Students
MATH3010 – Algebra and Analysis
2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Steve Lack
The Bui
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(MATH2010) and (MATH2020 or MATH2030 or MATH2110)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit introduces key ideas in two important branches of pure mathematics: abstract algebra and analysis. In algebra, you will meet group theory, the mathematical study of symmetry, which describes the abstract properties of objects such as crystallographic lattices, chemical compounds and parameter spaces of mechanical systems. We will cover fundamental constructions such as cosets, quotient groups and Lagrange's theorem. In analysis, you will explore metric, normed, and inner product spaces—fundamental tools for measure and estimation with applications to areas such as signal processing, the non-Riemannian geometry of curved space-time, and the time-evolution of quantum systems. These concepts build strong reasoning skills and support work in advanced science, technology, and mathematical research. |
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:
- ULO1: Demonstrate a well-developed knowledge of the principles, concepts and techniques of group theory.
- ULO2: Demonstrate a well-developed knowledge of the principles, concepts and techniques of analysis.
- ULO3: Construct clearly presented and well-justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning.
- ULO4: Formulate and model practical and abstract problems in mathematical terms using a variety of methods drawn from algebra and analysis.
- ULO5: Convey mathematical ideas, arguments and findings in an engaging manner as appropriate to the intended audience.
General Assessment Information
Requirements to Pass this Unit
Achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50% across all assessments.
Late Assessment Submission Penalty
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark of the task) will be applied for each day a written report or presentation assessment is 3not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted.
The submission time for all uploaded assessments is 11:55 pm. A 1-hour grace period will be provided to students who experience a technical concern. For any late submission of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, please apply for Special Consideration.
Assessments where Late Submissions will be accepted:
- Assignment, project – YES, Late Penalty applies
Special Consideration
The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable and significantly disruptive, and which may affect their performance in assessment. If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through https://connect.mq.edu.au.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project | 30% | No | 05/06/2026 | Individual and Group | No | Open |
| Assignment | 20% | No | 22/05/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open |
| Final Examination | 50% | No | Examination period | Individual | No | Observed |
Project
Assessment Type 1: Experiential task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: 05/06/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open
This project gives students the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in the unit to a larger scale mathematical problem than the short questions typical in assignments.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a well-developed knowledge of the principles, concepts and techniques of group theory.
- Demonstrate a well-developed knowledge of the principles, concepts and techniques of analysis.
- Construct clearly presented and well-justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning.
- Formulate and model practical and abstract problems in mathematical terms using a variety of methods drawn from algebra and analysis.
- Convey mathematical ideas, arguments and findings in an engaging manner as appropriate to the intended audience.
Assignment
Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: 22/05/2026
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open
The assignment will test the ability of students to solve mathematical problems using concepts and techniques learnt in the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a well-developed knowledge of the principles, concepts and techniques of group theory.
- Demonstrate a well-developed knowledge of the principles, concepts and techniques of analysis.
- Construct clearly presented and well-justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning.
- Formulate and model practical and abstract problems in mathematical terms using a variety of methods drawn from algebra and analysis.
- Convey mathematical ideas, arguments and findings in an engaging manner as appropriate to the intended audience.
Final Examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Examination period
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
The exam will test the ability of students to utilise concepts and techniques learnt in the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a well-developed knowledge of the principles, concepts and techniques of group theory.
- Demonstrate a well-developed knowledge of the principles, concepts and techniques of analysis.
- Construct clearly presented and well-justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning.
- Formulate and model practical and abstract problems in mathematical terms using a variety of methods drawn from algebra and analysis.
- Convey mathematical ideas, arguments and findings in an engaging manner as appropriate to the intended audience.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- Academic Success for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
Delivery and Resources
Classes
Lectures (beginning in Week 1): There is one two-hour lectures each week.
SGTA classes (beginning in Week 1): There is one two-hour sgta each week.
Methods of Communication
We will communicate with you via your university email or through announcements on iLearn. Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to your lecturers from your university email address.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
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.
Unit information based on version 2026.01 of the Handbook