MATH10040 Numbers & Functions
This module is an introduction to the joys and challenges of mathematical reasoning and mathematical problem-solving, organised primarily around the theme of properties of the whole numbers.
It begins with an introduction to some basic notions of mathematics and logic such as sets and functions, proof by contradiction, and different types of proof by induction. This module also introduces injective, surjective and bijective functions, equivalence relations and equivalence classes.
The remainder of the module is devoted to number theory: integers, greatest common divisors, prime numbers, Euclid's algorithm, the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic, congruences, Fermat's Little theorem, Euler's theorem, factorizing, and arithmetic modulo a prime. The module concludes with some applications to cryptography such as the RSA encryption system.
The module will introduce students to the writing of correct and complete mathematical arguments and proofs.
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REVIEWSMODULE INFO
Lecturer changed from Norman Oswald to Gary McGuire, didn’t have the same experience as people listed above with the new lecturer. Material was quite boring I felt and all of the information was delivered through pre recorded videos. Wouldn’t recommend.
The lecturer is the best one I've had in UCD. The topics covered really help with other modules.
If you plan on doing maths in second year you should do this module to get it out of the way.
If you like proofs, yes. If not, probably not. Go to lectures and try and understand what's going on rather than learning it off. past papers questions are very often repeated.
I'd recommend this module as Robert Osburn is the best lecturer I had in 1st year and is always a good laugh in class. An entertaining lecturer makes you want to attend even if you're not fond of the class.
It offers a really good transition between mathematics used in secondary school to that in college. I found it very intriguing and the lecturers and tutors really know their stuff too!
REVIEWSMODULE INFO
Subject: Mathematics
Level: 1
Module Coordinator: Professor Gary McGuire
Trimester: Autumn
Credits: 5
Module Info
Subject: Mathematics
Level: 1
Module Coordinator: Professor Gary McGuire
Trimester: Autumn
Credits: 5