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Study information

Topics in Analytic Number Theory - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLETopics in Analytic Number Theory CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEMTHM061 MODULE CONVENERDr Julio Andrade (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 12
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 22
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This is an advanced 4th-year module in pure mathematics. In this module, we will be studying some advanced topics in number theory that are drawn from recent research in the area and/or from topics not normally covered in the undergraduate degree.

 

Some possible topics to be covered include the theory of the Riemann zeta-function, sieve methods, elliptic curves, and random matrix theory. (For a more comprehensive list of topics see Syllabus Plan below).

The focus of the module will be on investigating and discussing some basic problems related to the chosen topics and studying some techniques and applications. This module is suitable for students who have interests in number theory and pure mathematics in general. This module is also suitable if you are thinking about going forward and work with research in mathematics and/or doing a PhD in mathematics

Another novelty of this module is that it might be taught by using a mix of methods including (but not restricted to): traditional lectures, student seminars and presentations, reading assignments, and Moore’s method, which is a deductive manner of instruction used in advanced mathematics course where the content of the course is presented in whole or in part by the students themselves.

Pre-requisite Module: MTH2009 and MTH3004

 

AIMS - intentions of the module

This course aims to introduce to the student some recent and/or advanced topics in number theory. The topics will be chosen from either recent research in the area and/or from advanced topics not normally seen in an undergraduate course. The aim is to discuss some problems, techniques, and applications of studying certain topics in analytic number theory and auxiliary areas. We aim to present fundamental results with detailed proofs and at the same time highlight the tight connection between several subjects in mathematics, especially analytic number theory, elementary number theory, complex analysis, and analysis in general.

From this module, the student should be able to acquire a working knowledge of some of the main concepts appearing in some areas of analytic number theory and correlated areas, together with some appreciation of modern results and techniques. Various applications will be highlighted.

 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Recall key definitions, theorems and proofs in analytic number theory and correlated areas
2. Apply the techniques of complex analysis and analytic number theory to solve a range of seen and unseen problems;
3. Discuss some aspects of modern research in analytic number theory and correlated areas;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

4. Explain the relationship between the topics in this module and other material in number theory, complex analysis and cognate areas of pure mathematics taught elsewhere on the programme;
5. Apply a range of techniques from the module with precision and clarity;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

6. Show enhanced problem-solving skills and ability to formulate your solutions as mathematical proofs
7. Communicate your work professionally, and using correct mathematical notation
8. Illustrate oral presentation skills by participation in seminars and oral presentation
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

A selection of possible topics to be covered in this module is shown below. Notice that the topics may change from year to year, and they might include (but not restricted to):

In any year a selection of at least two topics will be taken from the following list:

 

  1. Basics in Analytic Number Theory and the Prime Number Theorem.
  2. The Theory of the Riemann zeta-function and other L-functions.
  3. Zero-free regions, moments of L-functions and distribution of zeros of L-functions.
  4. Random Matrix Theory, Quantum Chaos and Applications to Number Theory
  5. Sieve Methods.
  6. Hardy-Littlewood Circle Method.
  7. Diophantine Equations/Analysis.
  8. Some topics in Probabilistic Number Theory.
  9. Automorphic Forms and Spectral Theory of Automorphic Forms.
  10. Elliptic Curves.
  11. Number Theory in Function Fields.
  12. Arithmetic of Quadratic Forms.
  13. Modular Forms.
  14. Topics in Additive Number Theory.
  15. Elliptic Functions.
  16. Partitions.
  17. Exponential Sums.
  18. Other possible interesting/recent topics in number theory and/or related areas.

 

Notice that in the first lecture for this module, the lecturer will clearly state what are the topics that are planned to be covered in that year.

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 48 Guided Independent Study 102 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 48 Lectures
Guided Independent Study 102 Assessment preparation; private study, problem sheets, office hours, and possible tutorials.
     

