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Session: 2022/23

Last modified: 10/01/2023 11:13:57

Title of Module: Abstract Algebra

Code: MATH09013 SCQF Level: 9
(Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)
Credit Points: 20 ECTS: 10
(European Credit Transfer Scheme)
School:School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator:TBC 

Summary of Module

This module discusses the fundamental ideas from abstract algebra.

Groups:

Definitions, properties, and examples will be discussed, e.g., symmetry and permutation groups as well as groups of transformations and isometries. The concept of an Abelian group will be introduced. Use will be made of Cayley tables. Isomorphisms of groups will be considered as will cyclic groups. The concept of a subgroup will be introduced, including normal subgroups, and Lagrange’s Theorem will be considered.

Rings

Definitions, properties, and examples will be discussed as well as important theorems in ring theory. Specific discussion of Polynomial and Euclidean rings will occur as will that of commutative rings. Homeomorphisms of rings will be covered. There will be a treatment of subrings, ideals, and integral domains.

Fields

Definitions, properties, and examples will be discussed as well as important results in field theory. Mention will be made of extension fields as well as polynomial fields. Subfields will be discussed.

The Graduate Attributes relevant to this module are given below:

  • Academic: Critical thinker; Analytical; Inquiring; Knowledgeable; Problem-solver; Autonomous.
  • Personal: Motivated; Resilient

Professional: Ambitious; Driven.


Module Delivery Method
Face-To-FaceBlendedFully OnlineHybridCHybridOWork-based Learning
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Face-To-Face
Term used to describe the traditional classroom environment where the students and the lecturer meet synchronously in the same room for the whole provision.

Blended
A mode of delivery of a module or a programme that involves online and face-to-face delivery of learning, teaching and assessment activities, student support and feedback. A programme may be considered “blended” if it includes a combination of face-to-face, online and blended modules. If an online programme has any compulsory face-to-face and campus elements it must be described as blended with clearly articulated delivery information to manage student expectations

Fully Online
Instruction that is solely delivered by web-based or internet-based technologies. This term is used to describe the previously used terms distance learning and e learning.

HybridC
Online with mandatory face-to-face learning on Campus

HybridO
Online with optional face-to-face learning on Campus

Work-based Learning
Learning activities where the main location for the learning experience is in the workplace.


Campus(es) for Module Delivery
The module will normally be offered on the following campuses / or by Distance/Online Learning: (Provided viable student numbers permit)
Paisley:Ayr:Dumfries:Lanarkshire:London:Distance/Online Learning:Other:
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Term(s) for Module Delivery
(Provided viable student numbers permit).
Term 1

 

Term 2check markTerm 3

 

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Learning Outcomes: (maximum of 5 statements)

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Demonstrate a good understanding of standard techniques and results in group theory.

L2. Demonstrate a good understanding of standard techniques and results in ring and field theory.

L3. Synthesise fundamental concepts to solve a range of problems in abstract algebra.

Employability Skills and Personal Development Planning (PDP) Skills
SCQF Headings During completion of this module, there will be an opportunity to achieve core skills in:
Knowledge and Understanding (K and U) SCQF Level 9.

Demonstrating a knowledge and understanding of a range of standard techniques in abstract algebra.

Demonstrating critical awareness of established techniques of enquiry in application of these techniques.

Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding SCQF Level 9.

Using a range of standard techniques to solve problems at an advanced level, sometimes in non-routine contexts.

Carrying out defined investigative problems within a mathematically based subject.

Generic Cognitive skills SCQF Level 9.

Conceptualising and analysing problems informed by professional and research issues.

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills SCQF Level 9.

Making formal written presentation(s) based on the output from an investigative problem.

Autonomy, Accountability and Working with others SCQF Level 9.

Exercising independence and initiative in carrying out a range of activities.

Identifying learning needs through reflection based on self, tutor and peer evaluation of work.

Pre-requisites: Before undertaking this module the student should have undertaken the following:
Module Code:
MATH08006
Module Title:
Discrete Mathematics
Other:or equivalent
Co-requisitesModule Code:
Module Title:

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

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Learning and Teaching
The material will be presented through lectures and directed reading and the students will test their understanding of the material through tutorials.
Learning Activities
During completion of this module, the learning activities undertaken to achieve the module learning outcomes are stated below:
Student Learning Hours
(Normally totalling 200 hours):
(Note: Learning hours include both contact hours and hours spent on other learning activities)
Lecture/Core Content Delivery36
Tutorial/Synchronous Support Activity0
Independent Study164
200 Hours Total

**Indicative Resources: (eg. Core text, journals, internet access)

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

Modern Algebra, JR Durbin, John Wiley & Sons, 1999

A First Course in Abstract Algebra, JB Fraleigh, Pearson, 2013

Groups, Rings, and Fields, David Wallace, Springer, 2001

Resources available on the University VLE.

(**N.B. Although reading lists should include current publications, students are advised (particularly for material marked with an asterisk*) to wait until the start of session for confirmation of the most up-to-date material)

Engagement Requirements

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

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Supplemental Information

Programme BoardPhysical Sciences
Assessment Results (Pass/Fail) No
Subject PanelPhysical Sciences
ModeratorDr Wan R Mekwi
External ExaminerP Wilson
Accreditation Details
Version Number

1.05

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Assessment: (also refer to Assessment Outcomes Grids below)
Assignment: a coursework assignment, 30% of the final mark
Examination: a final, closed book assessment, 70% of the final mark
(N.B. (i) Assessment Outcomes Grids for the module (one for each component) can be found below which clearly demonstrate how the learning outcomes of the module will be assessed.
(ii) An indicative schedule listing approximate times within the academic calendar when assessment is likely to feature will be provided within the Student Handbook.)

Assessment Outcome Grids (Footnote A.)

Component 1
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Unseen closed book (standard)check markcheck markcheck mark702

Component 2
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Class test (practical)check markcheck markcheck mark302.5
Combined Total For All Components100% 4.5 hours

Footnotes
A. Referred to within Assessment Section above
B. Identified in the Learning Outcome Section above

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Note(s):
  1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
  2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
    This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.

Equality and Diversity
The module is suitable for any student satisfying any of the stated pre-requisites.
UWS Equality and Diversity Policy
(N.B. Every effort will be made by the University to accommodate any equality and diversity issues brought to the attention of the School)

2014 University of the West of Scotland

University of the West of Scotland is a Registered Scottish Charity.

Charity number SC002520.