Courses / Modules / MATH1001 Number Theory

Number Theory

When you'll study it: Semester 1
CATS points: 15
ECTS points: 7.5
Level: Level 4
Module lead: Nicholas Wright
Academic year: 2025-26

Module overview

The aim of this module is to introduce students to some of the basic ideas of number theory, and to use this as a context in which to discuss the development of mathematics through examples, conjectures, theorems, proofs and applications. The module will introduce and illustrate different methods of proof in the context of elementary number theory, and will apply some basic techniques of number theory to cryptography. One of the pre-requisites for MATH3078

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, problem classes, workshops, private study

Study time
Type	Hours
Lecture	36
Wider reading or practice	10
Completion of assessment task	20
Tutorial	12
Supervised time in studio/workshop	6
Preparation for scheduled sessions	12
Revision	30
Follow-up work	24
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

ROSEN K H (1988). Number Theory and its Applications. Addison-Wesley.

JONES G A & JONES J M (1998). Elementary Number Theory.. Springer.

Assessment

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Written exam	70%
Coursework	30%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Exam	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External