MA3Z7: Number Theory

Module Provider:

Mathematics

Number of credits:

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Level:

H (Honours)

Terms in which taught:

Autumn, Spring and Summer

Module Convenor:

Dr R Gohm

Pre-requisites:

MA24E

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Current from:

2005/6

Aims:
To put on a rigorous basis some fundamental facts about the integers that are familiar to all students at an intuitive level, to introduce topics which are easily appreciated, but whose solutions are much less easy.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students are expected to be able to:

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
Number theory is a subject which has been studied for well over two thousand years. It deals with the integers and has the feature that the questions are easy to understand, but often surprisingly difficult to answer - many of the properties of prime numbers have this feature, for example.
The main topics are the ideas of divisibility, prime numbers, factorisation and congruences, with applications, and a study of arithmetical functions.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures supported by problem sheets

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
Relative percentage of coursework : 0%
Penalties for late submission
For pieces of work contributing more than 10%: deduction of 10 marks (out of 100) up to one week after the deadline, thereafter a mark of zero.
Examinations
An exam of one and a half hours requiring the answers to two questions from three. This contributes 100% of the overall assessment.
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall.
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in August/September only.