Math 350 - Number Theory

Lectures: MWF 12-1, DRL 3C6

Course Description

Course Outline:

This is an elementary introduction to Number Theory and some of its applications. Topics covered include congruences and modular arithmentic, arithmetic functions, quadratic reciprocity, Diophantine equations, primality tests, factorization and encryption algorithms. If we have time, we may also discuss some analytic methods.

Text:

Peter Schumer, Introduction to Number Theory, PWS Publishing Company, 1996

Office Hours:

Mon 2-4, DRL 4N59

Grading:

Midterm I, Oct 16 - 25 percent

Midterm II, Nov 22 - 25 percent

Homework - 30 percent

Presentation - 20 percent

Homework:

Homework problems will be assigned each Wednesday and made available on this web page. They will be due the following Wednesday at the beginning of class. Late homework will not be accepted. Group-work is encouraged, but write-ups must be done individually.

Exams:

There will be two midterm exams during regular lecture time. There will be no final exam. Instead, students will deliver final presentations during the last two weeks of class.

Presentations:

Students will form groups of 2-3, and each group will do research on a topic related to number theory or its applications in various disciplines. A list of possible research topics will be made available on this page about half-way through the semester, however, groups are also encouraged to come up with their own. Each group will present their work during a 25-minute slot in the last two weeks of the semester. Each member will be asked to write a short expository paper about their research topic.