Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mathematics & Physics School
This course covers advanced topics in algebra and number theory, building on third year courses such as abstract algebra and complex analysis. This course will be crucial for those doing Honours study in pure mathematics, especially those interested in algebra and number theory.
This is an advanced course in Algebra and Number Theory intended for high level undergraduate or Honours students.
In the School of Mathematics and Physics we are committed to creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment for all students. We value and respect the diverse range of experiences our students bring to their education, and we believe that this diversity is crucial for fostering a rich culture of knowledge sharing and meaningful exploration. We hold both students and staff accountable for actively contributing to the establishment of a respectful and supportive learning environment.
Bullying, harassment, and discrimination in any form are strictly against our principles and against UQ Policy, and will not be tolerated. We have developed a suite of resources to assist you in recognising, reporting, and addressing such behaviour. If you have any concerns about your experience in this course, we encourage you to tell a member of the course teaching team, or alternatively contact an SMP Classroom Inclusivity Champion (see Blackboard for contact details). Our Inclusivity Champions are here to listen, to understand your concerns, and to explore potential actions that can be taken to resolve them. Your well-being and a positive learning atmosphere are of utmost importance to us.
Course requirements
Assumed background
MATH3303 and MATH3401 are pre-requisites.ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MATH3303, MATH3401
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MATH4301, MATH4304
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
There will be no classes held on public holidays.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to develop notions and structures in algebra and number theory and to use these to analyse a selection of advanced topics in the area.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Evaluate important ideas in the field of abstract algebra
LO2.
Solve problems and prove results in abstract algebra
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
In-Semester Quiz
|
30% |
9/09/2025 10:00 am |
| Presentation, Project |
10-page report plus oral presentation
|
40% |
10/10/2025 5:00 pm |
| Examination |
Oral assessment
|
30% |
Exam week 1 Sat - Exam week 2 Sat
The assessment will be scheduled in the end of semester exam period but specific date/time information will be advised by the school. |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
In-Semester Quiz
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
9/09/2025 10:00 am
Task description
In the In-Semester Quiz, students will be asked to answer questions on the material covered in the first 6 weeks of lectures.
Students who miss the Quiz have to do an oral in-semester test instead, covering the same material.
Submission guidelines
This is an in-class quiz.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Students who miss the written in-class quiz will have to do the quiz orally.
10-page report plus oral presentation
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Presentation, Project
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
10/10/2025 5:00 pm
Task description
Students are expected to write a 10-page report on a topic in algebra & representation theory and give a 20-minute talk on their report.
All talks will be held in the final three weeks of semester.
The report will be worth 20% and the talk 20% for a combined 40%.
Hurdle requirements
A minimum of 35 (out of 100 marks) for both the report and the presentation.Submission guidelines
Gradescope will be used for the submission of the reports
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Presentation following the assessment report will be a few days after the assessment is due and as such, an extension after 7 days will not be possible.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
Oral assessment
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Exam week 1 Sat - Exam week 2 Sat
The assessment will be scheduled in the end of semester exam period but specific date/time information will be advised by the school.
Task description
There will be a 45-minute oral final assessment.
Students may use the board, or pen and paper, to assist in answering questions.
The assessment will be schedule in the end of semester exam period but specific exam date/time information will be advised by the school.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 45 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension/deferral information relating to this assessment item.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students who obtain a grade of 1 will have achieved a final mark of less than 20%. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students who obtain a grade of 2 will have achieved a final mark of at least 20% and less than 47%, or will have received a final mark of at least 47% but have received a mark lower than 35 (out of 100) for both the 10-page report and presentation. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Students who obtain a grade of 3 will have achieved a final mark of at least 47% and less than 50%, and will have achieved a mark of at least 35 (out of 100) for both the 10-page report and presentation. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students who obtain a grade of 4 will have achieved a final mark of at least 50% and less than 65%, and will have achieved a mark of at least 35 (out of 100) for both the 10-page report and presentation. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students who obtain a grade of 5 will have achieved a final mark of at least 65% and less than 75%, and will have achieved a mark of at least 35 (out of 100) for both the 10-page report and presentation. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students who obtain a grade of 6 will have achieved a final mark of at least 75% and less than 85%, and will have achieved a mark of at least 35 (out of 100) for both the 10-page report and presentation. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students who obtain a grade of 7 will have achieved a final mark of at least 85%, and will have achieved a mark of at least 35 (out of 100) for both the 10-page report and presentation. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment in this course will be a 1-hour examination similar in style to the end-of-semester examination. To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Artificial Intelligence
To pass this course, students will be required to demonstrate a detailed understanding of course material together with a range of associated skills independent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) tools.
For assessment tasks that are completed in-person (including examinations) termed “secure assessment”, the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted unless otherwise advised. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Other non-secure assessment tasks (such as assignments) are designed to help you develop your understanding and skills, and to prepare you for secure assessment. You are thus generally encouraged to complete such assessment without the use of AI/MT, unless explicitly advised to the contrary in the assessment item. In any event, if you choose to use such tools, then you must clearly reference any such use within your submitted work. A failure to reference AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
- Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
- If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
- If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
- If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
- For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum timeframe applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for details. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
- An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered, must not exceed four weeks in total. If you are incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, you are advised to apply for Removal of Course.
- If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
- Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
- There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lectures Students are expected to attend lectures in person and complete all homework problems. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.