Category Theory

Undergraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
MATH X402
Course ID icon
Course ID
207629
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
4
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course is an introduction to category theory. Category theory is a kind of algebra that studies the fundamental structures that occur everywhere in mathematics: objects, relationships between them, relationships between relationships, and so on. Knowledge of basic category theory is useful to all mathematicians and essential to many. For example, modern algebraic geometry and algebraic topology could not exist without category theory. The categorical way of thinking enables the distinction of common patterns in diverse areas of mathematics and guides searches for appropriate definitions and fruitful conjectures. The course will pay particular attention to categorical structures in the areas of mathematics that the students in the course have studied previously.

Course learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic category theory and familiarity with examples of its relevance across mathematics
  • Demonstrate advanced skills in constructing rigorous mathematical arguments
  • Apply the theory in the course to solve a variety of problems at an appropriate level of difficulty
  • Demonstrate advanced skills in communicating mathematics
  • Complete a small research project as a member of a team

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A