The study of abstract algebra grew out of an interest in knowing how attributes of sets of mathematical objects behave when one or more properties we associate with real numbers are restricted. The student will begin this course by reviewing basic set theory, integers, and functions in order to understand how algebraic operations arise and are used. The student then will proceed to the heart of the course, which is an exploration of the fundamentals of groups, rings, and fields. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: Describe and generate groups, rings, and fields; Relate abstract algebraic constructs to more familiar number sets and operations and see from where the constructs derive; Identify examples of specific constructs; Identify and differentiate between different structures and understand how changing properties give rise to new structures; Explain the theory behind relations and functions and identify domains and images of functions, based on the structures given; Explain how functions may relate seemingly dissimilar structures to each other and how knowing properties of one structure allows us to know the same properties in the related structure, if certain functions exist between them. (Mathematics 231)

Introduction to urban form and design, focusing on the physical, historical, and social form of cities. Selected cities are analyzed, drawn, and compared, to develop a working understanding of urban and architectural form. The development of map making and urban representation is discussed, and use of the computer is required. Special focus on the historical development of the selected cities, especially mid-nineteenth and mid-twentieth century periods of expansion. Readings on urban design theory in the twentieth century and a weekly discussion/seminar on them. Methods class for S.M.Arch.S. students in Architecture and Urbanism.

Linear Algebra is both rich in theory and full of interesting applications; in this course the student will try to balance both. This course includes a review of topics learned in Linear Algebra I. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: Solve systems of linear equations; Define the abstract notions of vector space and inner product space; State examples of vector spaces; Diagonalize a matrix; Formulate what a system of linear equations is in terms of matrices; Give an example of a space that has the Archimedian property; Use the Euclidean algorithm to find the greatest common divisor; Understand polar form and geometric interpretation of the complex numbers; Explain what the fundamental theorem of algebra states; Determine when two matrices are row equivalent; State the Fredholm alternative; Identify matrices that are in row reduced echelon form; Find a LU factorization for a given matrix; Find a PLU factorization for a given matrix; Find a QR factorization for a given matrix; Use the simplex algorithm; Compute eigenvalues and eigenvectors; State Shur's Theorem; Define normal matrices; Explain the composition and the inversion of permutations; Define and compute the determinant; Explain when eigenvalues exist for a given operator; Normal form of a nilpotent operator; Understand the idea of Jordan blocks, Jordan matrices, and the Jordan form of a matrix; Define quadratic forms; State the second derivative test; Define eigenvectors and eigenvalues; Define a vector space and state its properties; State the notions of linear span, linear independence, and the basis of a vector space; Understand the ideas of linear independence, spanning set, basis, and dimension; Define a linear transformation; State the properties of linear transformations; Define the characteristic polynomial of a matrix; Define a Markov matrix; State what it means to have the property of being a stochastic matrix; Define a normed vector space; Apply the Cauchy Schwarz inequality; State the Riesz representation theorem; State what it means for a nxn matrix to be diagonalizable; Define Hermitian operators; Define a Hilbert space; Prove the Cayley Hamilton theorem; Define the adjoint of an operator; Define normal operators; State the spectral theorem; Understand how to find the singular-value decomposition of an operator; Define the notion of length for abstract vectors in abstract vector spaces; Define orthogonal vectors; Define orthogonal and orthonormal subsets of R^n; Use the Gram-Schmidt process; Find the eigenvalues and the eigenvectors of a given matrix numerically; Provide an explicit description of the Power Method. (Mathematics 212)

The following unit is designed to acquaint the student with the magnetic field. The assumed average student has some familiarity with the uniform gravitational field of classical Newtonian dynamics and kinematics lessons. This is not required however. The unit is meant to introduce the idea of a field through investigations of magnetic fields as produced by various common magnetic materials and direct currents. The difference between a magnetic field and a gravitational field is that a gravitational field, in the experience of a student, always points downward and is always of the same strength (9.8 m/s2). Magnetic fields are not limited to one direction or strength, in the student's experience. That is, all students are assumed to have noticed that some magnets are stronger than others. Further, all students will know, by the mid-point of this unit, that magnetic fields are inherently loop shaped. One important similarity does exist between the magnetic field of the earth and the gravitational field of the earth: both are mysteriously produced by the same object. Thus, these two fields are easily confused in the mind of the student, and are subject to 'common sense' interpretations that may be at odds with scientific explanation. The 'common sense' interpretations can be hard to modify. Indeed, students are likely to speak as if all magnetic interactions are attractive (e.g., 'the magnetic personality') even though they also know from experience that it is hard to force opposite poles of different magnets together.