Prospectus

nl en

Curves over finite fields (BM)

Course
2017-2018

Description

In this course, we study the rational points on curves over finite fields : they are solutions of some polynomial equations and we are particularly interested in their number. We introduce and use various tools to give bounds on the number of such points : algebraic geometry, zeta functions, …

We motivate this study by explaining various applications (to coding theory, to cryptography, to exponential sums, …) and we give many examples. We will also investigate some statistical aspects, such as the average number of points on certain families of curves.

Examination

Homework assignments will count for 50% of the final grade.
The final exam will account for the remaining 50%.

Prerequisites

Algebra 1, 2, 3.

Literature

Handouts of slides, partial lecture notes and research papers will be provided during the course.