MATHS 720 : Group Theory
Science
2020 Semester One (1203) (15 POINTS)
Course Prescription
Course Overview
This course is intended for students who have enjoyed the axiomatic introduction to modern algebra presented in MATHS 255 / 320 / 328. Here we focus on structural properties, presentations, automorphisms and actions on sets, and illustrating their fundamental role in the study of symmetry, for example in crystal structures in chemistry and physics, topological spaces, and manifolds. We introduce students to some of the major results in the area: for example, the classification of finite simple groups, the building blocks or "atoms" of group theory. We describe some of the fundamental constructions used to build up more complex group structures, including wreath products. A student completing this course will have a good knowledge of the foundations of group theory, its connections and applications, and the challenges it poses.
Capabilities Developed in this Course
| Capability 1: | Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice |
| Capability 2: | Critical Thinking |
| Capability 3: | Solution Seeking |
| Capability 4: | Communication and Engagement |
| Capability 5: | Independence and Integrity |
Learning Outcomes
- Display a high level of knowledge of groups and their properties. (Capability 1 and 2)
- Understand the potential applications and connections to other disciplines. (Capability 1 and 3)
- Display ability to model and solve problems. (Capability 2 and 3)
- Understand the nature of proof and precision in mathematics, present both formally and informally arguments in both verbal and written form. (Capability 2, 4 and 5)
- Critically engage in interactions. (Capability 4 and 5)
Assessments
| Assessment Type | Percentage | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Assignments | 30% | Individual Coursework |
| Final Exam | 70% | Individual Examination |
| 2 types | 100% |
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcome Addressed | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||||||
| Assignments | ||||||||||
| Final Exam | ||||||||||
Each student's final grade for this course is determined by the higher of the two scores obtained by taking 70% of the final exam mark and 30% of the assignment marks total, or 100% of the final exam score. To pass the course, a student must obtain a minimum grade of 35% in the final exam.
Key Topics
Group Actions (1 week)
Sylow Theory (2 weeks)
Finitely presented groups (2 weeks)
Subgroup series (1 week)
Soluble groups (1 week)
Nilpotent groups (1 week)
Finite simple groups (1 week)
Extensions (2 weeks)
Learning Resources
We suggest the following as sensible sources to consult:
Joseph Gallian, Contemporary Abstract Algebra
David Dummit & Richard Foote, Abstract Algebra
Marshall Hall, The Theory of Groups
John Rose, A Course in Group Theory
Joseph Rotman, The Theory of Groups
Workload Expectations
This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.
For this course, you can expect 3 hours of lectures, 5 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 4 hours of work on each assignment.
Digital Resources
Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).
Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.
Copyright
The content and delivery of content in this course are protected by copyright. Material belonging to others may have been used in this course and copied by and solely for the educational purposes of the University under license.
You may copy the course content for the purposes of private study or research, but you may not upload onto any third party site, make a further copy or sell, alter or further reproduce or distribute any part of the course content to another person.
Academic Integrity
The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.
Inclusive Learning
All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.
Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz
Special Circumstances
If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.
If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.
This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.
Student Feedback
During the course Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the staff responsible for the course and staff-student consultative committees.
At the end of the course students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback.
Your feedback helps to improve the course and its delivery for all students.
Student Charter and Responsibilities
The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).
Disclaimer
Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.
In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.