Students

MATH337 – Algebra IIIA

2016 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Gerry Myerson
Contact via x8952
E7A 202
Lecturer
Ross Moore
Ross Moore
Gerry Myerson
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
39cp including MATH235
Corequisites Corequisites
MATH300 or MATH331 or MATH335
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit develops the basic ideas of modern abstract algebra by concentrating on the many facets of group theory. As well as the standard material leading to the isomorphism theorems, we cover combinational aspects such as presentations of groups, the Todd-Coxeter algorithm, and subgroups of free groups via groupoids. Also studied are permutation groups, finitely generated abelian groups, soluble groups and group representations. The unit is especially suitable for students majoring in the theoretical aspects of physics or computing science.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • demonstrate a well developed knowledge of algebraic principles, concepts and techniques. Integrate and synthesise knowledge from multiple and diverse mathematical areas to develop a sophisticated understanding of group theory.
  • demonstrate a capacity to apply knowledge to an unstructured, authentic problem in group theory; with evidence of sustained logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments.
  • present mathematical ideas, arguments and findings in a professional manner appropriate to the intended audience
  • engage in mathematical work in a manner consistent with professional and ethical standards.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Assignments 24% see iLearn
Projects 16% see iLearn
Final examination 60% University examination period

Assignments

Due: see iLearn
Weighting: 24%

8 regular homework assignments


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate a well developed knowledge of algebraic principles, concepts and techniques. Integrate and synthesise knowledge from multiple and diverse mathematical areas to develop a sophisticated understanding of group theory.
  • present mathematical ideas, arguments and findings in a professional manner appropriate to the intended audience
  • engage in mathematical work in a manner consistent with professional and ethical standards.

Projects

Due: see iLearn
Weighting: 16%

Substantial pieces of individual work, requiring the integration of a broad range of mathematical ideas developed in this and preceeding units. 

A key component of this task is the demonstration of the skills developed to communicate mathematical ideas in a manner appropriate to the intended audience.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate a well developed knowledge of algebraic principles, concepts and techniques. Integrate and synthesise knowledge from multiple and diverse mathematical areas to develop a sophisticated understanding of group theory.
  • demonstrate a capacity to apply knowledge to an unstructured, authentic problem in group theory; with evidence of sustained logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments.
  • present mathematical ideas, arguments and findings in a professional manner appropriate to the intended audience
  • engage in mathematical work in a manner consistent with professional and ethical standards.

Final examination

Due: University examination period
Weighting: 60%

Examination


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate a well developed knowledge of algebraic principles, concepts and techniques. Integrate and synthesise knowledge from multiple and diverse mathematical areas to develop a sophisticated understanding of group theory.
  • present mathematical ideas, arguments and findings in a professional manner appropriate to the intended audience

Delivery and Resources

Text:

CDHC Cooper: Groups, presentations and representations

Available at http://maths.science.mq.edu.au/ccooper/Groups/

Unit Schedule

WEEK

BEGINNING

GROUP REPRESENTATIONS

PERMUTATIONS AND STRINGS

TASK DUE

1

29/02/2016

Introduction

Permutations

 

2

07/03/2016

Examples

 

 

3

14/03/2016

Theory, 1

The Todd-Coxeter algorithm

 

4

21/03/2016

Theory, 2

 

A1

5

28/03/2016

 

Groups acting on sets: Sylow subgroups

A2

6

04/04/2016

Representations

 

A3

MID-SESSION BREAK

7

25/04/2016

Representations, continued

Free groups

P1

8

02/05/2016

 

 

A4

9

09/05/2016

 

 

A5

10

16/05/2016

 

Finitely generated abelian groups

A6

11

23/05/2016

Solvable groups

 

P2

12

30/05/2016

 

Infinite abelian groups

A7

13

06/06/2016

Revision

A8

 

Learning and Teaching Activities

Hands-on “symmetrical solids” — a compulsory ‘hurdle’ task.

This task should be completed prior to attendance at the first Monday lecture, so that will have a set of (at least) 5 Platonic solids that you can bring to lectures, for “hands-on” reference as aspects of their symmetry are discussed. The task is to build for yourself at least one set of Platonic solids; e.g. using cardboard templates, glued appropriately, or any other suitable medium. It is suggested that you make at least 2 complete sets, as it will be desirable to add markings to some of these objects. It may be desired to keep one set completely clean. Templates for the Platonic solids can be easily found with a Google search; e.g., • https://www.mathsisfun.com/platonic_solids.html • http://www.korthalsaltes.com/cuadros.php?type=p • https://isotropic.org/polyhedra/ … and many more sites. Read the website taking note of interesting facts. Download and print out each template onto thin stiff cardboard. Cut out the shape (with tabs), then bend and staple or glue it together (using the tabs) to create a well-formed symmetrical solid.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • demonstrate a well developed knowledge of algebraic principles, concepts and techniques. Integrate and synthesise knowledge from multiple and diverse mathematical areas to develop a sophisticated understanding of group theory.
  • demonstrate a capacity to apply knowledge to an unstructured, authentic problem in group theory; with evidence of sustained logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments.
  • present mathematical ideas, arguments and findings in a professional manner appropriate to the intended audience

