Help picking/distinguishing these two algebra courses [closed]
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I have the option of taking one or both of these classes, but I am unfamiliar with algebra and don't know the difference between the following two courses based on their descriptions:
MATH 578. Algebraic Structures. 3 Credits. (NOTE: taught by a very well regarded professor)
Permutation groups, matrix groups, groups of linear transformations, symmetry groups; finite abelian groups. Residue class rings, algebra of matrices, linear maps, and polynomials. Real and complex numbers, rational functions, quadratic fields, finite fields. (prerequisite is linear algebra/textbook is "First Course in Abstract Algebra" by Fraliegh)
MATH 534. Elements of Modern Algebra. 3 Credits. (NOTE: taught by a professor with mixed reviews)
Binary operations, groups, subgroups, cosets, quotient groups, rings, polynomials. (prerequisite is discrete math/intro to proofs/textbook is "Abstract Algebra" by Beachy)
What course would you rather take/what course would you think is more useful and a better introduction into the world of algebra? Or would taking them both be ideal?
Thank you so much!
abstract-algebra
asked Nov 18 at 11:51
Alex McEntarffer
91
closed as off-topic by José Carlos Santos, Lord Shark the Unknown, Leucippus, max_zorn, Zvi Nov 19 at 18:42
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Seeking personal advice. Questions about choosing a course, academic program, career path, etc. are off-topic. Such questions should be directed to those employed by the institution in question, or other qualified individuals who know your specific circumstances." – José Carlos Santos, Lord Shark the Unknown, Leucippus, max_zorn, Zvi
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
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up vote
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I have the option of taking one or both of these classes, but I am unfamiliar with algebra and don't know the difference between the following two courses based on their descriptions:
MATH 578. Algebraic Structures. 3 Credits. (NOTE: taught by a very well regarded professor)
Permutation groups, matrix groups, groups of linear transformations, symmetry groups; finite abelian groups. Residue class rings, algebra of matrices, linear maps, and polynomials. Real and complex numbers, rational functions, quadratic fields, finite fields. (prerequisite is linear algebra/textbook is "First Course in Abstract Algebra" by Fraliegh)
MATH 534. Elements of Modern Algebra. 3 Credits. (NOTE: taught by a professor with mixed reviews)
Binary operations, groups, subgroups, cosets, quotient groups, rings, polynomials. (prerequisite is discrete math/intro to proofs/textbook is "Abstract Algebra" by Beachy)
What course would you rather take/what course would you think is more useful and a better introduction into the world of algebra? Or would taking them both be ideal?
Thank you so much!
abstract-algebra
asked Nov 18 at 11:51
Alex McEntarffer
91
closed as off-topic by José Carlos Santos, Lord Shark the Unknown, Leucippus, max_zorn, Zvi Nov 19 at 18:42
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Seeking personal advice. Questions about choosing a course, academic program, career path, etc. are off-topic. Such questions should be directed to those employed by the institution in question, or other qualified individuals who know your specific circumstances." – José Carlos Santos, Lord Shark the Unknown, Leucippus, max_zorn, Zvi
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
I included the names of the books in parenthesis after their description. For the first course we use Fraleigh's "First Course in Abstract Algebra" and for the second course the textbook is "Abstract Algebra" by Beachy. I have no exposure to abstract algebra, it'll be my first pure math course (excluding the entry level proof course I took).
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:05
Are you a graduate student that needs to quickly catch up to graduate algebra, or an undergraduate? I'm familiar with Fraleigh's book and just looked at the table of contents (via amazon) of Beachy's book, and frankly I can't tell why there would be different numbered courses simultaneously offered using these books. It's quite possible that the difference in the courses has to do with how deeply the texts are covered and/or supplemented, and if so, unless you give the university (which you may not wish to do) and someone here is familiar with their courses, we may not be able to help much.
– Dave L. Renfro
Nov 18 at 12:11
It also depends on whether you plan on going to graduate school, and how well you've adapted to any previous proof-based courses. I will say that for someone who has never had any abstract algebra before, Fraleigh's book is a very gentle introduction that gives a lot of explanatory motivation to the student.
– Dave L. Renfro
Nov 18 at 12:15
I am currently an undergraduate. I will be taking this course next semester, during my sophomore year at UNC Chapel Hill. I thought they sounded awfully similar, I just don't know enough about the subject to be able to differentiate which one would be a better introduction to the subject.
