2012-02-06: I will not accept new solutions to questions 1 - 14 on Assignment A after 2:30 pm, Monday February 13. (There will be some room for negotiation here.) I have added a second batch of questions to this list.
I have updated and extended the notes.
2012-01-30: I have replaced the assignments by a pdf file after clobbering it inadvertently. I have made use of the update to delete some questions. If you have already done them, submit them.
Finite Geometry is the study of interesting sets of points in vector spaces over finite fields. It has connections with coding theory, group theory and graph theory. This course will introduce you to the basic theory of projective spaces. We will then study translation planes, quadrics and generalized quadrangles. I will emphasize connections to graph theory and the use of techniques from linear algebra.
You are not expected to solve all problems from the three sets that I will post, at most 40, and the choice is largely up to you, provided they are spread evenly over the sets. Any correct solution will earn 5 marks (unless otherwise noted). If the solution is essentially correct, you will earn 4 marks. Otherwise your solution will be returned so you can rewrite it. When you submit a correct solution, you will earn 4 marks. There could be more than one iteration in this process. Bonus marks will be awarded and I am prepared to be quite generous (but if you are going to put in lot of extra work, check with me first).
You have the option of replacing up to 10 problems by a course-related project. The initiative is up to you and the details will have to be agreeable to both of us.
I do not want any collaboration on the problems. I will be happy to discuss them in and outside class.
I aim to provide some guidance in effective use of LaTeX. As an extra assignment I want you to prepare your notes from the first lecture in latex. Submit a hard copy of the output to me in class on Monday, January 16 and email me a copy of the input file. I will critique this and return it to you. I will then ask you to latex a second lecture and submit that. This will be graded (out of 5).
My office is MC 5035. If you google on my surname you will reach my webpage very quickly. I will be available after class Mondays. Otherwise email me with at least two meeting times that work for you. Before 11:00 am will work best.
University Policies. (You will not be examined on these.)