Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

The theme of this unit is the theory of groups, and their use in measuring symmetry with special emphasis on geometric examples. Apart from the mathematical interest of groups, they are of great and increasing importance in Chemistry, Geology and Physics, and those aspects that have significance in such disciplines are strongly emphasised. The fundamental notion is that of a group action. Group actions are used to elucidate the structure of a group, culminating in the Sylow theorems, which connect finite groups and number theory. The applications of group actions extend to symmetries of the plane, three-space and higher dimensional spaces, rotation and spin, crystallographic groups and symmetries of regular figures in two and three dimensions. Other algebraic structures such as rings and fields may also be explored.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 option in the Mathematics; Mathematics major sequences
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to demonstrate skills and insights in a wide range of algebraic topics with important applications.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tests and (2) a final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Gordon Royle
Unit rules
Prerequisites
MATH2031 Introduction to Pure Mathematics
Contact hours
lectures: 3 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.