PURE MTH 7002 - Pure Mathematics Topic B
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code PURE MTH 7002 Course Pure Mathematics Topic B Coordinating Unit Pure Mathematics Term Semester 1 Level Postgraduate Coursework Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Nicholas Buchdahl
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate understanding of the fundamental concepts of algebraic topology, including homotopy and homology, and their role in mathematics.
2. Demonstrate familiarity with a range of examples of these structures.
3. Compute the fundamental group and homology of topological spaces at a reasonable level of difficulty.
4. Comprehend the statement and proof of the basic results in algebraic topology, such as the Brouwer fixed-point theorem.
5. Apply algebraic topology techniques to solve diverse problems in engineering and other mathematical contexts.
6. Demonstrate proficiency 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. 1,2,3,4,5,6 An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3,5 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 A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 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
There are many excellent books on algebraic topology. Below is a selection suitable for an introductory course:
- A Hatcher. Algebraic Topology. Cambridge University Press, 2002. Free electronic version available at http://www.math.cornell.edu/~hatcher
- J P May. A Concise Course in Algebraic Topology. University of Chicago Press, 1999. Free electronic version available at http://www.math.uchicago.edu/~may/CONCISE/ConciseRevised.pdf
- G E Bredon. Topology and Geometry. Springer GTM 139, 1993.
- P Kirk and J F Davis. Lecture Notes in Algebraic Topology. Graduate Studies in Mathematics, 35, 2001. Free electronic version available at http://indiana.edu/~lniat/m621notessecondedition.pdf
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Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
The lecturer will present the course material in 30 lectures. Students are expected to attend all lectures and actively engage with the material during the lectures. Interaction and discussion of any difficulties that arise during the lecture is encouraged. Fortnightly homework assignments help students strengthen their understanding of the theory and its applications, and timely feedback through these problems allows students 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 Assignments 6 60 Total 150 Learning Activities Summary
Week 1 Review of point-set topology; basic notions of homotopy theory.
Week 2 Fundamental groups; properties, simple connectivity, homotopy invariance.
Week 3 Fundamental groups (cont.); example computations, the fundamental theorem of algebra.
Week 4 Fundamental groups (cont.); amalgamated product of groups, the Seifert-van Kampen theorem
Week 5 Covering spaces; lifting of paths and homotopies, deck transformations.
Week 6 Covering spaces (cont.); regular and universal covering spaces. Higher homotopy groups.
Week 7 Homology; simplices, singular chains, homology groups, chain complexes, homotopy invariance.
Week 8 Homology (cont.); long and short exact sequences, relative homology, Mayer-Vietoris sequence.
Week 9 Homology (cont.); the Brouwer fixed-point theorem, example computations, the Jordan-Brouwer separation theorem.
Week 10 Cohomology; singular cochains, homotopy invariance, relative cohomology.
Week 11 Cohomology (cont.); cup product, universal coefficient theorem, the Eilenberg-Steenrod axioms.
Week 12 Additional topics (e.g. orientations, Poincare duality) and review.
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Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment task Task type Due Weighting Learning outcomes Homework assignments Formative and summative Weeks 2,4,6,8,10,12 30% All Examination Summative Examination period 70% All Assessment Related Requirements
An aggregate score of 50% is required to pass the course.Assessment Detail
There will be a total of six homework assignments, distributed during each odd week of the semester and due at the end of the following week. Each will cover material from the lectures and sometimes go beyond, so that students may have to undertake some additional research. Assignments will be returned within two weeks.Submission
Homework assignments must be submitted on time, either directly to the lecturer or in the box outside the lecturer's office. 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. Failure to meet the deadline without reasonable and verifiable excuse may result in a significant penalty for that assignment.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.
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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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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- International Student Support
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
- YouX Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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