6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
School of Mathematical Sciences
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
An introduction to real analysis with a special focus on sequences of real numbers and functions. Topics covered include properties of real numbers (infima/suprema and the axiom of completeness), sequences and series of real numbers (order limit theorem, Cauchy sequences and completeness, compactness), properties of functions over the reals (intermediate value theorem, mean value theorem), sequences and series of functions (pointwise and uniform convergence, the Weierstrass M-test, continuity and differentiability of the limit). Emphasis will be on rigorous mathematical proof and examples will be provided to show how intuition can be misleading.
Outcomes
On completion of this unit students will be able to:
- Appreciate and develop mathematical proofs and the use of rigorous mathematical arguments;
- Appreciate the rich mathematical structure of the real numbers;
- Understand the basic concepts of analysis including limits of sequences and series (of real numbers or functions), properties of functions over the reals;
- Appreciate the applicability of mathematical ideas to other areas of science;
- Identify areas of mathematics where the intuition is unreliable.
Assessment
Examination (3 hours): 60% (Hurdle)
Continuous assessment: 40%
Hurdle requirement: To pass this unit a student must achieve at least 50% overall and at least 40% for the end-of-semester exam.
Third-year students will be expected to exhibit a higher level of knowledge and skills in this unit.
Workload requirements
Three 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour support class per week
See also Unit timetable information