Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	Number Theory
School	Mathematics
Department	Mathematics
Module Code	06 22498
Module Lead	P Flavell
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites	LC Algebra & Combinatorics 1 - (06 25659)
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-46 hours Tutorial-10 hours Guided independent study-144 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	A spectacular development in mathematics is Wiles' proof of Fermat's Last Theorem: if n>2 then xn+yn=zn has no nontrivial integer solutions. A high point of the module is a proof of Fermat's Last Theorem for n=3. Ideas relating to integer and primes are generalized to other number systems e.g. the Gaussian integers Z[i] = {x + iy | x and y integers}. An analogue of the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic is proved for Z[i]. Concrete numerical examples illustrate to concepts involved. Modular arithmetic is studied. The high point being Gauss' celebrated Law of Quadratic Reciprocity concerning the existence of square roots modulo a prime. Time permitting, other topics may be studied, e.g. Fermat's Last Theorem for n=5, Mersenne primes, the abc-conjecture, recent advances.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module the student should be able to: Analyze Diophantine equations by factorizations in appropriate rings and the use of modular arithmetic; Understand modular arithmetic and the techniques involved in proving Gauss Law of Quadratic Reciprocity use this law to find quadratic residues.
Assessment	22498-01 : Raw Module Mark : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	3 hour Written Unseen Examination (80%); In-course Assessment (20%).
Other	None
Reading List