UnitLevel 4Undergraduate and Postgraduate

MTH4115 Algebraic topology

Faculty of Science

MTH4115 Algebraic topology is a level 4, 6-credit-point, undergraduate and postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2023 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2023
Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 60%
and 1 other task

This is the 2023 handbook entry. See the 2026 entry.

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Requisites

Before MTH4115

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

After MTH4115

No unit lists MTH4115 as a prerequisite in the 2023 handbook.

Enrolment rules

COREQUISITE: Enrolment in the Master of Mathematics.

PREREQUISITE: MTH3130 and either MTH3121 or MTH2121 and one of MTH3140, MTH2140, MTH3110.

PROHIBITION: MTH5115

Equivalent units

The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.

Overview

This unit develops the main tools from algebra that are used to study and distinguish spaces. These tools are used in a variety of fields, from mathematics to theoretical physics to computer science. Algebraic topology relates to concrete problems, and sophisticated tools will be presented to tackle such problems. The core topics covered in the unit include the fundamental group and covering spaces, and homology. Cohomology and/or homotopy theory will also be studied.

Offerings in 2023

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Continuous assessmentOther
    40%
  • Examination (3 hours and 10 minutes)ExamThreshold hurdle
    60%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Demonstrate a profound understanding of the core concepts in algebraic topology.

  2. 2

    Formulate complex mathematical arguments in algebraic topology.

  3. 3

    Apply sophisticated tools of algebraic topology to tackle new problems.

  4. 4

    Communicate difficult mathematical concepts and arguments with clarity.

  5. 5

    Apply critical thinking to judge the validity of mathematical reasoning.

Workload and teaching

  • Applied sessions12 hours
  • Seminars36 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning
  • Three hours of seminars;
  • One hour applied sessions and
  • Eight hours of independent study per week

Active learning will occur in lectures and applied classes.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Professor Jessica Purcell
Chief Examiners
Professor Jessica Purcell

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for MTH4115?

MTH4115 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

When is MTH4115 offered?

In 2023, MTH4115 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.

Does MTH4115 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
4
Study level
Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Organisational unit
School of Mathematics
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 1
Study abroad
Available
Handbook years
2020202120222023202420252026