Mathematics Modules in the BA Programme

PREREQUISITE MODULE(S):

None

OBJECTIVES:

Number theory is a foundational branch of mathematics. This module gives the student a solid grounding in the subject.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students who successfully complete this module should be able to:

• understand the basic elements of number theory;
• understand notation and conventions associated with the topic;
• use known algorithms to solve problems related to divisibility;
• master modular arithmetic;
• produce coherent and convincing arguments;
• communicate solutions to problems clearly and coherently.

MODULE CONTENT:

• Representations of numbers;
• The binomial theorem; Mathematical induction;
• Divisibility of integers; Prime Numbers and The Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic;
• Euclid's algorithm
• Congruence; linear Diophantine equations; Fermat's Little Theorem; Using congruences to solve more complex problems;
• Pythagorean Triples.

PRIME TEXTS:

ORE, O. (1969)

Invitation to Number Theory. Mathematical Association of America.

SILVERMAN , J. H. (2012)

A Friendly Introduction to Number Theory, Pearson Education.

OTHER RELEVANT TEXTS:

NIVEN, I.M., ZUCKERMAN, H.S. (1980)

An introduction to the theory of numbers, Wiley.

DUDLEY, U. (2008)

Elementary Number Theory, Dover.

BURN, R.P. (1997)

A pathway into number theory, Cambridge University Press.

FORMAN, S., RASH, A. (2015)

The Whole Truth About Whole Numbers, Springer.

PREREQUISITE MODULE(S):

None

OBJECTIVES:

Geometry is a core part of mathematical education, because it provides a paradigm of rigorous mathematical reasoning. This module equips students with basic knowledge and skills of euclidean geometry. It thereby prepares the student for the study of other areas of mathematics.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students who successfully complete this module should be able to:

• understand, express and use geometric results;
• carry out geometric constructions;
• determine certain geometric quantities from others;
• use coordinates to solve geometric problems analytically.

MODULE CONTENT:

• angle, distance, length, area;
• coordinates;
• lines, triangles and circles;
• geometric constructions;
• congruence and similarity.

PRIME TEXTS:

OSTERMANN, A., WANNER, G. (2012)

Geometry by Its History, Springer.

LANG, S., MURROW, G. (1988)

Geometry, Springer.

GARDINER, A. D., BRADLEY, C. J. (2005)

Plane Euclidean Geometry: Theory and Problems, The United Kingdom Mathematics Trust.

OTHER RELEVANT TEXTS:

BRUMFIELD, C. F., VANCE, I. E. (1970)

Algebra and Geometry for Teachers, Addison-Wesley.

CLARK, D. M. (2012)

Euclidean Geometry: A Guided Inquiry Approach, American Mathematical Society.

PREREQUISITE MODULE(S):

None

OBJECTIVES:

To present an exploration of vector spaces and matrices with particular reference to the development of computational techniques and application skills.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students who successfully complete this module should be able to:

• solve systems of linear equations using row reduction techniques and matrix operations;
• understand the basic structural properties of vector spaces and inner product spaces and be able, for example, to determine bases and orthogonal bases for subspaces of a given vector space;
• understand linear mappings and their relation to matrices and be able to calculate basic invariants related to such mappings;
• find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a matrix and use them in the process of diagonalization.

MODULE CONTENT:

• Vectors and vector spaces; subspaces, linear independence, bases, physical applications.
• Inner products, norm and distance, orthogonality, orthonormal basis.
• Matrices; matrix operations, echelon matrices, algebra of square matrices, classical adjoint, matrix inversion.
• Linear equations; methods of solution, Gaussian elimination, use of determinants.
• Linear mappings; kernel and image, vector space isomorphisms, space of linear mappings. Linear transformations; matrix representation, change of basis.
• Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, characteristic polynomial.

PRIME TEXT:

GROSSMAN, S.I. (1986)

Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich.

OTHER RELEVANT TEXTS:

ANTON, H. (1973)

Elementary Linear Algebra. Wiley.

KOLMAN, B. (1980)

Introductory Linear Algebra with Applications. Macmillan.

MORRIS, A.O. (1983)

Linear Algebra An Introduction. Van Nostrand Reinhold.

WHITELAW, T.A. (1983)

An Introduction to Linear Algebra. Blackie.

PREREQUISITE MODULE(S):

None

OBJECTIVES:

This module is the first part of a two-semester course on differentiation and integration of functions depending on one real variable. It covers an area that is both a core part of every mathematical education, and fundamental for further studies in analysis or applied mathematics.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students who successfully complete this module should be able to:

• differentiate functions of one real variable;
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the mathematical concepts of function, limit, continuity and derivative;
• use these concepts appropriately in solving problems and in discussing solutions.

MODULE CONTENT:

• functions and graphs
• slope, Newton quotient, and derivative
• limits
• differentiation rules for sums, products, quotients, composite functions
• trigonometric functions, logarithms, exponential functions, and their derivatives
• continuous functions
• nested intervals, completeness of the real numbers
• Intermediate Value Theorem
• inverse functions and their derivatives

PRIME TEXT:

LANG, S. (2002)

Short Calculus. Springer.

