PURE MTH 7072 - Fields & Modules

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

This subject presents the foundational material for the last of the basic algebraic structure pervadinf contemporary pure mathematics, namely fields and modules. The basic definitions and elementary results are given, followed by two important applications of the theory: to the classification of finitely generated abelian groups, and to Jordan canonical form for matrices. The subject concludes by returning to fields to present interesting applications of the theory. Fields: vector spaces, matrices, characteristic values: extension fields. Modules: finitely generated modules over a PID: canonical forms for matrices: Jordan canonical form. Applications of fields to algebraic and geometric problems.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PURE MTH 7072
    Course Fields & Modules
    Coordinating Unit Pure Mathematics
    Term Semester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Prerequisites MATHS 1012
    Assumed Knowledge PURE MTH 2106, PURE MTH 3007
    Course Description This subject presents the foundational material for the last of the basic algebraic structure pervadinf contemporary pure mathematics, namely fields and modules. The basic definitions and elementary results are given, followed by two important applications of the theory: to the classification of finitely generated abelian groups, and to Jordan canonical form for matrices. The subject concludes by returning to fields to present interesting applications of the theory.

    Fields: vector spaces, matrices, characteristic values: extension fields. Modules: finitely generated modules over a PID: canonical forms for matrices: Jordan canonical form.
    Applications of fields to algebraic and geometric problems.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Finnur Larusson

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Demonstrate understanding of the concepts of a field and a module and their role in mathematics.
    2 Demonstrate familiarity with a range of examples of these structures.
    3 Prove the basic results of field theory and module theory.
    4 Explain the structure theorem for finitely generated modules over a principal ring and its applications to abelian groups and matrices.
    5 Apply the theory in the course to solve a variety of problems at an appropriate level of difficulty.
    6 Demonstrate skills in communicating mathematics orally and in writing.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1,2,3,4,5
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2,3,5
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 5
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 6
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1,2,3,4,5,6
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 5,6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    None.
    Recommended Resources
    Students may wish to consult any of the following books, available in the Library.

    M. Artin, “Algebra”.
    J. A. Beachy, “Introductory lectures on rings and modules”.
    J. B. Fraleigh, “A first course in abstract algebra”.
    B. Hartley, T. O. Hawkes, “Rings, modules and linear algebra”.
    I. N. Herstein, “Topics in algebra”.
    S. Lang, “Algebra”.
    S. Lang, “Undergraduate algebra”.
    R. Y. Sharp, “Steps in commutative algebra”.
    Online Learning
    Assignments, tutorial exercises, handouts, and course announcements will be posted on MyUni.

    S. Lang, “Undergraduate algebra”, is available as an e-book via the Library catalogue.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The lecturer guides the students through the course material in 30 lectures. Students are expected to engage with the material in the lectures. Interaction with the lecturer and discussion of any difficulties that arise during the lecture is encouraged. Students are expected to attend all lectures, but lectures will be recorded to help with occasional absences and for revision purposes. In fortnightly tutorials students present their solutions to assigned exercises and discuss them with the lecturer and each other. Fortnightly homework assignments help students strengthen their understanding of the theory and their skills in applying it, and allow them to gauge their progress.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Activity Quantity Workload hours
    Lectures 30 90
    Tutorials 5 25
    Assignments 6 42
    Total 157
    Learning Activities Summary
    Lecture Schedule
    Week 1 Review, Fields Review of groups and rings.  Fields: basic definitions and examples.
    Week 2 Fields Vector spaces, polynomials over a field, field extensions, algebraic elements.
    Week 3 Fields Embeddings, primitive elements, splitting fields.
    Week 4 Fields Galois theory.
    Week 5 Fields Algebraic closure, finite fields.
    Week 6 Fields, Modules Finite fields (cont.).  Modules: basic definitions and examples, submodules, quotient modules.
    Week 7 Modules Module homomorphisms, isomorphism theorems, torsion, free modules, cyclic modules, direct sums.
    Week 8 Modules Finitely generated modules over a principal ring.
    Week 9 Modules Applications to abelian groups and matrices.
    Week 10 Modules Applications to matrices (cont.).  The exponential of a matrix.  The axiom of choice and Zorn's lemma.
    Week 11 Modules Applications of the axiom of choice and Zorn's lemma.  Tensor products.
    Week 12 Modules, Review Tensor products (cont.).  Review.
    Tutorials in Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 cover the material of the previous two weeks.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment taskTask typeDueWeightingLearning outcomes
    Examination Summative Examination period 70% All
    Homework assignments Formative and summative Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 24% All
    Tutorial exercises Formative Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 6% All
    Assessment Related Requirements
    An aggregate score of 50% is required to pass the course.
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment taskSetDueWeighting
    Assignment 1 Week 1 Week 2 4%
    Tutorial exercises 1 Week 2 Week 3 see below
    Assignment 2 Week 3 Week 4 4%
    Tutorial exercises 2 Week 4 Week 5
    Assignment 3 Week 5 Week 6 4%
    Tutorial exercises 3 Week 6 Week 7
    Assignment 4 Week 7 Week 8 4%
    Tutorial exercises 4 Week 8 Week 9
    Assignment 5 Week 9 Week 10 4%
    Tutorial exercises 5 Week 10 Week 11
    Assignment 6 Week 11 Week 12 4%

    It is expected that each student will present twice in the tutorials. Each presentation will be worth 3%. This may have to be adjusted depending on enrolment.
    Submission
    Homework assignments must be submitted on time with a signed assessment cover sheet. Late assignments will not be accepted. Assignments will be returned within two weeks. Students may be excused from an assignment for medical or compassionate reasons. Documentation is required and the lecturer must be notified as soon as possible.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

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