Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory

Specialisation of: Mathematics
Degree: Master of Science in Mathematics
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Start date: Flexible, but preferably in September or February
Language of instruction: English
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 66980
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Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory is the research specialisation of the MSc in Mathematics aimed at students who wish to acquire a profound knowledge of one of the areas within pure mathematics. There is a strong theme dealing with algebra and number theory (viz. the international ALGANT study programme), as well as a strong theme dealing with topology and geometry.

Staff

Mathematical Institute

Please find below a short list of staff members of the Leiden Mathematical Institute. More information can be found on the institute’s homepage.

Science Based Business

Staff

Prof. Bas Edixhoven

“I treat my students as PhD candidates.”

“Our classroom is international; at least half our students come from outside Europe with an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. As professor of Arithmetical Geometry, I want to challenge students with tailor-made training: they can agree reading courses with me, separate from the curriculum. We talk about a particular issue in a one-to-one situation.

I treat my students as PhD candidates. Everything which we offer this last category, we also offer these students. For example, they can take part in workshops which are part of the Stieltjes Educational Weeks, organised by the Thomas Stieltjes Institute, in which Leiden University participates. This is one of the two research schools in mathematics in the Netherlands. We also work closely with the other, MRI, and we have a close co-operation with the University of Paris-Sud in Orsay. The latter is, in my field, the most prestigious mathematical institute in the world, which has produced a number of Fields Medals – the equivalent of the Nobel Prize for Mathematics. If they wish, students can study a year in Leiden, then in Orsay, or in Bordeaux or Padua, or vice versa. They are awarded a diploma from both institutes.

One of our professors is a Spinoza prize-winner; and in 2004 I was awarded a Vici grant by NWO. We are an ambitious team which also organises seminars, such as the Intercity Number Theory Seminar at which researchers present their latest findings. We want to prepare our students to participate in this seminar.”