1-Torsion of finite modules over semiperfect rings

We initiate the study of 1-torsion of finite modules over two-sided noetherian semiperfect rings. In particular, we give a criterion for determining when the 1-torsion submodule contains minimal generators of the module. We also provide an explicit construction for a projective cover of the submodule generated by the torsion elements in the top of the module. Some of the obtained results hold without the noetherian assumption. We also give several applications to local algebra.