MA103     
Introduction to Abstract Mathematics

This information is for the 2014/15 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Graham Brightwell and Prof Bernhard Von Stengel

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, 8 hours of classes and 9 hours of workshops in the MT. 20 hours of lectures, 10 hours of classes and 10 hours of workshops in the LT. 4 hours of lectures and 2 hours of classes 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 2013/14: 267

Average class size 2013/14: 15

Capped 2013/14: No

Lecture capture used 2013/14: Yes (MT & LT)

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

PDAM skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills

Course survey results

(2011/12 - 2013/14 combined)

1 = "best" score, 5 = "worst" score

The scores below are average responses.

Response rate: 84%

Question

Average
response

Reading list (Q2.1)

2.4

Materials (Q2.3)

2.1

Course satisfied (Q2.4)

2.2

Lectures (Q2.5)

2.4

Integration (Q2.6)

2.1

Contact (Q2.7)

2.3

Feedback (Q2.8)

2.3

Recommend (Q2.9)

Yes

43.7%

Maybe

40.8%

No

15.5%