Course on Finite Groups

A Course on Finite Groups introduces the fundamentals of group theory to advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students. Based on a series of lecture courses developed by the author over many years, the book starts with the basic definitions and examples and develops the theory to the point where a number of classic theorems can be proved. The topics covered include: Lagrange's theorem; group constructions; homomorphisms and isomorphisms; actions; Sylow theory, products and Abelian groups; series, and nilpotent and soluble groups; and an introduction to the classification of the finite simple groups. A number of groups are described in detail and the reader is encouraged to work with one of the many computer algebra packages available to construct and experience "e;actual"e; groups for themselves in order to develop a deeper understanding of the theory and the significance of the theorems. Numerous exercises, of varying levels of difficulty, help to test understanding.