Special Topics I (MATH6006)

Course overview

Description: Advanced mathematics topics, not covered in other courses, and available only under special circumstances (for example, course to be given by a visiting lecturer in a specialty area that is not usually available). Endorsement of Head, Mathematics required for enrolment.

A Special Topics course provides the opportunity to for independent directed study or a reading course under the supervision of a staff member.

Students should take special topics course only under special circumstances. In this case their honours supervisor may advise the student as to which special topics might be helpful in relation to their research project. This course may also be used for AMSI enrolment.

This course is offered subject to availability of supervising ﾠstaff members.

In Semester 2, 2025, students will have the opportunity to enrol in the following special topic courses:

Title: Analytic Number Theory

Lecturer: Adrian Dudek (a.dudek@uq.edu.au)

Aims: In this course, students will get an introduction to this mesmerising field where tools from analysis are used to study discrete sets, the most central of these being the set of prime numbers. The course will start at the basics of arithmetic functions and build towards two complementary proofs of the Prime Number Theorem, one using Fourier analysis and the other using elementary methods. There will be a strong focus on learning through doing, with weekly meetings revolving around on-the-board problem solving.

Title: Algebraic Topology

Lecturers: Daniele Celoria (d.celoria@uq.edu.au); Joseph Grotowski (j.grotowski@uq.edu.au)

Aims: The aim of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the basic tools and techniques of algebraic topology. The course aims to provide a solid theoretical basis for students using these techniques in applications and further study in modern mathematics, as well as to provide experience in calculating a range of topological invariants associated to specific spaces and classes of spaces.

On top of these study opportunities, in semester 2, 2025, you might also consider studying an AMSI (Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute) ACE subject. The subjects that will be offered for Semester 2, 2025 can be found at the following link

https://rhed.amsi.org.au/ace/#sem2

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

3 year degree with a major in mathematics.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

Permission Head of School

Course contact

Aims and outcomes

On completing this course students will obtain a sound knowledge of the specific topic area.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment details

Independent Study

• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Oral, Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique, Project

Weight

100% 100% total divided into different types of assessments, as will be specified by the supervising staff member

Due date

Due dates will be advised by the supervising staff member.

Learning outcomes

L01

Task description

Submission guidelines

To be advised by the supervising staff member.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Availability of extension or deferral will be advised by the supervising staff member.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

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 for this course will be an individual assessment determined by the Topic supervisor. Precise details will be given individually. A passing grade is required in this examination to be granted a passing grade in the course.

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 date 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Applications to defer an exam

In certain circumstances you can apply to take a deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams. You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.

Deferred Exam requests are submitted online via mySi-net. Requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with deferred examinations, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons may be found at my.UQ.

Please note:

• Applications can be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original exam.
• There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
• Your deferred examination request(s) must have a status of "submitted" in mySI-net to be assessed.
• All applications for deferred in-semester examinations are assessed by the relevant school. Applications for deferred end-of-semester examinations are assessed by the Academic Services Division.
• You’ll receive an email to your student email account when the status of your application is updated.
• If you have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability and require alternative arrangements for your deferred exam you’ll need to complete the online alternative exam arrangements through my.UQ. This is in addition to your deferred examinations request. You need to submit this request on the same day as your request for a deferred exam or supplementary assessment. Contact Student Services if you need assistance completing your alternative exam arrangements request.

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

Library resources are available 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.

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.