MA3Z7-Number Theory
Module Provider: Mathematics
Number of credits: 10 [5ECTS credits]
Level:
H (Honours)
Terms in which taught: Spring
Module Convenor: Dr
TW
Hilberdink
Pre-requisites: MA11A MA11D or MA24G
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2008/9
Email: t.w.hilberdink@reading.ac.uk
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:
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Lectures | 20 | ||
| Tutorials/seminars | |||
| Practicals | |||
| Other contact (eg study visits) | 2 | ||
| Total hours | 22 | ||
| Number of essays or assignments | 6 | ||
| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
Assessment:
Coursework
Relative percentage of coursework : 0%
Examinations
An exam of one and a half hours. This contributes 100% of the overall assessment.
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall.
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in August/September only.