Mathematics 2908 Group Theory

This was the 1998 web page, and significant changes have been made since then. In 2000 the lecturer will be Dr Andrew Mathas; uptodate information can be obtained from him.

This page contains information about MATH2908 Group Theory. It will be updated periodically throughout the semester, It can be accessed as follows: Start from the School front page

http://www.maths.usyd.edu.au:8000/

and follow the link to Web pages for particular courses.

The course MATH2908 consists of two halves: Group Theory and Differential Equations. The Group Theory lectures are held on Mondays at 2:00 pm in Carslaw 275 and every 2nd Thursday at 9:00 am in Carslaw 375. The Differential Equations lectures are held on Tuesdays at 9:00 am in 375 and every other Thursday at 9:00 in 375. In the first week the Thursday lecture is Differential Equations. The group theory tutorials are held in the odd numbered weeks, the DE's tutorials in the even numbered weeks. The group theory tutorial times are 3:00 pm Monday (in Carslaw Room 453) and 10:00am Friday (in Carslaw 361).

Note that students enrolled in MATH2953 (Engineering students) do only the DE's and not the Group Theory.

The remainder of this page deals only with the Group Theory section of MATH2908.

Lecturer

Dr R. B. Howlett, Room 523 Carslaw Building. Email: bobh@maths.usyd.edu.au

Course Objectives

To gain proficiency in dealing with abstract concepts, with emphasis on clear explanations of such concepts to others.
To gain proficiency in the art of writing down simple proofs.
To understand the concepts of group, group homomorphism, subgroup and quotient group.
To understand the 1st Isomorphism Theorem.
To acquire further understanding of and competence in the use of orthogonal transformations and matrices.
To see how linear algebra can be applied to the study of the geometry of higher dimensional Euclidean space.
To gain familiarity with some finite groups of orthogonal transformations of Euclidean space.
To follow the main steps in the classification of finite Euclidean reflection groups.

Assessment

Assessment for the course will be based on a final examination, worth 85% of the total, two assignments worth 5% each, and a participation mark of 5%. To gain the participation mark students will be expected to attend tutorials and answer questions at tutorials; there may also be quizzes in tutorials, and/or written tutorial work which must be handed in.

Note that while students are encouraged to discuss assignment problems among themselves, each person's final submitted work must be the product of individual effort, independent of the written work of others. Evidence of copying and plagiarism in assignments will be penalized according to University regulations.

Consultations

Your lecturer's Room is Carslaw 523. He promises to be in his room and available to answer students' questions at the following times:

12:00 midday to 2:00 pm on Tuesdays,
1:00 pm on Wednesdays.

However, he is happy to answer questions at other times too. A copy of his timetable is posted on his door, so that you will be able to judge the best times to try.

Notes and Solutions

The printed notes that will serve as textbook for the course are available for purchase from KOPYSTOP (36 Mountain Street Broadway) for $8.00. The notes, which are titled ``Aspects of Symmetry'' can also be downloaded: click here to do so.

Tutorial solutions will be available from the University Copy Centre. They will also be available for download. (Print on A4 paper in landscape.)

R.B.H. July 1998

The School of Mathematics and Statistics

Course Web pages

Bob Howlett's page