FLANDERS H. (1985)

Single Variable Calculus. Freeman.

OTHER RELEVANT TEXTS:

ANTON H. (1998)

Calculus. A New Horizon. Volume 1. John Wiley & Sons.

STRANG G. (1991)

Calculus. Wellesley-Cambridge Press.

PREREQUISITE MODULE(S):

MH4763

OBJECTIVES:

This module is the second part of a two-semester course on differentiation and integration of functions depending one real variable. It covers an area that is both a core part of every mathematical education, and fundamental for further studies in analysis or applied mathematics.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students who successfully complete this module should be able to:

• integrate functions of one real variable;
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theory of differentiation and integration of such functions;
• apply differentiation and integration techniques to solve problems (e.g. find maximum/minimum, compute area);
• express their mathematical thoughts clearly.

MODULE CONTENT:

• maxima and minima
• boundedness of continuous functions on closed intervals
• Rolle's Theorem, Mean Value Theorem
• increasing and decreasing functions
• antiderivatives, indefinite integrals, integration by parts, substitution
• area, Riemann sums, definite integrals
• least upper bound, greatest lower bound
• Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
• Taylor's Formula
• infinite series, convergence

PRIME TEXT:

LANG, S. (2002)

Short Calculus. Springer.

FLANDERS H. (1985)

Single Variable Calculus. Freeman.

OTHER RELEVANT TEXTS:

ANTON H. (1998)

Calculus. A New Horizon. John Wiley & Sons.

STRANG G. (1991)

Calculus. Wellesley-Cambridge Press.

PREREQUISITE MODULE(S):

None

OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of this module is to familiarise students with the laws of probability. The main theorems of the first section of the module cover independence of events, mutually exclusive events and Bayes' Theorem. Using the laws of probability, the students will then be introduced to the different types of discrete probability distributions, namely Bernoulli, Binomial, Poisson and Geometric.
The next section will introduce the students to probability distributions in the continuous case, namely, Normal, Exponential and Chi Square. The course will then continue to apply the knowledge of probability to statistical inference. Students will be introduced to sampling theory and how to estimate population parameters from sample data. The main statistics to be introduced in this section are estimators for the population mean, estimators for the population proportion and goodness of fit tests using the chi-square distribution. The theory and application of Regression Analysis will also be introduced.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students who successfully complete this module should be able to:

• represent sample data graphically in an appropriate way and to correctly use summary statistics such as measures of central tendency and dispersion;
• demonstrate an understanding of probability, random variables, probability distributions;
• demonstrate an understanding of expected value and variance of a random variable both discrete and continuous;
• demonstrate an understanding of sampling theory and the Central Limit Theorem;
• apply theory to the analysis of sample data in order to find estimators and their properties; apply these estimators to test hypothese.

MODULE CONTENT:

• Laws of probability; mutually exclusive events; addition and multiplication rules; independent events;
• Bayes' Theorem;
• random variables; expected value and variance of a random variable;
• probability distributions to include Bernoulli, Binomial, Poisson, Uniform, Normal and chi-square;
• Descriptive statistics to include mean, median, mode, standard deviation, variance, kurtosis and skewness;
• sampling theory;
• hypothesis testing to include test statistics, z-test, t-test, chi-square test, F-test, p̂-test for population proportions;
• correlation and regression analysis.

PRIME TEXT:

MENDENHALL, BEAVER et al. (2019)

Introduction to Probability and Statistics. Brooks/Cole.

OTHER RELEVANT TEXTS:

HOGG, R., McKEAN, J., CRAIG, A. (2020)

Introduction to Mathematical Statistics. Pearson.

HOEL, P. (1976)

Elementary Statistics. Wiley.

FRANK, H. (1974)

Introduction to Probability and Statistics. Wiley.

PREREQUISITE MODULE(S):

MH4764

OBJECTIVES:

To develop further the exploration of advanced calculus through a range of topics not covered elsewhere and to include an introduction to differential equations and applications.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students who successfully complete this module should:

• be able to determine the vector and parameterised equations (as appropriate) of lines and some curves in R² and of planes and some surfaces in R³;
• be able to analyse curves and surfaces in terms of direction vectors, normal vectors, tangent planes, gradient, directional derivative etc. as appropriate;
• understand the definitions and important theory behind the analysis of functions of several variables, in particular, partial differentiation and multiple integration.

MODULE CONTENT:

• Real vector spaces of dimension n, norm, inner product and cross product. Lines and planes in 3-dimensional space, curves and surfaces. Cylindrical and spherical coordinates.
• Calculus of several variables, continuity and derivative for multivariable functions. Partial derivatives. Maxima and minima, constrained and unconstrained optimisation. Directional derivative, gradient, divergence and curl. Chain rule. Higher derivatives. Taylor's formula in several variables.
• Inverse functions and implicit functions. Tangent planes and normal lines.
• Definition of multiple integral, Fubini's theorem. Double and line integrals, surface and volume integrals.
• Introduction to differential equations, ordinary and partial differential equations. The Heat Equation, the Wave Equation.

