MODERN ALGEBRA

Catalog description

Algebra is the study of mathematical manipulations that preserve something (like equality - when solving equations). The areas in which Algebra finds application are quite diverse, from Ancient Greek Geometry through to Modern Information Protection and Security (error correcting codes, data compression, and cryptography). This course begins with topics that should be familiar (such as ruler-and-compass constructions, and modular arithmetic) and builds upon this foundation through polynomial rings up to finite fields and basic group theory. (Cross-listed with MATH 4030 ).