University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: 10.00 am Mon (odd weeks), Wed and Fri

This module introduces the ideas of metric and topological spaces. A metric space is simply a set together with a 'distance' between any two points. This idea is pervasive in mathematics: from situations such as the usual distance in n-dimensional space, to the Hamming distance between words in an error-correcting code and the distance between functions approximating a given function. Metric spaces can be thought of as particular instances of topological spaces, where the fundamental concept is that of points being 'close' to each other rather than the precise distance between points. Topological spaces are a powerful generalisation of metric spaces, and have had a profound influence in the development of mathematics. Many examples of metric spaces and topological spaces will be introduced and fundamental ideas within topology will be discussed, including separation axioms, compactness and connectedness.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass MT3502

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2.5 lectures (weeks 1 - 10) and 1 tutorial (weeks 2 - 11).

Scheduled learning hours: 35

Guided independent study hours: 115

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 100%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 0%

Re-assessment: 2-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr L S Theran
Module teaching staff: Dr Louis Theran
Module coordinator email louis.theran@st-andrews.ac.uk