Description
Book SynopsisThis upper undergraduate abstract algebra text covers classical themes on groups, rings and fields in depth, augmented with a strong emphasis on irreducible polynomials, a fresh approach to modules and linear algebra, a fresh take on Gröbner theory, and a group theoretic treatment of Rejewski's deciphering of the Enigma machine.
Trade Review'This is a very good book, which provides an excellent introduction to modern algebra for senior undergraduate or beginning graduate students. The book includes a thorough coverage of the standard topics in the theories of groups, rings, fields, modules and Galois theory, taking a conceptual approach to algebra. For instance, the group theory part focuses on group actions, the ring theory exposition very appropriately stresses unique factorization properties, and the Galois theory part details some rather conceptual applications. Some of the less standard, very interesting topics are also present, including the breaking of the Enigma machine, as well as an in-depth look at division algorithms, including Gröbner bases. The book includes numerous exercises. All in all, a great new algebra text!' Lenny Fukshansky, Claremont McKenna College
'An excellent textbook for an advanced undergraduate or a beginning graduate course on abstract algebra. Includes a lucid discussion of all core topics in group theory, commutative ring theory, Galois theory, and modules over principal ideal domains. I would describe this book as a simplified version of the classical textbook by Dummit and Foote.' Mihran Papikian, Pennsylvania State University
'The 'comprehensive' in the title is no joke: this book walks the reader through a sea of detailed examples and computations in abstract algebra. These, and the exercises, are well thought out and will appeal to the student who likes a very hands-on kind of textbook. The group actions and division algorithms chapters are my personal favourites, as the computational nature of those topics plays to the strengths of the authors.' Nick Gurski, Case Western Reserve University
'This is a great introduction to abstract algebra for graduate students and mathematically mature undergraduates.' Thomas Garrity, Williams College
'Lawrence and Zorzitto's treatment of Abstract Algebra is lucid and thorough. I am particularly pleased to see the inclusion of Gröbner basis theory in a way that is accessible to introductory students, as it makes possible the exploration of polynomial ideals to great depth.' Jeffrey Clark, Elon University
Table of ContentsContents; Preface; 1. A refresher on the integers; 2. A first look at groups; 3. Groups acting on sets; 4. Basics on rings-mostly commutative; 5. Primes and unique factorization; 6. Algebraic field extensions; 7. Applications of galois theory; 8. Modules over principal ideal domains; 9. Division algorithms; Appendix A: Infinite sets.
