MATH2080: Abstract and Computational Algebra

2026 unit information

This unit explores the foundational mathematical ideas of symmetry, structure, and arithmetic in a general algebraic setting. At its core is the study of groups and rings, which appear throughout mathematics in different forms. The first part of the unit focuses on groups, which in a broad sense describe symmetries of shapes, equations, and more. Students learn how to analyse and classify these symmetries, and how group structure reflects underlying mathematical behaviour. The second part turns to rings and ideals, which extend our familiar arithmetic with integers and polynomials. This leads to questions about factorisation and solving equations in new settings. Along the way, students gain practical experience with computer algebra systems, using them to carry out calculations, test ideas and construct and explore examples. Rather than treating algebra as purely abstract, the unit shows how the abstract becomes concrete through computation. The aim is to build both a strong theoretical foundation and a working understanding of how algebraic structures behave in practice.

Unit details and rules

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Science

Details

Study level	Undergraduate
Academic unit	Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations
Credit points	6

Enrolment rules

Prerequisites: ?	MATH1064 or MATH1061
Corequisites: ?	None
Prohibitions: ?	MATH2980
Assumed knowledge: ?	None

Learning outcomes

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Unit availability

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Session	MoA ?	Location	Outline ?
Semester 2 2026	Normal day	Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney	Outline unavailable

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

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