BSc Computer Science and Mathematics / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Algebraic Geometry

Course unit fact file
Unit code MATH32062
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 3
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Offered by Department of Mathematics
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

Algebraic geometry studies objects called varieties defined by polynomial equations. A very simple example is the hyperbola defined by the equation xy = 1 in the plane. There is a way of associating rings to varieties, and then the geometric properties can be studied using algebra, for example points correspond to maximal ideals, or the geometry of the variety can give information about certain algebraic properties of the ring. Algebraic geometry originated in nineteenth century Italy, but it is still a very active area of research. It has close connections with algebra, number theory, topology, differential geometry and complex analysis.

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title Unit code Requirement type Description
Linear Algebra A MATH10202 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
Linear Algebra B MATH10212 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
Algebraic Structures 2 MATH20212 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
MATH32062 pre-requsites

Aims

To introduce students to the basic notions of affine and projective algebraic geometry.

Learning outcomes

Successful students will be able to:

  • define the basic concepts of algebraic geometry,
  • prove the main theorems about the properties of algebraic varieties, morphisms and rational maps between them, and the correspondence between algebraic varieties and ideals, rings and fields,
  • define the tangent space to an affine algebraic variety at a point, prove its properties and calculate the dimension and the singular locus of affine algebraic varieties by using tangent spaces,
  • apply the concepts and theorems of algebraic geometry in concrete examples,
  • prove properties of the automorphism groups of projective spaces and calculate explicit automorphisms of P1 by using the cross ratio,
  • define elliptic curves and the addition operation on them, and prove properties of elliptic curves and the addition operation,
  • carry out calculations involving elliptic curves.

 

Syllabus

1. Affine varieties, Hilbert's Nullstellensatz

2. Co-ordinate rings, function fields, morphisms and rational maps between affine varieties.

3. Tangent spaces and dimension.

4.  Projective spaces and varieties.

5. Geometry in the plane.

6. Elliptic curves.

 

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Other 20%
Written exam 80%
  • Coursework: 20% (one take home test worth 20%)
  • End of semester examination: 80%.

Feedback methods

Feedback tutorials will provide an opportunity for students' work to be discussed and provide feedback on their understanding.  Coursework or in-class tests (where applicable) also provide an opportunity for students to receive feedback.  Students can also get feedback on their understanding directly from the lecturer, for example during the lecturer's office hour.

Recommended reading

M. Reid, Undergraduate Algebraic Geometry, CUP, 1988,

K. Hulek, Elementary algebraic geometry AMS, 2003.

D. A. Cox, D. O'Shea and J. Little, Ideals, Varieties and Algorithms, Springer, 2015. (Ebook is available via the library website and earlier editions are also suitable.)

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 12
Tutorials 12
Independent study hours
Independent study 76

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Gabor Megyesi Unit coordinator

Additional notes

The independent study hours will normally comprise the following. During each week of the taught part of the semester:
 
•         You will normally have approximately 60-75 minutes of video content. Normally you would spend approximately 2-2.5 hrs per week studying this content independently
•         You will normally have exercise or problem sheets, on which you might spend approximately 1.5hrs per week
•         There may be other tasks assigned to you on Blackboard, for example short quizzes or short-answer formative exercises
•         In some weeks you may be preparing coursework or revising for mid-semester tests
 
Together with the timetabled classes, you should be spending approximately 6 hours per week on this course unit.
The remaining independent study time comprises revision for and taking the end-of-semester assessment.
 
The above times are indicative only and may vary depending on the week and the course unit. More information can be found on the course unit’s Blackboard page.

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