MATH411-24S1 (C) Semester One 2024

Topics in Algebra

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 19 February 2024
End Date: Sunday, 23 June 2024
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 3 March 2024
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 12 May 2024

Description

Topics in Algebra

The focus of this course is Galois theory, which provides a beautiful connection between field theory and group theory. It can be used to reduce certain problems about fields to group theory which is, in some sense, simpler and better understood. Topics in the theory of finite groups will be covered as needed. Goals of the course include proofs of the Abel-Ruffini Theorem (concerning insolubility of a general quintic equation by radicals) and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra. Useful prerequisites are MATH240 or MATH321, and ideally both.

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop familiarity with basic concepts in group theory, including group actions
  • Understand the main theorems of Galois theory
  • Apply results from the theory of groups to study field extensions
  • Understand classical applications of Galois theory such as the insolubility of the general quintic polynomial
  • Develop problem solving skills
  • Develop written and oral communication skills, emphasising the ability to explain what the mathematics means

Prerequisites

Subject to approval of the Head of School.

Timetable 2024

Students must attend one activity from each section.

Lecture A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Monday 11:00 - 12:00 Jack Erskine 505
19 Feb - 31 Mar
22 Apr - 2 Jun
Lecture B
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Wednesday 14:00 - 15:00 Jack Erskine 505
19 Feb - 31 Mar
22 Apr - 2 Jun
Lecture C
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Friday 15:00 - 16:00 Jack Erskine 505
19 Feb - 24 Mar
22 Apr - 2 Jun

Course Coordinator

Brendan Creutz

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,074.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see Mathematics and Statistics .

All MATH411 Occurrences

  • MATH411-24S1 (C) Semester One 2024