Senate Document Number   1599S

Date of Senate Approval    1/28/99

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Statement of Faculty Senate Action:

Effective Date: Fall, 1999

Change: the courses numbers for MATH 361 "Abstract Algebra I" and MATH 362 "Abstract Algebra II

to: Math 461 and 462 respectively. Keep the same title and course description and insert them on page 173 after the listing for MATH 431.

Change: In the course description for MATH 462, the phrase "Prerequisite: 361." to

"Prerequisite: 461"

Delete: on page 168 under the title "Program in Pure (Theoretical) Mathematics"

Item I. "Required courses in major - ...."

Replace: with the following

I. Required courses in major - 38-39 hours, including: MATH 191, 192, 280, 291, 365, 381, 461, 480, 491 and an additional 12-13 hours chosen from STAT 225 and Mathematics or Statistics courses numbered above 300. These latter hours must include either: one from MATH 366, 462, 492 or the sequence STAT 425-426.

Delete: on page 169, under the heading "Program in Applied Mathematics" in the last line in item I, the phrase "Math 361-362"

Replace: with the following

"Math 461-462"

Delete: on page 168, under the heading "Program in the Teaching of Mathematics"

Item I. "Required courses in major - ...."

Replace: with the following

I. Required courses in major - 39 hours, including: MATH 191, 192, 280, 291, 332, 365, 381, 461, 480, 491, STAT 225, and an additional 6 hours in Mathematics or Statistics courses numbered above 300. These latter hours must include either: one from MATH 366, 462, 492 or the sequence STAT 425-426.

Impact: No impact on other departments or Mathematics Department staffing needs.

Rationale: There is a preferred sequencing of the two required algebra courses, Linear Algebra and Abstract Algebra. Since Linear Algebra is the more applied / foundational course and Abstract Algebra the more theoretical one, Linear Algebra ought to be taken first. The new numbers will reflect this preferred sequencing. The new numbering also places Abstract Algebra with other theoretical courses like Real Analysis and Topology, while Linear Algebra will be grouped with the Applied courses like Differential Equations, Numerical Analysis, and Advanced Calculus.