| Unit name | Number Theory |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MATH30200 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Klurman |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
MATH10010 Introduction to Proofs and Group Theory and MATH10011 Analysis |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Mathematics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Unit Aims
By the end of the unit you will acquire a command of the basic tools of number theory as applicable to the investigation of congruences, arithmetic functions, Diophantine equations and beyond. In addition, you will become familiar with the underlying themes and current state of knowledge of several branches of Number Theory and its interaction with partner disciplines.
Unit Description
Number theory is a thriving and active area of research whose origins are amongst the oldest in mathematics; some questions asked over two thousand years ago have not been fully answered yet! (e.g. Is there an odd perfect number?) Despite this ancient heritage, it has surprisingly contemporary applications, underpinning the internet data security that lies at the heart of the Digital Age. Although at the core of number theory one finds the basic properties of the integers and rational numbers, the subject has developed coherently in many directions as it has been influenced by (and indeed as it in turn influences) partner disciplines. Almost every conceivable mathematical discipline has played a role in this development, and indeed this web of interactions encompasses algebra and algebraic geometry, analysis, combinatorics, probability, logic, computer science, mathematical physics, and beyond
The course begins with a discussion of arithmetic functions, and with the properties and structure of congruences. The syllabus for the later part of the course changes from year to year. Amongst the applications that may be explored are Diophantine equations and elliptic curves, Diophantine approximation and transcendence, and the distribution of prime numbers. The algebraic aspects of the course are explored further in the Level 3 partner course “Algebraic Number Theory”.
Relation to Other Units
This unit develops the number theory component of the unit Introduction to Proofs and Group Theory. The algebraic aspects of number theory are explored further in the partner Level M/7 unit Algebraic Number Theory.
Learning Objectives
After completing this unit successfully, students should be able to:
Transferable Skills
The unit will be taught through a combination of
90% Timed, open-book examination 10% Coursework
Raw scores on the examinations will be determined according to the marking scheme written on the examination paper. The marking scheme, indicating the maximum score per question, is a guide to the relative weighting of the questions. Raw scores are moderated as described in the Undergraduate Handbook.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. MATH30200).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
