MAT 421/521 Number Theory
Textbook
Prerequisites
MAT 326 Linear Algebra and MAT 340 Discrete Mathematics. It would be helpful if you have taken MAT 423 Modern Algebra although not required.
Topics
I am planning on covering the following topics:
- Elementary Number Theory: Divisibility, Euclidean Algorithm, Congruences
- Cryptography: Basics of Cryptography, Public Key Cryptography
- Primality and Factoring
- Elliptic Curves: Basics of Elliptic Curves, Elliptic Curve Cryptography, Primality and Factoring of Elliptic Curves
Suggested Reading for Further Study
For those who are interested in learning more than what will be taught in this class.
- Neal Koblitz, A Course in Number Theory and Cryptogtraphy, Graduate Texts in Mathematics 114, Springer-Verlag, 1994
Class Meeting Times and Class Room
Office Hours
Grading
Weekly Schedule
I more or less follow the Koblitz's book I mentioned in the Suggested Reading below. But, you are not required to purchase the book or any other book for this class. My lecture notes will be available online and links to my notes will be found in the weekly course schedule below.
Tuesdays/Thursdays 11:00am-12:15pm, FEC 205 (Gulf-park campus) and SH 303 (Hattiesburg campus)
No in-person office hours, instead virtual online office hours on Skype or MS Teams can be arranged by appointment.
There will be three tests (required) each of which counts 1/3 of the total grade 100 and final exam (optional). Final exam is cumulative and its score will replace the lowest test grade if taken and its score is higher than that of the lowest test score.
Click on linked topics to view lecture notes.