Topics in Number Theory

6 EC

Semester 2, period 4, 5

5334TINT6Y

Owner Master Mathematics
Coordinator Chris Lazda
Part of Master Mathematics, year 1

Course manual 2018/2019

Course content

This course will be an introduction to global class field theory, which is the study of abelian extensions of number fields. (An abelian extension is a Galois extension with abelian Galois group.) The main theorems of class field theory classify all abelian extensions of a given number field K, calculate their Galois groups, and describe the splitting behaviour of prime ideals in such extensions.

Over the rational numbers Q, class field theory is a consequence of the Kronecker-Weber theorem, and we will start the course by exploring various aspects of this result, including connections with classical results in number theory such as quadratic reciprocity, and the representability of primes by quadratic forms. We will then move on to general number fields, using techniques from both analytic number theory and abstract algebra to prove Artin reciprocity, which describes the Galois group of a given abelian extension of number fields in terms of the Artin symbol. Finally, we will discuss the existence of so-called ray class fields, which are generalisations of the cyclotomic extensions of Q and provide a 'sufficient' supply of abelian extensions of a given number field K.

There will also be computer lab sessions involving explicit and computational aspects of algebraic number theory and class field theory.

Students wishing to attend this course will need to have attended the Algebraic Number Theory Mastermath course in the first semester, or to have a good understanding of the contents of this course.

Study materials

Literature

Syllabus

Other

  • Students will need their own laptops to participate in the lab sessions.

Objectives

By the end of the course, the students will understand the statements and proofs of the main theorems of global class field theory. They will be able to compute simple examples, and use the general theory they have learned to solve particular Diophantine problems. They will also be able to use computer algebra packages to make explicit calculations in algebraic number theory.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Computer lab session/practical training
  • Self-study

Classes will involve lectures covering the basic theory, including examples and applications. Students will spend self-study time on problem sheets designed to test and enhance their understanding of the course material. These will then be discussed during class. Familiarity with computer algebra packages will be developed during two computer lab sessions, led by Prof. Dokchitser.

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

 

Hoorcollege

22

 

Computational aspects sessions

8

 

Tentamen

3

 

Self study

135

 

Total

168

(6 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

The programme does not have requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

Additional requirements for this course:

Students should inform the course coordinator of any absence.

Assessment

Item and weight Details

Final grade

60%

Tentamen

Must be ≥ 5

20%

Computational Assignment

20%

Homework

The exam will be a written exam with no calculator or notes allowed. Students are required to obtain a minimum of 5 on the final exam involve pass the course. Any homework assignment handed in more than a week late will receive no marks. The computational assignment will need to be handed in at the final class of the semester (13/5).

Inspection of assessed work

Weekly homework problems will be returned to students and can be discussed in class, after they have been marked. Grades for the computational assignment can be discussed during office hours that will be communicated to the students in class.

Assignments

There will be weekly problem sheets, which the students are expected to complete in their own time, either singly or in groups. These will be discussed at the start of the next class, and one (specified) problem each week will need to be handed in as marked homework, which will count towards the final grade.

After the two computer lab sessions the students will be given an assignment that they are expected to complete by the end of the course, to be handed in at the final class.

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

WeeknummerOnderwerpenStudiestof
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Contact information

Coordinator

  • Chris Lazda