This course introduces the basic concepts of modern algebra such as groups and rings. The philosophy of this course is that modern algebraic notions play a fundamental role in mathematics itself and in applications to areas such as physics, computer science, economics and engineering. This course emphasizes the application of techniques.
Topics to be covered include:

• Group Theory - permutation groups; abstract groups, subgroups, cyclic and dihedral groups; homomorphisms; cosets, Lagrange's Theorem, quotient groups, group actions; Sylow theory.
• Ring Theory - rings and fields, polynomial rings, factorisation; homomorphisms, factor rings.
• Linear algebra - unitary matrices, Hermitian matrices, canonical forms.

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are required to have a deeper understanding of the material, are expected to do extra work of a more theoretical nature and are assessed separately

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Assessment will be based on:

• Five assignments (10% each; LO 1-4)
• Final exam (50%; LO 1-4)