Math 3400 (Number Theory)
Spring 2013, UNT
Lecture: LANG 301, TR
12:30-1:50pm
Instructor: Professor
Olav Richter
Course Description: Math 3400 is an introduction to number
theory. We will
discuss prime numbers
and the fundamental theorem of arithmetic. Congruences play a crucial
role in
this
course. We will cover several special congruences such as Wilson's
theorem,
Fermat's little theorem, and Euler's theorem. In addition, we will
investigate
the perpetual calendar and, as a fun application of congruences, we
will learn
how to quickly compute the weekday of any given date! We will also
cover
various other important topics in number theory such as multiplicative
functions, primitive roots, and quadratic residues.
Prerequisites for Math 3400:
Math 3000 or CSCE 2100.
Textbook:
Homework: Here
is a
complete list of homework for this course. I will announce homework
assignments
in class. The assignments are usually
due on Thursdays at the
beginning of
each class period. Late homework will NOT
be accepted for any
reason. Your lowest
homework score will
be dropped.
Exams & Grading
Policy: Nolan
Wallach (UC San Diego) will give an undergraduate colloquium talk on Mar 22nd from 2-3pm (in GAB 105). The class will NOT meet on Mar 21st;
instead the class will attend the undergraduate colloquium talk on Mar 22nd.
Your final grade will be
based on attending the undergraduate colloquium talk,
homework,
two
midterms, and a comprehensive final. The midterms will be on Feb 21st
and on Apr 11th.
The final exam will be on May 7th.
Please make sure that you are available at those dates, since there
will be NO
make up exams!
The grade is
comprised of
You
are encouraged to study together and help each other throughout the
semester.
If everyone does well, everyone will receive a good grade.
Expectations: A fair amount of work is
involved in learning Number Theory. You are expected to come to lecture
on
time.
Plan ahead so you are not late. You should come to every lecture, and
come
prepared. It is your responsibility to obtain notes from another
student if you
miss class. You are expected to read the assigned sections and work on
the
homework problems immediately after they are assigned. You should be
prepared
to ask questions, take notes, and look alive in class. Please bring
your text
book to class and leave the cell phone at home. Repeat: NO CELL PHONES
OR
PAGERS!!! In addition to attending lecture, you should spend at least 6
hours
per week on my course.
Extra Credit: Do NOT expect to be able
to
do some extra work to help your grade either before or after the final
exam.
There will be NO extra credit.
Disabilities: It is the responsibility
of
students with certified disabilities to provide the instructor with
appropriate
documentation from the Dean of Students Office.
Cheating: No cheating will be
tolerated. Anyone caught cheating will receive an F in the course.
Furthermore,
a letter will be sent to the appropriate dean.
Lecture schedule: The following Tentative
Lecture Schedule gives you an
idea what material
I
intend
to cover in this class, but note that the schedule might
change often. You are
responsible for all announcements/assignments
made in
class!
Tentative
Lecture Schedule
|
Tu Jan 15 1.1-1.5 |
Th Jan 17 3.1+3.2 |
Tu Jan 22 3.3+3.4 |
Th Jan 24 3.5+HW |
Tu Jan 29 3.5+3.6 |
Th Jan 31 3.7+HW |
Tu Feb 5 4.1 |
Th Feb 7 4.1+4.2+HW |
|
Tu Feb 12 4.3+5.1 |
Th Feb 14 5.2+HW |
Tu Feb 19 Review |
Th Feb 21 Midterm |
Tu Feb 26 6.1 |
Th Feb 28 6.1+6.2 |
Tu
Mar 5 6.3+7.1 |
Th Mar 7 7.1+HW |
|
Tu Mar 19 7.1+7.2+HW |
Fr Mar 22 undergrad colloquium |
Tu Mar 26 |
Th Mar 28 7.4+HW |
Tu Apr 2 9.1 |
Th Apr 4 9.1+HW
|
Tu Apr 9 Review |
Th Apr 11 Midterm |
|
Tu Apr 16 9.2 |
Th Apr 18 9.3 |
Tu Apr 23 9.3+9.4 |
Th Apr 25 11.1+HW |
Tu Apr 30 11.1+11.2 |
Th May 2 Review |
|
Tu May 7 FINAL |