| Unit name | Analytic Number Theory |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MATHM0007 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Booker |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
MATH33000 Complex Function Theory |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Mathematics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Unit Aims
To gain an understanding and appreciation of analytic number theory, and some of its most important achievements. To be able to apply the techniques of complex analysis to study a range of specific problems in number theory.
Unit Description
The study of prime numbers is one of the most ancient and beautiful topics in mathematics. After reviewing some basic results in elementary number theory and the theory of Dirichlet characters and L-functions, the main aim of this lecture course will be to show how the power of complex analysis can be used to shed light on irregularities in the sequence of primes. Significant attention will be paid to developing the theory of the Riemann zeta function. The course will build up to a proof of the Prime Number Theorem and a description of the Riemann Hypothesis, arguably the most important unsolved problem in modern mathematics.
Relation to Other Units
This is one of two units which develop number theory in various directions. The other is Number Theory.
Learning Objectives
To gain an understanding and appreciation of Analytic Number Theory and some of its important applications. To be able to use the theory in specific examples.
Transferable Skills
Using an abstract framework to better understand how to attack a concrete problem.
Lectures and exercises.
90% 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. MATHM0007).
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.
