BSc Mathematics

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Groups and Geometry

Course unit fact file
Unit code MATH21120
Credit rating 20
Unit level Level 2
Teaching period(s) Full year
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

Groups are abstract algebraic structures which are central to almost every area of modern pure mathematics, and also to many application areas. In geometry, they manifest themselves as the natural way to describe and study symmetry.  The course will provide an introduction to the algebraic theory of groups, and to some of their applications in geometric settings. It will also develop skills in abstract reasoning and mathematical writing, which are essential for later study in pure mathematics and also applicable in other areas. 

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title Unit code Requirement type Description
Linear Algebra MATH11022 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
Mathematical Foundation & Analysis MATH11121 Pre-Requisite Compulsory

Aims

The unit aims (i) to introduce students to fundamental notions of abstract algebra which are central to most of pure mathematics and many applications, (ii) to illustrate how these ideas can be applied in a geometric setting and (iii) to develop the skills students will need for later study in (especially pure) mathematics, such as reasoning about mathematical objects and accurate writing of mathematics proofs and arguments

Learning outcomes

  • Reason accurately about abstractly defined mathematical objects, constructing formal arguments to prove or disprove mathematical statements about the objects introduced in this course and prerequisite courses, and distinguishing between correct and incorrect reasoning.
  • Write mathematics (including proofs) accurately and clearly, making appropriate use of both the English language and mathematical notation.
  • Recognise how abstract structures such as groups can manifest themselves in different settings, and apply knowledge about abstract groups to solve problems in concrete settings where they arise.
  • State the group axioms, identify and calculate with common examples of groups, and determine whether or not a given structure is a group.
  • Define, recognise and reason about basic concepts of group theory (such as groups, subgroups, cosets, conjugacy, homomorphisms, isomorphisms, factor groups, group actions, orbits, stabilisers, fundamental sets/domains and quotient spaces). 
  • State, apply and recall the proofs of some elementary theorems of group theory (such as Lagrange’s Theorem, the First Isomorphism Theorem and the Class Equation) and apply this knowledge in familiar and unseen settings.
  • Define basic geometric concepts of Euclidean space and of the Riemann sphere, and solve elementary problems involving these.
  • Determine which elements are conjugate in a given group using classification theorems, e.g. for symmetric groups, isometries of Euclidean space, or Möbius transformations. Determine explicit conjugators/centralisers.

    

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Written exam 80%
Report 20%

Feedback methods

Generic feedback after exam is marked

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 44
Supervised time in studio/wksp 22
Independent study hours
Independent study 134

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Richard Webb Unit coordinator
Marianne Johnson Unit coordinator
Mark Kambites Unit coordinator

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