MA317      Half Unit
Complex Analysis

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Amol Sasane

Olivier Gossner

Availability

This course is available on the BSc in Business Mathematics and Statistics, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Mathematics with Economics and BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business. 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

Solid grounding in mathematics, especially analysis, in particular MA203 Real Analysis.

Course content

The course will cover the fundamental concepts and methods in complex analysis. The basic objects of study in the course will be complex differentiable functions in domains, and the far-reaching consequences of the notion complex differentiability will be dealt with in the course. The specific topics that will be covered are: the geometry of complex numbers, complex differentiation, Cauchy-Riemann equations, Cauchy's integral theorem and its consequences, Taylor and Laurent series, and harmonic functions. The core results will be illustrated with computational examples and applications.

Teaching

This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 30 hours across Lent Term. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of virtual classes and lectures delivered as online videos. 

Formative coursework

Written answers to set problems will be expected on a weekly basis.

Indicative reading

(1) S.D. Fisher. Complex Variables. Corrected reprint of the second (1990) edition, Dover Publications, Inc., Mineola, NY, 1999.

(2) J.E. Marsden and M.J. Hoffman. Basic Complex Analysis. Second edition, W. H. Freeman and Company, New York, 1987.

(3) D.O. Tall. Functions of a Complex Variable. Routledge and Kegan Paul, London, 1985

Assessment

Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Mathematics

Total students 2019/20: 16

Average class size 2019/20: 17

Capped 2019/20: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

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