Department of Mathematics, Statistics
and Computer Science
Wim Ruitenburg's Spring 2018 MATH/SCS 4320 5320 -101.
Number Theory
Last updated: January 2018
Comments and suggestions: Email wim.ruitenburg@marquette.edu
OBJECTIVES:
(0) Those implied by the Undergraduate Bulletin.
Understand the basic properties of integers, unique factorization theorems,
arithmetic functions, theory of congruences, quadratic residues, partition
theory.
(1) Learn about proof by natural induction.
Learn to distinguish correct proofs from incorrect proofs.
(2) Learn about counterexamples.
Learn about insufficient knowledge.
(3) Discover the usefulness of number theory in the "real" world.
CLASS PLACE AND TIME: Cudahy Hall CU 131, MWF 11.
INSTRUCTOR: Wim Ruitenburg
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment. Office CU 384
PREREQUISITES: MATH 2100 or MATH 2350 (no posted requirements for MSCS
5320).
BOOK: David M. Burton: Elementary Number Theory, 7th edition, McGraw
Hill 2011.
We intend to focus on:
Chapters 1 through 9.
Some aspects of encryption.
GRADES will be determined by performance on exams and on homework
problems.
There will be three exams: EX1, EX2, and EX3.
Each exam is worth 10 points.
There will be homework problems worth extra points, some smaller and
some bigger.
All homework combined is estimated to be worth 15 points.
In case of inclement weather during finals week, the final EX3 will be
canceled and grades calculated on the basis of the coursework the student has
completed up to the cancellation.
Points to grade conversion:
The following are minimum guarantees:
Points
Grade
40-45
A
37-39
A-
34-36
B+
31-33
B
28-30
B-
25-27
C+
22-24
C
19-21
C-
16-18
D+
13-15
D
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
You are expected to attend all classes for their full periods.
MAKEUP OF MISSED WORK:
Makeup of missed work that contributes to your final grade for reasons of
absence not automatically recognized by Marquette University:
My policy is NO, but then again I tend to give everybody a chance to make up
work once.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: See the undergraduate bulletin.