Assessment task

  • Projects

Learning and teaching activity

  • This task should be completed prior to attendance at the first Monday lecture, so that will have a set of (at least) 5 Platonic solids that you can bring to lectures, for “hands-on” reference as aspects of their symmetry are discussed. The task is to build for yourself at least one set of Platonic solids; e.g. using cardboard templates, glued appropriately, or any other suitable medium. It is suggested that you make at least 2 complete sets, as it will be desirable to add markings to some of these objects. It may be desired to keep one set completely clean. Templates for the Platonic solids can be easily found with a Google search; e.g., • https://www.mathsisfun.com/platonic_solids.html • http://www.korthalsaltes.com/cuadros.php?type=p • https://isotropic.org/polyhedra/ … and many more sites. Read the website taking note of interesting facts. Download and print out each template onto thin stiff cardboard. Cut out the shape (with tabs), then bend and staple or glue it together (using the tabs) to create a well-formed symmetrical solid.

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • demonstrate a capacity to apply knowledge to an unstructured, authentic problem in group theory; with evidence of sustained logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments.
  • present mathematical ideas, arguments and findings in a professional manner appropriate to the intended audience
  • engage in mathematical work in a manner consistent with professional and ethical standards.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignments
  • Projects

Learning and teaching activities

  • This task should be completed prior to attendance at the first Monday lecture, so that will have a set of (at least) 5 Platonic solids that you can bring to lectures, for “hands-on” reference as aspects of their symmetry are discussed. The task is to build for yourself at least one set of Platonic solids; e.g. using cardboard templates, glued appropriately, or any other suitable medium. It is suggested that you make at least 2 complete sets, as it will be desirable to add markings to some of these objects. It may be desired to keep one set completely clean. Templates for the Platonic solids can be easily found with a Google search; e.g., • https://www.mathsisfun.com/platonic_solids.html • http://www.korthalsaltes.com/cuadros.php?type=p • https://isotropic.org/polyhedra/ … and many more sites. Read the website taking note of interesting facts. Download and print out each template onto thin stiff cardboard. Cut out the shape (with tabs), then bend and staple or glue it together (using the tabs) to create a well-formed symmetrical solid.

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • engage in mathematical work in a manner consistent with professional and ethical standards.

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • demonstrate a well developed knowledge of algebraic principles, concepts and techniques. Integrate and synthesise knowledge from multiple and diverse mathematical areas to develop a sophisticated understanding of group theory.
  • present mathematical ideas, arguments and findings in a professional manner appropriate to the intended audience

Assessment tasks

  • Assignments
  • Projects
  • Final examination

Learning and teaching activities

  • This task should be completed prior to attendance at the first Monday lecture, so that will have a set of (at least) 5 Platonic solids that you can bring to lectures, for “hands-on” reference as aspects of their symmetry are discussed. The task is to build for yourself at least one set of Platonic solids; e.g. using cardboard templates, glued appropriately, or any other suitable medium. It is suggested that you make at least 2 complete sets, as it will be desirable to add markings to some of these objects. It may be desired to keep one set completely clean. Templates for the Platonic solids can be easily found with a Google search; e.g., • https://www.mathsisfun.com/platonic_solids.html • http://www.korthalsaltes.com/cuadros.php?type=p • https://isotropic.org/polyhedra/ … and many more sites. Read the website taking note of interesting facts. Download and print out each template onto thin stiff cardboard. Cut out the shape (with tabs), then bend and staple or glue it together (using the tabs) to create a well-formed symmetrical solid.

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • demonstrate a well developed knowledge of algebraic principles, concepts and techniques. Integrate and synthesise knowledge from multiple and diverse mathematical areas to develop a sophisticated understanding of group theory.
  • demonstrate a capacity to apply knowledge to an unstructured, authentic problem in group theory; with evidence of sustained logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignments
  • Projects
  • Final examination

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • demonstrate a well developed knowledge of algebraic principles, concepts and techniques. Integrate and synthesise knowledge from multiple and diverse mathematical areas to develop a sophisticated understanding of group theory.
  • demonstrate a capacity to apply knowledge to an unstructured, authentic problem in group theory; with evidence of sustained logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignments
  • Projects
  • Final examination

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • demonstrate a capacity to apply knowledge to an unstructured, authentic problem in group theory; with evidence of sustained logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments.
  • present mathematical ideas, arguments and findings in a professional manner appropriate to the intended audience

Assessment tasks

  • Assignments
  • Projects
  • Final examination

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • engage in mathematical work in a manner consistent with professional and ethical standards.

Assessment task

  • Projects

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • engage in mathematical work in a manner consistent with professional and ethical standards.

Changes from Previous Offering

Added the initial “hurdle” task, of constructing a set of Platonic solid models.

Extra requirements

Satisfactory performance on supervised assessment tasks, such as tests and the final exam, is necessary to pass this unit. If there is a significant difference between a student's marks on supervised assessment tasks and on unsupervised assessment tasks, the scaling of these tasks may be adjusted when determining the final grade, to reflect more appropriately that student's performance on supervised tasks.