MAST20022 Group Theory and Linear Algebra
University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 2.
- Final exam 70%: exam-heavy
- About 4 class hours a week
Is MAST20022 hard?
MAST20022: Harder. #17 on the hardest list for Bachelor of Science. Makes it harder: Reviewers say it’s hard (10 reviews), Final exam 70%.
What you learn
Abstract algebra: groups and symmetry, plus deeper linear algebra, with RSA encryption as an application.
After it you can
- Do modular arithmetic and apply it to RSA encryption
- Compute eigenvalues, eigenvectors and normal forms
- Write rigorous proofs in algebra
What you need first
(MAST10008 or MAST10007 or MAST10022 or MAST10013 or MAST10018) and (MAST10009 or MAST20026 or MAST20033 or MAST20036)
- MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1
- MAST10007 Linear Algebra
- MAST10022 Linear Algebra: Advanced
- MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2
- MAST20026 Real Analysis
- MAST20033 Real Analysis: Advanced
- MAST20036 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
What it leads to
How it’s assessed
Assignments 30%, Final exam 70%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 10 students on StudentVIP (2015–2024)
- Consistently described as hard, a true pure-maths subject focused on proofs.
- 2024 reviewers found few worked examples, very hard assignments, and an extremely difficult exam.
- Content (group theory and linear algebra) is widely seen as interesting and rewarding for pure maths lovers.
- Teaching quality has varied a lot by year, so check who is teaching it.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate MAST20022
Quick answers
- When is MAST20022 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking MAST20022?
- Needs (MAST10008 or MAST10007 or MAST10022 or MAST10013 or MAST10018) and (MAST10009 or MAST20026 or MAST20033 or MAST20036).
- Does MAST20022 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 70% of the mark. Assessment: Assignments 30%, Final exam 70%.
- Is MAST20022 hard?
- From 10 student reviews on StudentVIP: Consistently described as hard, a true pure-maths subject focused on proofs.
- What do students say about MAST20022?
- Consistently described as hard, a true pure-maths subject focused on proofs. 2024 reviewers found few worked examples, very hard assignments, and an extremely difficult exam. Content (group theory and linear algebra) is widely seen as interesting and rewarding for pure maths lovers.
- How many class hours a week does MAST20022 have?
- 4 h a week in class
- Can I take MAST20022 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music.
- What can I take after MAST20022?
- 2 subjects need it first, for example MAST30005, MAST30026.
- Can I rate MAST20022?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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