Topology
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An introduction to topology, this course concentrates on the two strands of point-set topology and geometric topology. In the former, you will study distance and continuity; metric spaces; topological spaces; closed sets; connectedness; compactness; sequences; and completeness. In the latter, you will look at surfaces, subdivisions, and classifying surfaces. You will also explore applications to graphs on surfaces, and fractals. You are expected to have a good basic grounding in real analysis.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | M338 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 3 |
| SCQF level | 10 |
| FHEQ level | 6 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| Examination |
| No residential school |
Register for the course
| Start | End | Fee | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
No current presentation - see Future availability |
| This course is expected to start for the last time in February 2012. | |||
What you will study
Topology is an active and central branch of modern pure mathematics which develops the analytic and geometric aspects of courses such as Pure mathematics (M208). This course combines two major aspects of the subject: point-set topology – in which the continuity of functions is the motivating concept – and geometric topology, which studies the properties of surfaces such as the sphere, torus, Möbius band and Klein bottle that are invariant under continuous deformations.
The thirteen study texts make up three roughly equal blocks of work.
Block A Point-set topology: Distance and continuity, Metric spaces, Topological spaces, Closed sets
Block B Geometric topology: Surfaces, Subdivisions, Classification of surfaces, Graphs on surfaces
Block C Point-set topology: Connectedness, Compactness, Sequences, Completeness, Fractals
The texts include many worked examples, problems and exercises, all with full solutions, and there is a course handbook that includes reference material, the main results and an index. A DVD illustrates the central ideas of the course, and software shows and teaches topological ideas.
You will learn
Successful study of this course should enhance your skills in working with abstract concepts and understanding complex mathematical texts.
Entry
This is a Level 3 course. Level 3 courses build on study skills and subject knowledge acquired from studies at Levels 1 and 2, and are intended only for students who have recent experience of higher education in a related subject, preferably with the OU.
You need proficiency in algebra, trigonometry and analysis, and the mathematical maturity gained from Level 2 mathematics courses. To undertake M338 with confidence you should have at least a grade 2 pass in Pure mathematics (M208) or any other course that provides a grounding in real analysis. Students are more likely to complete this course successfully if they have acquired their prerequisite knowledge through passing M208. Your regional or national centre will be able to tell you where you can see reference copies of the study texts.
Our diagnostic quiz will also help you to determine whether you are adequately prepared for this course.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Preparatory work
There is no formal preparatory work, but you should revise your previous studies in real analysis before the course begins. It would be particularly helpful to have revised the convergence of sequences and continuity of real-valued functions. You are particularly encouraged to review the ε-δ definition of continuity as covered, for example, in M208 Analysis Block B, Unit 1.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
There are many diagrams in the printed material and the software, to provide help with visualising the abstract aspects of topology as well as its geometric nature and this may present a challenge if you have impaired sight. Please contact us for advice if you have concerns about taking this course, or about the support that could be provided. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our publication Meeting Your Needs.
You can also find information about accessible study materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Course books, DVD, course software on CD-ROM, website.
You will need
DVD player (or computer able to play DVDs).
We recommend you access the internet at least once a week during the course to download course resources and assignments, and to keep up to date with course news.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave. Some of your course software will be provided on disk.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new Windows computer since 2005 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual. Please note that you cannot use an Apple Mac or Linux computer unless it is running Windows using Boot Camp or similar dual-boot system.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. We may also be able to offer group tutorials or day schools that you are encouraged, but not obliged, to attend. Where your tutorials are held will depend on the distribution of students taking the course.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
Please note that TMAs for all undergraduate mathematics and statistics courses must be submitted on paper as – due to technical reasons – we are unable to accept TMAs via our eTMA system.
Professional recognition
This course may help you to gain recognition from a professional body. You can view or download our Recognition leaflets 3.3 Professional Engineering Institutions and 3.6 Institute of Mathematics and its Applications for further information.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in February 2012 when it will be available for the last time. A new course, in the same area, is planned for October 2013.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | M338 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 3 |
| SCQF level | 10 |
| FHEQ level | 6 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| Examination |
| No residential school |
Study explained
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about distance learning with the OU.
Student Reviews
Topology is a difficult but beautiful topic. It was my second to last module for a maths degree and I ...
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M338 is excellent and probably one of the best OU courses. Having said that, comparing with other 3rd level OU ...
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Your questions
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Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35
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