Just as there is a formula for solving a quadratic equation, there are similar formulae for solving the general cubic and quartic. Galois theory provides a solution to the corresponding problem for quintics --- there is no such formula in this case! Galois theory also enables us to prove (despite regular claims to the contrary) that there is no ruler and compass construction for trisecting an angle. More broadly, the purpose of Galois theory is to study polynomials at a deep level by using symmetries between the roots. This is a pervasive theme in modern mathematics, and Galois theory is traditionally where one first encounters it.

Topics to be covered include:

Galois Theory - fields, field extensions, normal extensions, separable extensions. Revision of group theory, abelian and soluble groups.The main theorem of Galois theory.Solubility of equations by radicals. Finite fields. Cyclotomic fields.

Note: This is an HPC. It emphasises mathematical rigour and proof and continues the development of modern analysis from an abstract viewpoint.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Explain the fundamental concepts of field extensions and Galois theory and their role in modern mathematics and applied contexts
2. Demonstrate accurate and efficient use of field extensions and Galois theory
3. Demonstrate capacity for mathematical reasoning through analyzing, proving and explaining concepts from field extensions and Galois theory
4. Apply problem-solving using field extensions and Galois theory applied to diverse situations in physics, engineering and other mathematical contexts.

Required Resources

Textbook: Algebra (2nd edition) by Michael Artin.

Recommended Resources

There are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program at ANU, across all of your courses. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments;
• Verbal comments;
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Use of Computers and Artificial Intelligence (AI): using computational algebra software is acceptable as long as you can independently justify the answers, and unless explicitly forbidden for a particular assessment task. It is recommended that students do not consult large language models / generative AI (ChatGPT etc) for mathematical questions. But if you do, you must (a) explicitly acknowledge its use (the same as listing a collaborator) and (b) provide a transcript of the conversation.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Block 1: Weeks 1-2. Factoring (Artin, Chapter 12).	Ongoing assessment includes weekly reflective check-ins, weekly workshop participation (starting in Week 2), and weekly homework tasks (starting in Week 2).
2	Block 2: Weeks 3-6. Fields (Artin, Chapter 15).	Midsemester exam towards the end of this block. Ongoing assessment as above.
3	Block 3: Weeks 7-21. Galois Theory (Artin, Chapter 16).	Final exam at the end of the course, during the standard final examination period. Ongoing assessment as above.

Tutorial Registration

Workshops begin in Week 2. ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Assignments	30 %	1,2,3,4
Mid-semester examination	30 %	1,2,3,4
Final Examination	30 %	1,2,3,4
Reflective check-ins	5 %	1,2,3,4
Workshop participation	5 %	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

This course is delivered in person, on campus. Participation is expected in all class activities.

Examination(s)

This course includes a mid-semester and a final examination. The details and mode of delivery for exams will be communicated through the course Wattle site and the ANU final examination timetable.

Assessment Task 1

Assignments

There will be weekly homework assignments, starting in Week 2. They will relate to material from the previous week, and mostly will be due on Fridays.

Assessment Task 2

Mid-semester examination

There will be a mid-semester examination, scheduled near to the end of the second block of content. Please check Wattle for details concerning the date, time and mode of the examination.

Assessment Task 3

Final Examination

There will be a final examination. Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable (when finalised) to confirm the date, time and mode of the examination.

Assessment Task 4

Reflective check-ins

Every week, there will be a reflective check-in on Wattle, due on Tuesdays. It will consist of one question, asking which part of the reading you found most difficult. It will be marked for completion only.

Assessment Task 5

Workshop participation

Each week, workshops will consist of working through a handout of exercises --- students are highly encouraged to do this cooperatively in small groups --- and discussing solutions. The groups write solutions to questions on whiteboards so that workshop demonstrators can easily review and interact with their work. Students are expected to contribute to discussions on an ongoing basis throughout the semester.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

You will be required to agree to a declaration as part of the submission of your assignments, that will record your understanding of ANU academic integrity principles.  Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. MATH3345 does not use Turnitin, having been granted an exemption.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

No submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date will be permitted. If an assessment task is not submitted by the due date, a mark of 0 will be awarded. An extension request must be submitted 1 day (24 hours) before the due date. Extensions will be granted only in exceptional circumstances.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Student work will be returned online or in assignment boxes.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students