Math 101 Graduate Algebra:
Linear and Multilinear Algebra


Term: Fall 2024

Emmy Noether
Lecture (91597)
Inst : Prof. Asher Auel
asher * auel AT dartmouth * edu
Time : Tue Thu 10:10 am - 12:00 pm
X-hour Fri 3:30 - 4:20 pm
Loct : Kemeny 343
Office : Kemeny 339
Phone : None
Office
hours :
Thu 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Fri  3:30 - 4:20 pm
or by appointment
 Course syllabus page.

Description of course: This graduate course in abstract algebra treats the subject of linear and multilinear algebra from an abstract point of view, setting up the theory of modules. Topics include tensor products, symmetric and exterior powers, universal properties, homological algebra, and module theory. Applications include the representation theory of finite groups and commutative algebra.

Expected background: Prior experience with undergraduate abstract algebra is strongly recommended.

Grading: Your grade will be based on class participation, homework, and a final exam.


Group work, honestly: Working with other people on mathematics is highly encouraged and fun. You may work with anyone on your homework problems. If done right, you'll learn the material better and more efficiently working in groups. The golden rule is:
Work with anyone on solving your homework problems,
but write up your final draft by yourself.
Writing up the final draft is as important a process as figuring out the problems on scratch paper with your friends. If you work with people on a particular assignment, you must list your collaborators on the top of the first page. This makes the process fun, transparent, and honest.

External resources: Mathematical writing is very idiosyncratic; if your proofs are copied, it is easy to tell. You will not learn (nor adhere to the Honor Principle) by copying solutions from others, or from external sources such as solutions guides, internet forums, or generative artificial intelligence (GAI) output. If you consult with these resources, you must list your sources, including attaching all source code you use and all GAI session output.

Concerning internet forums (e.g., math.stackexchange), you are free to look at them and use any understanding you've gained from them in your course work, of course, subject to the above rules. Just be warned that these forums often contain incorrect or circuitous solutions, misleading discussions, use of techniques outside of the course material, and other material that may be detrimental to your learning process. Even the time that it takes to repeatedly search for solutions and read through dozens of forum posts could be better spent learning the material on your own or composing a question via email to the instructor.

Concerning GAI (e.g., ChatGPT), you are free to experiment with asking questions, but be warned that these systems are currently still quite bad at deductive reasoning, and that the output may contain a mix of correct, incorrect, and unverified statements. Therefore, I would be very careful with using these tools as learning resources on your own.

Attendance: You are expected to attend class, including required X-hour sessions, in person unless you have made alternative arrangements due to illness, medical reasons, or the need to isolate due to COVID-19. For the health and safety of our class community, please follow Dartmouth's health guidance.

Accommodations: Students requesting disability-related accommodations and services for this course are required to register with Student Accessibility Services and to request that an accommodation email be sent to me in advance of the need for an accommodation. Then, students should follow-up with me to determine relevant details such as what role SAS or its Testing Center may play in accommodation implementation. This process works best for everyone when completed as early in the term as possible. If students have questions about whether they are eligible for accommodations or have concerns about the implementation of their accommodations, they should contact the SAS office. All inquiries and discussions will remain confidential.