MA5030 - Discrete Mathematics and Group Theory (2023/24)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2023/24 | ||||||||||||||||
| Module status | DELETED (This module is no longer running) | ||||||||||||||||
| Module title | Discrete Mathematics and Group Theory | ||||||||||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 30 | ||||||||||||||||
| School | School of Computing and Digital Media | ||||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 300 | ||||||||||||||||
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| Running in 2023/24(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
The topics covered in the first term of this module is to introduce formal inductive and recursive structure on the natural numbers. This structure underlies many aspects of program design and validation, and formal methods. An introduction to combinatorics and the generating functions are designed to enhance the students algorithmic tool set.
The topics covered in the second term part of this module is to introduce students to the abstract algebraic structures of groups, which arise from the ideas of symmetries and of vector and matrix calculus respectively. These two primary examples of algebraic structures have applications across science and engineering, and also provide a firm foundation of necessary basic algebraic notions for the student to further their study mathematical study.
Syllabus
• Combinatorics: Functions and Principles of Counting. Functions, Words and Selections. Binomial numbers and the Binomial Theorem. Ordered and unordered selections. with or without repetition. Partitions , Distributions and the Multinomial Numbers. Generating Functions: Definition and operations. Using generating functions to solve recursions. Difference Equations. LO2,LO3
• Revision of notions of binary operation, associativity.
• Formal definition of a group. Worked examples: symmetries of a regular polygon. LO2, LO3
• Generators, orders. Abelian groups, cyclic groups, free groups, relations in groups. LO5
• Subgroups. Cosets and Theorem of Lagrange. Normal subgroups; quotient groups. LO5
• Todd-Coxeter method for calculating order of a group and finding coset transversals LO5
• Homomorphisms and isomorphisms. Kernel and image; first isomorphism theorem. LO5
• Permuation groups: symmetric and alternating groups. Cayley's theorem. LO5
Groups of matrices
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The module will be taught by a mixture of lectures, workshops and self study practical exercises. The lectures will be used to introduce the various concepts and principles of the module and their strengths in applications. Lectures will be followed by workshops.
The workshops will afford students the opportunity to work in small groups on exercises related to previously taught material. The students will be able to present previously completed exercises for comment from the lecturer and other students. In this class time students will also be encouraged to explore and experiment with the concepts and techniques to encourage their own sense of mathematical creativity.
Students will be expected to spend time on unsupervised work, for example, private study of problem sheets and in the preparation of coursework (219 hours). A framework will be put in place to encourage disciplined learning through student self-awareness of progress in volume of work, understanding, attendance and punctuality.
In addition to standard VLE presence there will be links available for further readings and discussion groups.
Learning outcomes
LO1: Manipulate recursive definitions of functions and use inductive proofs on the natural numbers and abstract data types and express these proofs carefully as logical arguments.
LO2: Derive definitions for ordered/unordered selections using subset argument, understand combinations/ permutations/words as number of special functions.
LO3: Understand the concept of generating functions, their operations and application to solving recursions
L04: Understand the Todd-Coxeter method and apply it to gain further insights into the structures of groups.
LO5: appreciate notions and theory of subgroups and quotient groups and apply them correctly to well defined problems and construct homomorphisms between groups and determine their properties
Assessment strategy
There will be one progression test covering LO1-3 which will give students opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of selection of topics. The Coursework will assess L04. The final assessment will be an exam where students will tested on LO1-5.
Bibliography
Core Text:
London Met Lecture Notes available on the WebLearn.
Recommended Reading:
Hein, J L, (2003), Discrete Mathematics (2nd ed), Jones and Bartlett. (512.5)
Mattson, H F(1993), Discrete Mathematics with Applications, John Wiley & Sons.
Gorman, S.P. et al.; Lecture Notes in Groups. University of North London.
Jordan, C and Jordan, D(1994), Groups. E. Arnold.
Fraleigh, J.B. (1976); A first course in abstract algebra. Addison-Wesley .