Course description: This course is an introduction to number theory. The following is a tentative list of topics that will be covered: arithmetic in the integers, linear diophantine equations, arithmetic in other rings of integers, Pythagorean triples, residue systems and congruences, the Chinese remainder theorem, the structure of residue rings, basic arithmetic functions, the quadratic reciprocity law.
Lectures: MWF from 12:00 to 13:50 in AP&M 7421.
Discussion sections: TuTh from 12:00 to 12:50 in AP&M 6402.
Instructor: François Thilmany – fthilman(at)ucsd(dot)edu – AP&M 6132.
TA: Stephan Weispfenning – sweispfe(at)ucsd(dot)edu – AP&M 6434.
Textbook: William J. LeVeque's Fundamentals of Number Theory.
My office hours are held MWF after lectures, from 14:00 to 14:50 in my office (AP&M 6132) or in classroom AP&M 7218 (one floor above), if my office gets crowded.
On Thursdays, I will extend section with another office hour from 13:00 to 13:50 in AP&M 6402.
If these times do not work for you, please send me an email and we will set up an appointment.
You are welcome to stop by my office, although I may not always be available.
Stephan's Tuesday office hour will be an extension of discussion section: it will be from 13:00 to 13:50 in AP&M 6402.
On Friday, Stephan will have an office hour in AP&M 6434 from 17:00 to 18:00.
Grade: The final grade will be the maximum between the weighted averages (25% homework + 25% midterm + 50% final) and (25% homework + 75% final).
Sections: Sections are mandatory and attendance will be monitored. Results and exercises covered in section will be part of the material for the course.
During section, you are encouraged to actively work on the problems. Stephan will be in the room to answer any questions and review parts of the material, but he will not present full solutions.
To allow more time to work on the problems, on Tuesdays his office hours will extend the section. On Thursday, section will be extended by my office hour, in the same room (AP&M 6402).
Homework: The problem sets and deadlines are to be found below. Late homework will not be accepted.
You are encouraged to collaborate on the assignments, but the work you hand in must be your own.
Midterm: The midterm will be in class, on Monday 23rd of July. There will be no make-up midterm; if you miss the midterm, its part of the grade will be replaced by the final exam. No books, notes, or electronic devices are allowed during the exam.
Final: The final exam will be held on Saturday 4th of August from 11:30 to 14:30 in TBA. There will be no make-up final. If you miss the final exam, you will receive an 'F', unless the cause is an unpreventable emergency and justification is provided before the exam. In that case, you will receive an 'incomplete' and will be required to take the exam in the following quarter (Fall 2018). No books, notes, or electronic devices are allowed during the exam.
General rules: The clarity of your answers are a substantial part of the evaluation, so make sure that you always write intelligibly, and always justify your answers! An illegible, disorganized or unclear work might receive no credit.
The academic integrity rules of the university will be strictly enforced.
Any request for a regrade must be made within a week and before the exam / homework in question leaves the instructor's or the TA's sight.
The problem sets are posted below. You can bring your answers in class or drop them in the box in the basement.
Homework is due on Fridays at 18:00 (unless indicated otherwise). Please note that no credit will be given for any homework turned in late.