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:15
Thank you so much for the help! I do plan on going to graduate school for math, but thus far have only taken applied math courses (calc1-3, linear, ode's, numerical techniques, and a course about Laplace and Fourier, very soft intro to PDEs and complex analysis)
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:18
|
show 4 more comments
up vote
0
down vote
favorite
up vote
0
down vote
favorite
I have the option of taking one or both of these classes, but I am unfamiliar with algebra and don't know the difference between the following two courses based on their descriptions:
MATH 578. Algebraic Structures. 3 Credits. (NOTE: taught by a very well regarded professor)
Permutation groups, matrix groups, groups of linear transformations, symmetry groups; finite abelian groups. Residue class rings, algebra of matrices, linear maps, and polynomials. Real and complex numbers, rational functions, quadratic fields, finite fields. (prerequisite is linear algebra/textbook is "First Course in Abstract Algebra" by Fraliegh)
MATH 534. Elements of Modern Algebra. 3 Credits. (NOTE: taught by a professor with mixed reviews)
Binary operations, groups, subgroups, cosets, quotient groups, rings, polynomials. (prerequisite is discrete math/intro to proofs/textbook is "Abstract Algebra" by Beachy)
What course would you rather take/what course would you think is more useful and a better introduction into the world of algebra? Or would taking them both be ideal?
Thank you so much!
abstract-algebra
asked Nov 18 at 11:51
Alex McEntarffer
91
I have the option of taking one or both of these classes, but I am unfamiliar with algebra and don't know the difference between the following two courses based on their descriptions:
MATH 578. Algebraic Structures. 3 Credits. (NOTE: taught by a very well regarded professor)
Permutation groups, matrix groups, groups of linear transformations, symmetry groups; finite abelian groups. Residue class rings, algebra of matrices, linear maps, and polynomials. Real and complex numbers, rational functions, quadratic fields, finite fields. (prerequisite is linear algebra/textbook is "First Course in Abstract Algebra" by Fraliegh)
MATH 534. Elements of Modern Algebra. 3 Credits. (NOTE: taught by a professor with mixed reviews)
Binary operations, groups, subgroups, cosets, quotient groups, rings, polynomials. (prerequisite is discrete math/intro to proofs/textbook is "Abstract Algebra" by Beachy)
What course would you rather take/what course would you think is more useful and a better introduction into the world of algebra? Or would taking them both be ideal?
Thank you so much!
abstract-algebra
abstract-algebra
asked Nov 18 at 11:51
Alex McEntarffer
91
asked Nov 18 at 11:51
Alex McEntarffer
91
asked Nov 18 at 11:51
Alex McEntarffer
91
asked Nov 18 at 11:51
Alex McEntarffer
91
asked Nov 18 at 11:51
Alex McEntarffer
91
91
closed as off-topic by José Carlos Santos, Lord Shark the Unknown, Leucippus, max_zorn, Zvi Nov 19 at 18:42
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Seeking personal advice. Questions about choosing a course, academic program, career path, etc. are off-topic. Such questions should be directed to those employed by the institution in question, or other qualified individuals who know your specific circumstances." – José Carlos Santos, Lord Shark the Unknown, Leucippus, max_zorn, Zvi
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
closed as off-topic by José Carlos Santos, Lord Shark the Unknown, Leucippus, max_zorn, Zvi Nov 19 at 18:42
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Seeking personal advice. Questions about choosing a course, academic program, career path, etc. are off-topic. Such questions should be directed to those employed by the institution in question, or other qualified individuals who know your specific circumstances." – José Carlos Santos, Lord Shark the Unknown, Leucippus, max_zorn, Zvi
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
I included the names of the books in parenthesis after their description. For the first course we use Fraleigh's "First Course in Abstract Algebra" and for the second course the textbook is "Abstract Algebra" by Beachy. I have no exposure to abstract algebra, it'll be my first pure math course (excluding the entry level proof course I took).
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:05
Are you a graduate student that needs to quickly catch up to graduate algebra, or an undergraduate? I'm familiar with Fraleigh's book and just looked at the table of contents (via amazon) of Beachy's book, and frankly I can't tell why there would be different numbered courses simultaneously offered using these books. It's quite possible that the difference in the courses has to do with how deeply the texts are covered and/or supplemented, and if so, unless you give the university (which you may not wish to do) and someone here is familiar with their courses, we may not be able to help much.
