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MX3020: GROUP THEORY (2021-2022)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05


Course Overview

Group theory concerns the study of symmetry. The course begins with the group axioms, which provide an abstract setting for the study of symmetry. We proceed to study subgroups, normal subgroups, and group actions in various guises. Group homomorphisms are introduced and the related isomorphism theorems are proved. Composition series are introduced and the Jordan-Holder theorem is proved. Sylow p-subgroups are introduced and the three Sylow theorems are proved. Throughout symmetric groups are consulted as a source of examples.




Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr William Turner

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

  • Group axioms, subgroups, examples of groups.
  • Cosets of a subgroup
  • Lagrange's Theorem.
  • Homomorphisms, isomorphisms, normal subgroups, quotient groups.
  • Calculations in symmetric and alternating groups.
  • Group actions.
  • Sylow's Theorems.

Syllabus

  • Lagrange’s theorem
  • Symmetric groups and alternating groups.
  • Cyclic groups and their subgroups.
  • Homomorphisms and isomorphisms.
  • Normal subgroups and their quotient groups.
  • The three isomorphism theorems.
  • Simple groups and composition series. The Jordan-Holder theorem.
  • Group actions. The orbit-stabiliser theorem.
  • Sylow's theorems.
  • The classification of finite abelian groups

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

4x Assignments (20%, 20%, 20%, 40%)

Alternative Resit Arrangements

Resubmission of failed elements (pass marks carried forward)

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.

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