It has the 1st year unit Pure Mathematics II as prerequisite. Its aim is to introduce students to algebraic structures and to axiomatic methods in pure mathematics. Its main topic is Group Theory, with a subsidiary section on vector spaces with a single linear transformation. It will introduce the principal notions of groups, subgroups, homomorphisms and factor groups. The course is a 10 UCU unit of 20 lectures with three or four support classes.
Modern algebra bases itself on axiomatic systems where theories are developed from axioms.
This is particularly so for Group Theory. One of its roots and influential in its development has been the study of geometrical transformations and symmetry. Group Theory is therefore very close to these fundamental mathematical notions. It is also a subject where theory and axiomatics interacts with intuition and insight in fascinating ways. Axiomatic methods are not always easy to get used to.