| Unit name | Topics in Geometry and Discrete Mathematics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MATH30034 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Ellis |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Metric Spaces and Group Theory. |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Mathematics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
This unit will introduce some important ideas in modern geometry and discrete mathematics. Geometry is an active area in mathematics research, and this unit will introduce students to types of geometry which are instrumental in current research, including the use of tools from abstract algebra and analysis. Discrete mathematics refers to the study of mathematical structures that are discrete in nature rather than continuous, for example graphs, lattices, finite sets of points in Euclidean space, designs and codes. It is a classical subject (with strong connections to geometry) that has become very important in real-world applications, and consequently it is a very active research topic.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit is intended to develop your knowledge and skills in geometry and discrete mathematics. It is not a prerequisite for any other module. It is aimed at ambitious students who enjoyed (for example) Metric Spaces and Group Theory. It complements the third-year module Combinatorics rather well, though Combinatorics is not a prerequisite or a co-requisite.
An overview of content:
This module covers some important ideas in modern geometry and discrete mathematics, such as topological groups, hyperbolic groups, geometric group theory, discrete geometry, additive number theory, codes and designs.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit:
Students will have developed a good knowledge of some important topics in modern geometry and modern discrete mathematics; in addition they will have developed their problem-solving skills and their mathematical creativity.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will:
The unit will be taught through a selection of lectures, online materials, independent activities such as problem sheets and other exercises, problem classes and office hours.
Tasks which will help you learn and prepare for summative tasks:
Formative homework problems will be set by the lecturers.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark:
90% timed examination, 10% Coursework.
When assessment does not go according to plan:
If you fail this unit and are required to resit, reassessment is by a written examination in the August/September Resit and Supplementary exam period.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. MATH30034).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
