| Unit name | Algebra 2 |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MATH21800 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Tim Burness |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
MATH11005 Linear Algebra and Geometry and MATH10010 Introduction to Proofs and Group Theory |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Mathematics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Lecturer: Tim Burness
Unit Aims
To develop the theory of commutative rings, and to apply it to solving problems concerning the factorisation of polynomials, algebraic numbers, ruler-and-compass constructions, and the construction of roots of polynomials.
Unit Description
Algebraic structures -- such as groups, rings, and fields -- are prevasive in mathematics. This course focuses on (commutative) rings, which are sets equipped with two (commutative) operations (called addition and multiplication), and that contain an additive identity and an additive inverse for each element of the set. A fundamental example of a ring is Z, the set of integers; other important examples include Q, Z modulo n, and Q[X], which is the set of polynomials in X with rational coefficients. A fruitful way to study rings and their properties is to study "homomorphisms" between rings: a homomorphism is a map that preserves addition and multiplication (just as a linear transformation preserves vector addition and scalar multiplication). Using homomorphisms and generalised modular arithmetic, we develop means of determining when a ring has additional nice properties, such as having multiplicitive inverses for each nonzero element of the ring. This is a very beautiful and clean theory; in proving the theorems, the students will learn some new techniques and strengthen their proof-writing skills.
Relation to Other Units
This unit has some relationship to (but is independent of), Linear Algebra 2 and the Level 7/M unit Representation Theory, and has a stronger relationship to Algebraic Number Theory and Galois Theory.
Learning Objectives
After taking this unit, students should be able to state the basic definitions and results in the subject, to utilise the fundamental proof techniques, and to solve problems similar to those worked in the lectures and set as homework.
Transferable Skills
The ability to understand and apply general theory, and the acquisition of facility in calculating in a variety of number-systems.
The unit will be taught through a combination of
85% Timed, open-book examination 15% Coursework
Raw scores on the examinations will be determined according to the marking scheme written on the examination paper. The marking scheme, indicating the maximum score per question, is a guide to the relative weighting of the questions. Raw scores are moderated as described in the Undergraduate Handbook.
If you fail this unit and are required to resit, reassessment is by a written examination in the August/September Resit and Supplementary exam period.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. MATH21800).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
