Math 104A (Number Theory) - Winter 2021

Professor: CRISTIAN D. POPESCU - Lectures: TTh 9:30-10:50am, online.
Office Hours: TTh 12:00-1:00, online.
Office: AP&M 6256; Phone: 858-534-6297; E-mail: cpopescu@math.ucsd.edu

Teaching Assistants: ZACH HIGGINS - Discussion Sections: W 5:00-5:50pm, online.
Office Hours: TBA, online.
E-mail: zhiggins@ucsd.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

WHAT IS MATH 104A? This is the first course in algebraic number theory for undergraduate students with background in abstract algebra. We will cover most of the material in Chapters 1 - 10 of the textbook.

TEXT Kenneth Ireland and Michael Rosen, A Classical Introduction to Number Theory, Second Edition, Springer 1990.

EXAMS

Midterm 1 - Tuesday, February 2, 9:30am. Topics: Chapters 1, 2.
Midterm 2 - Tuesday, March 2, 9:30am. Topics: TBA
Final Exam - Tuesday, March 16, 8am-11am. Topics: TBA.
No notes, textbooks, calculators are allowed during exams. No make-up exams will be given and no late homework will be accepted. Cheating on an exam results in 0 points for that exam, as well as further disciplinary action. Please read very carefully the following ACADEMIC INTEGRITY GUIDELINES.

GRADING POLICY

Midterms: 20% each; Final Exam: 40%; Homework: 20%. The grading will be done on a curve, the median corresponding to a B-/C+.

CLASSROOM CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

Lecture attendance is mandatory.

Electronic devices: The use of electronic devices (such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, iPods) for non-class-related matters while in class/section is not allowed. No visual or audio recording is allowed in class/section without prior permission of the instructor (whether by camera, cell phone, or other means).

Conversations: Please avoid having private conversations with your classmates during lecture and office hours.

E-mail etiquette: I will not discuss mathematics (e.g. solutions or hints of solutions to HW problems) via email. Office hours and lectures are the best venue for that purpose. However, if you have any type of administrative questions regarding this class, please do not hesitate to send me short and to the point email messages.

IMPORTANT LINKS Schedule and Homework.

GETTING HELP

Help with mathematical problems:

Section: Ask questions in section --- this is one of the main reasons why sections exist.
Office Hours: You are strongly advised to take full advantage of your professor's and ta's office hours.
Classmates: Sometimes a classmate can help. Sometimes you can learn by working out problems together with your classmates.

Help with personal problems which affect your class work:

Talk to the professor or, if appropriate, your college provost.