PRIME TEXT:

McCALLUM, W. G., et al. (2013)

Calculus: Multivariable, John Wiley & Sons.

OTHER RELEVANT TEXTS:

SPIVAK, M. (1968)

Calculus on Manifolds: A Modern Approach to Classical Theorems of Advanced Calculus, Addison-Wesley.

STEWART, J. (1998)

Calculus: Concepts and Contexts, London: Pacific Grove.

KLINE, M. (1977)

Calculus: An Intuitive and Physical Approach, Wiley.

COURANT, R. & JOHN, F. (1974)

Introduction to Calculus and Analysis, Volume 2, Wiley.

PREREQUISITE MODULE(S):

MH4713

OBJECTIVES:

Geometry is a core part of mathematical education, because it provides a paradigm of rigorous mathematical reasoning. This module equips students with sound knowledge of euclidean geometry and introduces them to non-euclidean geometry.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students who successfully complete this module should be able to:

• express, justify and establish geometric results;
• determine geometric quantities using theorems and techniques of euclidean geometry;
• demonstrate understanding of geometry beyond classical euclidean geometry;
• carry out and describe geometric constructions.

MODULE CONTENT:

• Basic notions and theorems of euclidean geometry.
• Geometric constructions.
• Analytic geometry.
• Transformations and symmetry.
• Vectors and dot product.
• Non-Euclidean geometry.

PRIME TEXT:

BYER, O., LAZEBNIK, F., SMELTZER, D. (2010)

Methods for Euclidean Geometry, MAA.

OSTERMANN, A., WANNER, G. (2012)

Geometry by Its History, Springer.

STILLWELL, J. (2005)

The Four Pillars of Geometry, Springer.

OTHER RELEVANT TEXTS:

BARKER, W., HOWE, R. (2007)

Continuous Symmetry, From Euclid to Klein. American Mathematical Society.

COXETER, H.S.M. (1961)

Introduction to Geometry, John Wiley & Sons.

GARDINER, A.D., BRADLEY, C.J. (2005)

Plane Euclidean Geometry: Theory and Problems, UKMT.

PREREQUISITE MODULE(S):

MH4731

OBJECTIVES:

To present the algebraic structures of groups, rings and fields in order to foster an understanding of their central importance in modern mathematics and of their relevance to engineering and science.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students who successfully complete this module should be able to:

• use the vocabulary, symbolism, and basic definitions used in abstract algebra;
• apply the concepts of groups, rings and fields to solve problems in which their use is fundamental to obtaining and understanding the solution.

MODULE CONTENT:

• Groups; axioms and examples, subgroups, mappings and symmetries, applications of symmetry groups.
• Subgroups; cosets, Lagrange's theorem. Groups of small order; isomorphism.
• Binary codes; application of group codes, error correction.
• Conjugacy; normal subgroups, factor groups, homomorphism, isomorphism. Permutation groups; Cayley's theorem.
• Rings; axioms and examples, polynomial rings.
• Subrings; ideals, quotient rings, ring homomorphisms, isomorphisms.
• Integral domains; integers. Congruences; Fermat's theorem, Euler's theorem, application of Euler's theorem to public key codes.
• Fields; axioms and examples, polynomials over a field.

PRIME TEXT:

LAURITZEN, N. (2003)

Concrete Abstract Algebra, Cambridge University Press.

OTHER RELEVANT TEXTS:

DURBIN, J.R. (1979)

Modern Algebra, Wiley.

FRALEIGH, J.B. (1976)

A First Course in Abstract Algebra, Addison Wesley.

HUMPHREYS, J.F., PREST, M.Y. (1989)

Numbers, Groups and Codes, Cambridge University Press.

IRVING, R. (2004)

Integers, Polynomials and Rings: A Course in Algebra, Springer.

KIM, K.H., ROUSH, F.W. (1983)

Applied Abstract Algebra, Ellis Horwood.

LEDERMANN, W. (1973)

Introduction to Group Theory, Oliver and Boyd.

WHITELAW, T.A. (1988)

Introduction to Abstract Algebra, Blackie.

PREREQUISITE MODULE(S):

MH4731, MH4763, MH4713, MH4764, MH4774, MH4754

OBJECTIVES:

Computers are useful and indispensable tools to carry out calculations in mathematics. Within this capstone module, students will be introduced to a computer algebra system in which numerical and symbolic calculations can be carried out. The main concepts of most mathematics modules taught in this programme will be dealt with from a computational perspective.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students who successfully complete this module should be able to:

• use a computer algebra system to investigate mathematical concepts and to solve mathematical questions;
• solve equations numerically and symbolically;
• use computers to study problems from various areas of undergraduate mathematics such as number theory, linear algebra, calculus of one or several variables and statistics.

MODULE CONTENT:

• Introduction to a computer algebra system.
• Calculations in number theory, linear algebra, calculus and in statistics.

PRIME TEXT:

BARD, G. V. (2015)

Sage for Undergraduates, American Mathematical Society.

KOSAN, T. (2007)

SAGE for Newbies. Available online

OTHER RELEVANT TEXTS:

STEIN, W. (2012)

Sage for Power Users. Available online