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Problem Sheets Standard problem sheet for a 4th year pure mathematics module. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Written and verbal.
Reading Assignments Chapters of lecture notes, books and/or papers to be read before the lectures. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Verbal.
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 40 Practical Exams 20
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Coursework 1 10 Problem Sheet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Written comments
Coursework 2 10 Problem Sheet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Written comments
Coursework 3: Written Observation/Critic 10 Observation/critic of a lecture and/or presentation 3, 4, 6, 7,8 Written comments
Coursework 4: Written Task 10 Written notes and/or slides of the lecture/presentation. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8 Written comments

Presentations/Seminars

20 It will take place during the teaching term in the lectures. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8 Written and/or verbal
Written Exam 40 Written examination – 2 hours (Summer) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Feedback sheet (usual feedback in the script)

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Coursework 1* Coursework 1 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Referral/defderral period
Coursework 2* Coursework 2 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Referral/defderral period
Coursework 3* Coursework 3 3,4,6,7,8 Referral/defderral period
Coursework 4* Coursework 4 3,4,5,6,7,8 Referral/defderral period
Presentations/Seminars Presentation 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Referral/defderral period
Written Exam Written exam 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Referral/defderral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or written exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped

Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module only. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 40%.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

Author

Title

Publisher

Year

Apostol, T.

Introduction to Analytic Number Theory

Springer-Verlag

1976

Davenport, H.

Multiplicative Number Theory

Springer-Verlag

2000

Hardy, G.H. and Wright, E.M.

An Introduction to the Theory of Numbers

Oxford University Press

2008

Jameson, G.J.O.

The Prime Number Theorem

Cambridge University Press

2003

Montgomery, H.L. and Vaughan, R.C.

Multiplicative Number Theory, I: Classical Theory

Cambridge University Press

2007

Stopple, J.

A Primer of Analytic Number Theory

Cambridge University press

2003

Vaughan, R.C.

The Hardy-Littlewood Method

Cambridge University Press

1997

Rassias, M. Th.

Goldbach’s Problem: Selected Topics

Springer-Verlag

2017

Steuding, J. and et.al.

Diophantine Analysis: Course Notes from a Summer School

Springer-Verlag

2016

Hindry, M. and Silverman, J.H.

Diophantine Geometry: An Introduction

Springer-Verlag

2000

Cohen, H.

Number Theory: Volume I: Tools and Diophantine Equations

Springer-Verlag

2007

Andreescu, T. and Andrica, D.

Quadratic Diophantine Equations

Springer-Verlag

2015

Andreescu, T. and Andrica, D. et.al.

An Introduction to Diophantine Equations: A problem-based approach

Springer-Verlag

2010

Rosen, M.

Number Theory in Function Fields

Springer-Verlag

2002

Titchmarsh, E.C.

The Theory of the Riemann Zeta-function

Oxford University Press

1987

Iwaniec H. and Kowalski, E.

Analytic Number Theory

American Mathematical Society

2004

Cojocaru, A.C. and Murty, M.R.

An Introduction to Sieve Methods and Their Applications

Cambridge University Press

2005

Tenenbaum, G.

Introduction to Analytic and Probabilistic Number Theory

Cambridge University Press

1995

Lang, S.

Introduction to Modular Forms

Springer-Verlag

1976

Koblitz, N.

Introduction to Elliptic Curves and Modular Forms

Springer-Verlag

1993

Iwaniec, H.

Spectral Methods of Automorphic Forms

American Mathematical Society

2002

Shimura, G.

Arithmetic of Quadratic Forms

Springer-Verlag

2010

Gerstein, L.J.

Basic Quadratic Forms

American Mathematical Society

2008

Andrews, G.

The Theory of Partitions

Cambridge University Press

1998

Andrews, G. and Eriksson, K.

Integer Partitions

Cambridge University Press

2004

Lang, S.

Elliptic Functions

Springer-Verlag

1987

Nathanson, M. B.

Additive Number Theory: The Classical Bases

Springer-Verlag

1996

Tao, T. and Vu, V.H.

Additive Combinatorics

Cambridge University Press

2010

Graham, S.W. and Kolesnik, G.

Van der Corput’s Method of Exponential Sums

Cambridge University Press

1991

Korobov, N.M.

Exponential Sums and Their Applications

Springer-Verlag

1992

Gaitsgory, D. and Lurie, J.

Weil’s Conjecture for Function Fields

Princeton University Press

2019

Bernstein, J. and Gelbart, S.

An Introduction to the Langlands Program

Birkhauser

2003

 

 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Monday 11th March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 19th March 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Analytic number theory, number theory in function fields, Riemann zeta-function, L-functions, circle-method, random matrix theory, function fields, sieve methods, automorphic forms, modular forms.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.