57091 Algebra for High School Teachers, Stark, Fall 2008 - Spring 2009

This course is offered in support of our Master's program for secondary teachers and it will become one of the core courses for the program. This is a gentle introduction into modern algebra with an emphasis on connections to high-school curriculum, problem-solving, examples, and applications. The topics covered may include:
• Induction (Fibonacci numbers and Hanoi Towers)
• Newton's Binomial Formula
• Complex Numbers and Trigonometry (De Moivre's Theorem, complex exponentiation, Euler's Theorem, roots of unity), Quaternions and Octonians
• Integers and Divisibility, Congruences (Fermat's Little Theorem, Wilson's Theorem, Chinese Remainder Theorem, Dates and Days)
• Error-Correcting Codes, Primality Testing, Introduction into Public-Key Cryptology
• Introduction into Group Theory (symmetry and groups of motion, permutations, integers mod m),
• Introduction into Ring Theory (integers mod m and polynomials; irreducible polynomials)
• Geometric Constructions
• Fields (definition and examples)

Jenya Soprunova, soprunova@math.kent.edu
Telephone: (330)672-9086
FAX: (330)672-2209

Mondays (5:05-7:35) Rm 306 Main Hall: Nov 10, 17, 24; Dec 1, 8, 15; Jan 12, 26; Feb 2, 9, 16
Saturdays: (9:30-12:15) Rm 007 Library: Nov 22, Dec 13, Jan 24, Feb 7

Handout
Statement on academic dishonesty