MA103
Introduction to Abstract Mathematics
This information is for the 2016/17 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Bernhard Von Stengel and Prof Graham Brightwell
Availability
This course is compulsory on the BSc in Mathematics and Economics and BSc in Mathematics with Economics. This course is available on the BSc in Actuarial Science, BSc in Business Mathematics and Statistics and BSc in Statistics with Finance. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course is available with permission to General Course students.
Pre-requisites
Students should have taken, or be taking concurrently, the course Mathematical Methods (MA100).
Course content
The course is an introduction to the use of formal definitions and proofs in mathematics, and to basic results of elementary set theory, number theory, linear algebra, algebra and analysis. Specific topics covered are as follows: Logic, integers, sets and functions, prime numbers, relations, real and complex numbers, greatest common divisor and modular arithmetic, infimum and supremum, sequences, limits, continuity, groups and vector spaces.
Teaching
20 hours of lectures, 10 hours of classes and 9 hours of workshops in the MT. 22 hours of lectures, 10 hours of classes and 10 hours of workshops in the LT. 1 hour of lectures in the ST.
Formative coursework
Written answers to set problems will be expected on a weekly basis.
Indicative reading
Students are expected to have one of the recommended textbooks: N L Biggs, Discrete Mathematics (2nd edn) or P J Eccles, An Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning. Further background reading can be found in R Allenby, Numbers and Proofs; M Liebeck, A Concise Introduction to Pure Mathematics; V Bryant, Yet Another Introduction to Analysis; R Bartle & D Sherbert, Introduction to Real Analysis and H Anton, Elementary Linear Algebra.
Assessment
Exam (100%, duration: 3 hours) in the main exam period.
Key facts
Department: Mathematics
Total students 2015/16: 199
Average class size 2015/16: 12
Capped 2015/16: No
Lecture capture used 2015/16: Yes (MT & LT)
Value: One Unit
PDAM skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills
Course survey results
(2013/14 - 2015/16 combined)
1 = "best" score, 5 = "worst" scoreThe scores below are average responses.
Response rate: 93%
Question |
Average | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reading list (Q2.1) |
2.4 | ||||||
Materials (Q2.3) |
2.1 | ||||||
Course satisfied (Q2.4) |
2.2 | ||||||
Lectures (Q2.5) |
2.6 | ||||||
Integration (Q2.6) |
2 | ||||||
Contact (Q2.7) |
2.3 | ||||||
Feedback (Q2.8) |
2.2 | ||||||
Recommend (Q2.9) |
|