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
Rings, fields, ideals, algebraic extension fields. Coding theory and cryptographic applications of finite fields. Gaussian integers, Hamilton's quaternions. Euclidean Algorithm in rings.
Outcomes
On completion of this unit students will be able to:
- Formulate abstract concepts in algebra;
- Use a variety of proof-techniques to prove mathematical results;
- Apply advanced concepts, algorithms and results in algebra and number theory
- Apply Diophantine equations, primitive roots, the Gaussian integers and the quaternions - the best known skew field;
- Be aware of the links between algebra and number theory;
- Work with the most commonly occurring rings and fields: integers, integers modulo n, rationals, reals and complex numbers, more general structures such as algebraic number fields, algebraic integers and finite fields;
- Perform calculations in the algebra of polynomials;
- Use the Euclidean algorithm in structures other than integers;
- Construct larger fields from smaller fields (field extensions);
- Apply field theory to coding and cryptography.
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.
Workload requirements
Three 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour support class per week
See also Unit timetable information