– Dave L. Renfro
Nov 18 at 12:11
It also depends on whether you plan on going to graduate school, and how well you've adapted to any previous proof-based courses. I will say that for someone who has never had any abstract algebra before, Fraleigh's book is a very gentle introduction that gives a lot of explanatory motivation to the student.
– Dave L. Renfro
Nov 18 at 12:15
I am currently an undergraduate. I will be taking this course next semester, during my sophomore year at UNC Chapel Hill. I thought they sounded awfully similar, I just don't know enough about the subject to be able to differentiate which one would be a better introduction to the subject.
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:15
Thank you so much for the help! I do plan on going to graduate school for math, but thus far have only taken applied math courses (calc1-3, linear, ode's, numerical techniques, and a course about Laplace and Fourier, very soft intro to PDEs and complex analysis)
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:18
|
show 4 more comments
I included the names of the books in parenthesis after their description. For the first course we use Fraleigh's "First Course in Abstract Algebra" and for the second course the textbook is "Abstract Algebra" by Beachy. I have no exposure to abstract algebra, it'll be my first pure math course (excluding the entry level proof course I took).
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:05
Are you a graduate student that needs to quickly catch up to graduate algebra, or an undergraduate? I'm familiar with Fraleigh's book and just looked at the table of contents (via amazon) of Beachy's book, and frankly I can't tell why there would be different numbered courses simultaneously offered using these books. It's quite possible that the difference in the courses has to do with how deeply the texts are covered and/or supplemented, and if so, unless you give the university (which you may not wish to do) and someone here is familiar with their courses, we may not be able to help much.
– Dave L. Renfro
Nov 18 at 12:11
It also depends on whether you plan on going to graduate school, and how well you've adapted to any previous proof-based courses. I will say that for someone who has never had any abstract algebra before, Fraleigh's book is a very gentle introduction that gives a lot of explanatory motivation to the student.
– Dave L. Renfro
Nov 18 at 12:15
I am currently an undergraduate. I will be taking this course next semester, during my sophomore year at UNC Chapel Hill. I thought they sounded awfully similar, I just don't know enough about the subject to be able to differentiate which one would be a better introduction to the subject.
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:15
Thank you so much for the help! I do plan on going to graduate school for math, but thus far have only taken applied math courses (calc1-3, linear, ode's, numerical techniques, and a course about Laplace and Fourier, very soft intro to PDEs and complex analysis)
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:18
I included the names of the books in parenthesis after their description. For the first course we use Fraleigh's "First Course in Abstract Algebra" and for the second course the textbook is "Abstract Algebra" by Beachy. I have no exposure to abstract algebra, it'll be my first pure math course (excluding the entry level proof course I took).
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:05
I included the names of the books in parenthesis after their description. For the first course we use Fraleigh's "First Course in Abstract Algebra" and for the second course the textbook is "Abstract Algebra" by Beachy. I have no exposure to abstract algebra, it'll be my first pure math course (excluding the entry level proof course I took).
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:05
Are you a graduate student that needs to quickly catch up to graduate algebra, or an undergraduate? I'm familiar with Fraleigh's book and just looked at the table of contents (via amazon) of Beachy's book, and frankly I can't tell why there would be different numbered courses simultaneously offered using these books. It's quite possible that the difference in the courses has to do with how deeply the texts are covered and/or supplemented, and if so, unless you give the university (which you may not wish to do) and someone here is familiar with their courses, we may not be able to help much.
– Dave L. Renfro
Nov 18 at 12:11
Are you a graduate student that needs to quickly catch up to graduate algebra, or an undergraduate? I'm familiar with Fraleigh's book and just looked at the table of contents (via amazon) of Beachy's book, and frankly I can't tell why there would be different numbered courses simultaneously offered using these books. It's quite possible that the difference in the courses has to do with how deeply the texts are covered and/or supplemented, and if so, unless you give the university (which you may not wish to do) and someone here is familiar with their courses, we may not be able to help much.
– Dave L. Renfro
Nov 18 at 12:11
It also depends on whether you plan on going to graduate school, and how well you've adapted to any previous proof-based courses. I will say that for someone who has never had any abstract algebra before, Fraleigh's book is a very gentle introduction that gives a lot of explanatory motivation to the student.
– Dave L. Renfro
Nov 18 at 12:15
It also depends on whether you plan on going to graduate school, and how well you've adapted to any previous proof-based courses. I will say that for someone who has never had any abstract algebra before, Fraleigh's book is a very gentle introduction that gives a lot of explanatory motivation to the student.
