The purpose of this book is to provide a concise yet detailed account of fundamental concepts in modern algebra. The target audience for this book is first-year graduate students in mathematics, though the first two chapters are probably accessible to well-prepared undergraduates. The book covers a broad range of topics in modern algebra and includes chapters on groups, rings, modules, algebraic extension fields, and finite fields. Each chapter begins with an overview which provides a road map for the reader showing what material will be covered. At the end of each chapter we collect exercises which review and reinforce the material in the corresponding sections. These exercises range from straightforward applications of the material to problems designed to challenge the reader. We also include a list of "Questions for Further Study" which pose problems suitable for master's degree research projects.
