Course contents document · University · generated 2026-07-15

Abstract Algebra

9 core topics + 18 prerequisite topics taught as needed · approximately 7 hours of instruction including spaced review

How the course runs

An adaptive diagnostic (up to 40 questions) places the student on the course's knowledge graph — topics already known are credited, and instruction begins exactly at the learning frontier. Every topic is taught with a worked-example lesson and auto-graded practice; a topic is mastered at 75%+ and then maintained through spaced reviews on an expanding schedule. A cumulative quiz follows every 6 lessons. Prerequisite gaps below the course are detected and taught rather than skipped, so completion certifies the whole tower, not just the top.

Core curriculum

Abstract Algebra · 9 topics

Binary Operations [M] A rule combining two elements into one — the raw material of algebra.
Groups & the Axioms [M] Closure, associativity, identity, inverses.
Order of an Element [H] How many steps until you cycle back to the identity.
Cyclic Groups & Generators [H] One element whose powers sweep out the whole group.
Subgroups & Lagrange's Theorem [H] A subgroup's size always divides the group's size.
Permutation Groups [H] Shuffles compose; disjoint cycle lengths give the order.
Homomorphisms & Kernels [H] Structure-preserving maps; the kernel measures collapse.
Rings & Zero Divisors [H] Two operations at once — and multiplication can misbehave.
Fields & Inverses mod p [H] Every nonzero element divides: arithmetic works perfectly mod p.

Prerequisite material — taught automatically when the diagnostic finds gaps

Arithmetic Foundations · 7 topics
Adding & Subtracting Whole Numbers Multi-digit addition and subtraction.
Multiplication Multiplying whole numbers.
Division Dividing whole numbers.
Order of Operations Parentheses first, then multiplication/division, then addition/subtraction.
Negative Numbers: Adding & Subtracting Working with numbers below zero on the number line.
Negative Numbers: Multiplying & Dividing Sign rules for products and quotients.
Exponents Repeated multiplication in shorthand.
Expressions & Equations · 1 topics
Evaluating Expressions Substituting a value for a variable.
Functions & Algebra II · 1 topics
Function Notation & Evaluation Reading f(x) notation and plugging in inputs.
Math Olympiad: MOEMS & AMC 8 · 3 topics
Modular Arithmetic Working with remainders directly.
Permutations Ordered arrangements.
Combinations Unordered selections: n choose k.
Discrete Mathematics · 6 topics
Propositional Logic T/F values combined with AND, OR, NOT, and IMPLIES.
Set Operations Union, intersection, difference — and inclusion–exclusion.
Functions Between Finite Sets Counting maps: every input independently picks an output.
The Product & Sum Rules Multiply independent stages; add exclusive alternatives.
Permutations & Combinations Ordered vs. unordered selections.
Modular Arithmetic Arithmetic on remainders.

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