MATH 5331
Algebra I
An introductory graduate level course on the basic structures and methods of algebra. Detailed survey of group theory including the Sylow theorems and the structure of finitely generated Abelian groups, followed by a study of basic ring theory and the Galois theory of fields. Math 5031 and Math 5032 form the basis for the Ph.D. qualifying exam in algebra. Prerequisite: Math 430 or the equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
Instructors
Carl Lian, Martha Precup, Matthew Kerr, Roya Beheshti Zavareh, Wanlin Li
Reviews
As previous comments mentioned, this class has around 16 students, only 3 of whom were in A range. He didn't curve anyone. He didn't care about his students at all.
12/22/2025
Imagine a course where ambiguity is the curriculum: stakes high, and you're guilty until proven otherwise. You learn resilience and self-study because lecture rarely yields clarity. Exams read like another class; grading is strict and partial credit is metaphysical. If you already know the material, you'll do fine. By definition, this is Carl Lian.
12/22/2025
Carl did this thing where he tried to write on the board as fast as he possibly could and also never stop for questions. He told me that "you aren't meant to be able to solve all of the homework problems" and that "In Germany they just take one exam per year but if you fail its ok because university is free." We unfortunately don't live in Germany.
12/22/2025
As the previous comment mentioned, if you haven't taken this course before, earning an A is nearly impossible. Even some students in the top 25% of the class would not have received an A-, much less an A. The grading criteria are unclear, and the workload is heavy even compared to other graduate courses.
12/21/2025
He's the worst professor in this department. He used other professor's notes but didn't follow the order and even notations. It's impossible for you to get an A in his course if you've not been familiar with the subject before.
12/19/2025
I've been studying here for over three years. Based on my experience, I'd suggest avoiding him. He's been the worst professor I've dealt with in our math department.
12/19/2025
Prof. Kerr is very nice, the lecture note for this class is super detailed and done in legible LaTex (note that this doesn't seem to be the case in other classes). The lecture doesn't skip every step of the proof, so its really hard to catch up. Honestly, the grading is very generous, and if you work hard, you'll get the grade you deserve.
12/18/2024
Excellent lecturer. Clearly understands material and is able to effectively communicate it. Homework and exams is challenging but certainly doable. Accessible outside of class.
1/26/2021