– Dave L. Renfro
Nov 18 at 12:15
I am currently an undergraduate. I will be taking this course next semester, during my sophomore year at UNC Chapel Hill. I thought they sounded awfully similar, I just don't know enough about the subject to be able to differentiate which one would be a better introduction to the subject.
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:15
I am currently an undergraduate. I will be taking this course next semester, during my sophomore year at UNC Chapel Hill. I thought they sounded awfully similar, I just don't know enough about the subject to be able to differentiate which one would be a better introduction to the subject.
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:15
Thank you so much for the help! I do plan on going to graduate school for math, but thus far have only taken applied math courses (calc1-3, linear, ode's, numerical techniques, and a course about Laplace and Fourier, very soft intro to PDEs and complex analysis)
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:18
Thank you so much for the help! I do plan on going to graduate school for math, but thus far have only taken applied math courses (calc1-3, linear, ode's, numerical techniques, and a course about Laplace and Fourier, very soft intro to PDEs and complex analysis)
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:18
|
show 4 more comments
1 Answer
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I would take $578$ unless the other one is prerequisite for it in which case I take both.
$578$ sounds like a real solid higher algebra course which jumps into concepts right away and covers many important topics.
answered Nov 18 at 11:57
Mohammad Riazi-Kermani
40.3k41958
add a comment |
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
1
down vote
I would take $578$ unless the other one is prerequisite for it in which case I take both.
$578$ sounds like a real solid higher algebra course which jumps into concepts right away and covers many important topics.
answered Nov 18 at 11:57
Mohammad Riazi-Kermani
40.3k41958
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
I would take $578$ unless the other one is prerequisite for it in which case I take both.
$578$ sounds like a real solid higher algebra course which jumps into concepts right away and covers many important topics.
answered Nov 18 at 11:57
Mohammad Riazi-Kermani
40.3k41958
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
I would take $578$ unless the other one is prerequisite for it in which case I take both.
$578$ sounds like a real solid higher algebra course which jumps into concepts right away and covers many important topics.
answered Nov 18 at 11:57
Mohammad Riazi-Kermani
40.3k41958
I would take $578$ unless the other one is prerequisite for it in which case I take both.
$578$ sounds like a real solid higher algebra course which jumps into concepts right away and covers many important topics.
answered Nov 18 at 11:57
Mohammad Riazi-Kermani
40.3k41958
answered Nov 18 at 11:57
Mohammad Riazi-Kermani
40.3k41958
answered Nov 18 at 11:57
Mohammad Riazi-Kermani
40.3k41958
answered Nov 18 at 11:57
Mohammad Riazi-Kermani
40.3k41958
40.3k41958
add a comment |
add a comment |
I included the names of the books in parenthesis after their description. For the first course we use Fraleigh's "First Course in Abstract Algebra" and for the second course the textbook is "Abstract Algebra" by Beachy. I have no exposure to abstract algebra, it'll be my first pure math course (excluding the entry level proof course I took).
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:05
Are you a graduate student that needs to quickly catch up to graduate algebra, or an undergraduate? I'm familiar with Fraleigh's book and just looked at the table of contents (via amazon) of Beachy's book, and frankly I can't tell why there would be different numbered courses simultaneously offered using these books. It's quite possible that the difference in the courses has to do with how deeply the texts are covered and/or supplemented, and if so, unless you give the university (which you may not wish to do) and someone here is familiar with their courses, we may not be able to help much.
– Dave L. Renfro
Nov 18 at 12:11
It also depends on whether you plan on going to graduate school, and how well you've adapted to any previous proof-based courses. I will say that for someone who has never had any abstract algebra before, Fraleigh's book is a very gentle introduction that gives a lot of explanatory motivation to the student.
– Dave L. Renfro
Nov 18 at 12:15
I am currently an undergraduate. I will be taking this course next semester, during my sophomore year at UNC Chapel Hill. I thought they sounded awfully similar, I just don't know enough about the subject to be able to differentiate which one would be a better introduction to the subject.
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:15
Thank you so much for the help! I do plan on going to graduate school for math, but thus far have only taken applied math courses (calc1-3, linear, ode's, numerical techniques, and a course about Laplace and Fourier, very soft intro to PDEs and complex analysis)
– Alex McEntarffer
Nov 18 at 12:18