The theory of algebraic groups results from the interaction of various basic techniques from field theory, multilinear algebra, commutative ring theory, algebraic geometry and general algebraic representation theory of groups and Lie algebras. It is thus an ideally suitable framework for exhibiting basic algebra in action. To do that is the principal concern of this text. Accordingly, its emphasis is on developing the major general mathematical tools used for gaining control over algebraic groups, rather than on securing the final definitive results, such as the classification of the simple...