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MATH42220: Representation Theory

It is possible that changes to modules or programmes might need to be made during the academic year, in response to the impact of Covid-19 and/or any further changes in public health advice.

Type Tied
Level 4
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Mathematical Sciences

Prerequisites

  • Prior knowledge of Algebra at undergraduate level.

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To develop and illustrate representation theory for finite groups and Lie groups.

Content

  • Representations of finite groups.
  • Character theory.
  • Modules over group algebra.
  • Lie groups and Lie algebras and their representations.
  • Representations of SL(2,C), SU(2), SO(3).
  • Reading material on a topic related to: Representations of the symmetric group, representations over finite fields.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • By the end of the module students will: be able to solve novel and/or complex problems in Representation Theory.
  • have a systematic and coherent understanding of theoretical mathematics in the field of Representation Theory.
  • have acquired a coherent body of knowledge of these subjects demonstrated through one or more of the following topic areas: Representations of finite groups.
  • Character tables.
  • Induced representations, Frobenius reciprocity.
  • Representations of abelian groups.
  • Lie groups and algebras, exponential map.
  • Examples of representations of Lie groups and algebras.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • In addition students will have highly specialised and advanced mathematical skills in the following areas: Abstract Reasoning.
  • Students will have an advanced understanding in one of the following areas: Representations of the symmetric group, representations over finite fields.

Key Skills:

  • Students will have developed independent learning of an advanced topic.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures demonstrate what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples.
  • Subject material assigned for independent study develops the ability to acquire knowledge and understanding without dependence on lectures.
  • Assignments for self-study develop problem-solving skills and enable students to test and develop their knowledge and understanding.
  • Formatively assessed assignments provide practice in the application of logic and high level of rigour as well as feedback for the students and the lecturer on students' progress.
  • The end-of-year examination assesses the knowledge acquired and the ability to solve predictable and unpredictable problems.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures422 per week for 20 weeks and 2 in term 31 Hour42 
Problems Classes8Four in each of terms 1 and 21 Hour 8 
Preperation and Reading150 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written examination3 Hours100 

Formative Assessment

Eight written or electronic assignments to be assessed and returned. Other assignments are set for self-study and complete solutions are made available to students.

More information

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