ALGEBRA - 2023/4

Module Overview

This module combines an introduction to methods of proof with an overview of the basic mathematical entities and structures that will be encountered throughout the degree programme: integers, polynomials, vectors, matrices, groups.   These concepts are fundamental to subsequent modules including MAT1034 Linear Algebra and MAT2048 Groups and Rings

Module provider

Mathematics & Physics

Module Leader

GRANT James (Maths & Phys)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

  

Indicative content includes:

• Proof by deduction, induction, contraposition and contradiction.


• Prime numbers. Prime factorisation of integers.


• The Euclidean algorithm.  Greatest common divisor, lowest common multiple.


• Equivalence relations, congruences and modular arithmetic.


• Polynomials: definitions and basic properties.


• Vectors in two and three dimensions. Scalar and vector products. 


• Matrix algebra.  Properties of the transpose and the trace of a matrix.


• Permutations: definitions and basic properties.


• Determinants and inverse matrices.   Solution of simultaneous linear equations.


• Linear maps.  Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of 2 x 2 matrices.


• Introduction to groups and fields.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate:

·         Ability to interpret and construct formal mathematical proofs. 

·         Subject knowledge through the recall of key definitions and results.

·         Ability to apply the techniques learnt to unseen problems in the test and exam.

 

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

· One two hour examination at the end of the semester; worth 75% module mark.

· Three courseworks, worth 5%, 10% and 10% module mark, respectively. The assessed courseworks will each consist of a sheet of questions covering the recent module content. A selection of these questions will need to be submitted for marking.

 

Formative assessment and feedback

 

Students receive written comments on their marked coursework assignments. Verbal feedback is provided in lectures, seminars and office hours.

Module aims

• introduce the standard techniques of mathematical proof
• develop the theory and methods of a number of key algebraic systems
• develop confidence in algebraic manipulation and the selection of suitable techniques to solve problems

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to provide:

• A detailed introduction to logical reasoning and methods of proof


• Experience of the methods used to interpret, understand and solve problems in elementary number theory and algebra

• Four 50-minute lectures per week for eleven weeks, some being used as tutorials and problem classes.


• Online notes supplemented by additional examples in lectures.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MAT1031

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.