Introduction to Algebra

Developed to meet the needs of modern students, this Second Edition of the classic algebra text by Peter Cameron covers all the abstract algebra an undergraduate student is likely to need. Starting with an introductory overview of numbers, sets and functions, matrices, polynomials, and modular arithmetic, the text then introduces the most important algebraic structures: groups, rings and fields, and their properties. This is followed by coverage of vector spaces and modules with applications to abelian groups and canonical forms before returning to the construction of the number systems, including the existence of transcendental numbers. The final chapters take the reader further into the theory of groups, rings and fields, coding theory, and Galois theory. With over 300 exercises, and web-based solutions, this is an ideal introductory text for Year 1 and 2 undergraduate students in mathematics.

Peter Cameron has taught mathematics at Oxford University and Queen Mary, University of London, with shorter spells at other institutions. He has received the Junior Whitehead Prize of the London Mathematical Society, and the Euler Medal of the Institute of Combinatorics and its Applications, and is currently chair of the British Combinatorial Committee.