Unit Code:	MAT2AAL
Unit Short Title:	APPLIED ALGEBRA
Credit Points:	15.0
Unit Description:	The study of algebraic structures, such as groups, fields and vector spaces, underpins a large amount of modern computer science. Group theory, the principal mathematical tool for analysing symmetry, is genuinely 20th century mathematics and has widespread applications in all areas of science. Field theory and linear algebra have important applications to coding theory, which is used to preserve the security of computer networks. This unit is taught in two parallel streams. One begins with some number theory then develops the basics of group theory and ends with the axiomatic treatment of vector spaces. The other stream includes an introduction to error-correcting codes and rings, fileds and polynomials. The material is presented with an emphasis on an understanding of the structures, and their applications.
Prerequisites:	MAT1CLA or MAT1CB
Incompatibles:	MAT2PDM
Class Requirements:	two 1-hour lectures and two 1-hour tutorials per week.
Work Experience Indicator:	Not undertaking work experience in industry
Available to 'Study Abroad' students:	Y

Assessment:

Assessment Type	%	Comments
one 3-hour examination	85
six fortnightly assignments (equivalent to 750-words)	15

Readings:

Reading Type	Title	Author	Publisher
Prescribed	Printed unit text available from University Bookshop

Unit Streams:

Teaching Period	Unit Class	Location
2   26-JUL-10   29-OCT-10	Day	BUNDOORA

Unit Coordinators:

Title	First Name	Last Name	Location	Primary Coordinator
Professor	Brian	Davey	BUNDOORA	Y
Dr	Simon	Smith	BENDIGO	N