book.
  • Homework 5, to be turned in Monday, March 3: Chapter 20, problems 2,4,8,14.
  • Week 7. More fields.
  • Homework 6, to be turned in Friday, March 7: Chapter 20, problems 20 and 32.
  • Week 8: Finite fields. Please read chapter 22 in the book.
  • Homework 7, to be turned in Friday, March 14: Chapter 21, problems 10,18,21,22.
  • Week 9: Galois Theory. Please read the first part ("Fundamental Theorem of Galois Theory") of chapter 32 in the book, and have a look at sections 16--20 in the notes.
  • Homework 8, to be turned in Friday, March 21: Chapter 21, problems 6,16,28.
  • Homework 9, to be turned in Friday, April 4: Chapter 32, problems 2,4,6.
  • Here is the second midterm exam. It was due April 9.
  • Homework 10, to be turned in Wednesday, April 30: Chapter 32, problems 16, 17, 18, 20.
  • In the future: More Galois theory. Applications to solvability of equations and constructions with ruler and compass.

    • Literature:
  • We are going to (continue to) use: J. Gallian, Contemporary Abstract Algebra, Sixth Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston 2006. In addition, here are some typed notes of mine (pdf file) for an undergraduate algebra course I taught before; they may give a different point of view on some of the material covered in 431 (and also in 330.)

    • Grading Policy:
    There will be weekly homework assignements, to be handed in in class on Fridays. Late homework will not be accepted; the two lowest scores will be dropped. There will also be two midterm exams, and a final exam. The homework will account for 20% of the grade, as will each of the midterms; the final will contribute the remaining 40%.