INTRODUCTION TO COMPLEX ANALYSIS - 2023/4

Module Overview

This module provides an introduction to the theory of functions of a complex variable, known as Complex Analysis, which is a fundamental topic in modern mathematics and is widely used in many branches of mathematics and physics.

Module provider

Mathematics & Physics

Module Leader

PRINSLOO Andrea (Maths & Phys)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

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

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• Complex functions on subsets of the complex plane;


• Differentiation of complex functions, the Cauchy-Riemann equations and harmonic functions;


• Common holomorphic complex functions and branches of multifunctions;


• Paths and homotopies on subsets of the complex plane;


• Contour integration;


• Cauchy's theorem and Cauchy's integral formulae, and their applications;


• Liouville’s theorem and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra;


• Taylor and Laurent series expansions;


• Singularities of complex functions, and residues at simple and higher order poles;


• Cauchy's residue theorem and its applications.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

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

• an understanding of and the ability to interpret and manipulate mathematical statements;


• subject knowledge through the recall of key definitions, theorems and their proofs;


• analytical ability through the solution of unseen problems in the in-semester test and examination.

• one two hour examination at the end of the semester – worth 80% of the module mark;


• one in-semester test – worth 20% of the module mark.

• written feedback on two marked pieces of unassessed coursework;


• verbal feedback at tutorial sessions.

Module aims

• The aim of this module is to introduce students to the theory of complex functions of a complex variable -- including key concepts such as complex differentiation, integration along contours on the complex plane, series expansions of complex functions, and the calculus of residues. At the end of the module, students should have gained a thorough understanding of the theory of complex functions and should be able to apply this knowledge in a variety of contexts.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to introduce students to the theory of complex functions of a complex variable, and its applications.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• 3 hours of lectures per week x 11 weeks – material supplementing the module notes will be presented on blackboards/whiteboards in these lectures, with Q & A opportunities for students.


• 1 hour of tutorials per week x 11 weeks – students will work on exercises in this interactive tutorial session, with Q & A opportunities and partial solutions presented on blackboards/whiteboards.

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: MAT2052

Other information

None.

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.